The Tree of Life
Your family medical history identifies health risks so you can
take early action
YOUR BEAUTIFUL EYES? From Grandma, for sure! And
that talent for storytelling? Obviously from your father. But what
about your risk for breast cancer or heart disease?
A propensity for these diseases-along with conditions such as
stroke, diabetes, high
blood pressure and asthma-also can be inherited. So what can
you do to improve
blood circulation? "A multigenerational medical history helps
your physician spot family patterns, anticipate your health risks
and be preventive instead of solely reactive," says David A.
Ellington, M.D., American Academy of Family Physicians board
member.
Watch for Trends
To assess health risks, search your family medical history for
recurring diagnoses, especially those at early ages. For example,
if one or more women in your family were diagnosed with breast
cancer before 60, the average patient age, Dr. Ellington says that
raises a red flag. "It triggers screening investigations at an
earlier age, and possibly more often, than the general population,"
he explains.
Similarly, if several relatives were diagnosed with colon cancer
before 50, the recommended age for a first-time colonoscopy, you
may want to begin colon screenings sooner.
Choose Wisely
While it's impossible to choose your genes, you can make healthy
choices that reduce your risk for certain potentially inherited
diseases. Dr. Ellington explains: "If there's a family pattern of
type 2 diabetes, early on your physician will stress lifestyle
issues that help prevent the disease, such as maintaining your
weight, exercising and not smoking. That puts you in control of
your health-and your life."
Investigate Your Ancestors
Your family health history cast of characters begins with
parents and siblings, or first-degree relatives, and then branches
off to second-degree relatives, including grandparents, aunts,
uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. For each person, document
diagnosed diseases, the age when first diagnosed and, if pertinent,
your relative's age and cause of death. Because some medical
conditions have possible ethnic links, include race and country of
birth. Note lifestyle factors, too, since smoking, alcoholism,
obesity and environment often can influence disease onset as much
as genetic predisposition.
-By Donna Shyrer