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When you visit a doctor — whether it’s for a routine exam, prescription medication, or emergency care — you’ll be asked to provide information about your family health history. You likely know some of your family’s health history already, such as diseases your parents have or had. However, delving deeper can be beneficial for you and your children, as it can help your doctors understand the best way to care for you. Here’s what you should know. 

Guide to Family Health History 

Conditions with Genetic Predisposition

Many conditions have a genetic predisposition, including physical and mental illnesses. Knowing your family’s health history can give you a warning if you are at higher risk of developing such conditions. These include many types of cancer, including ovarian and breast cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and depression. Some ethnic groups are more susceptible to certain conditions as well. Those with African heritage, for instance, are at higher risk of sickle cell anemia. 

Information to Include in Your Records 

prescriptionWhen compiling your family history, record information from three generations of biological relatives. This should include details of illnesses and disorders, as well as the age they were at diagnosis. Include the age and cause of death as well, with particular attention to those who died as a result of a disease. As you conduct your research, keep an eye out for family members who were diseased at a young age, as well as family members with the same condition, and those who had a disease uncommon for their sex. Look for combinations of diseases as well, such as diabetes and heart disease, or breast and ovarian cancer.

Benefits of Knowing Your Family Health History

Knowing your family health history gives you a warning as to what conditions you could develop. In many cases, there are measures you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of developing these conditions. For instance, if you know you have the gene associated with breast cancer, your health provider may recommend you get mammograms beginning at a younger age than average. Your doctor may also recommend prescriptions to prevent or manage certain genetic conditions. Adjusting your lifestyle can also prevent issues such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes to which you may be predisposed. 

 

 

If you’re wondering how your family health history could affect you, or if your doctor has recommended prescriptions for prevention or management of current conditions, turn to Pack Pharmacy in Cincinnati, OH. These caring pharmacy professionals provide a range of services to help people receive and manage prescription medications for optimal treatment. Call (513) 871-7770 for a pharmacist consultation or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you. 

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