Your Health History

Not long ago I was at my doctor’s office for a routine check up and I had to fill out an extensive pile of paperwork. I have to admit I was a bit peeved as I detest filling out forms. When I saw my doctor I asked him why this paper mill procedure was necessary. He admitted that a lot of people were grousing, but said that the requirement was established for a very good reason – he reminded me that every time he sees a patient, even one he’s seen many times before, it is likely that the state of their health has somehow changed. One form asked about my family history of heart disease, diabetes, and so on. I have to admit that I barely filled any of it out, both out of annoyance and pure ignorance. I truly had no idea about most of my immediate family’s health history. I know romantic stories about my grandparents, such as my grandfather dying of a “broken heart’ after my grandmother passed away. Was this a real ailment? Does this mean he had a bad heart? If so, was it ongestive heart failure, caused from high blood pressure? What caused his heart to “break” – was it grief or a pre-existing condition? My doctor was telling me this for my sake and for the health of everyone I know and love! What the heck is the health history in our families, and how do we get all of that information, with accuracy, specially if most of them are deceased? You may not know all of it, but I suggest getting the best possible answers now.
Family History:
Health can be a very private matter, be sure to always use care and respect when inquiring after your loved one’s wellness issues. If you run into sensitive areas of questioning, often times other relatives can be of assistance in providing answers.

Use the simple form below to ask your family members about their health. Include the following people: parents, grandparents,
siblings, aunts, uncles – be sure to indicate paternal or maternal and the approximate age of diagnosis.
Remember that as much as you love your step-relatives, their health history is not relevant in terms of genetic predisposition
for disease such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Keep this document in your medical files and be sure to give one to each of your medical providers. This chart will provide you with information about the health of your family tree, and inform your doctors. The more knowledge you have, the more you can do to optimize your own health.*
*I gathered this list of diseases and disorders from going to different specialists around town, as well as by surfing the web. I know there is even more in depth research into each area (believe me, I could have detailed every single thing that can go wrong with your heart, but I thought I would keep it simple for you.) For example, here is an insurance website which provides a comprehensive list (31 pages) of diseases/disorders that you can use to research your family members if you choose:
http://tinyurl.com/qr4vt
CONDITION(S) RELATIVE(S) AFFECTED
Alcohol/drug use
Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Bladder disease
Bleeding disorder
Blood clot in leg or lung
Cancer
Depression
Diabetes type 1
Diabetes type 2
Eating disorders
Genetic disease
Glaucoma
Gout
Gynecologic problems
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Hypertension
Intestinal disorder
Kidney disease
Low white blood cell counts
Mental illness
Migraine headaches
Neurological disorder
Obesity
Premature death
Prostate health
Stroke
Suicide attempt
Thyroid disease
Other