The holidays often bring families together for laughter, recipes and traditions. But they also offer something else of lasting value: a chance to talk about your family’s health history. It might not sound like typical dinner-table conversation, but your next holiday gathering could be the perfect time to start learning about the health information that could protect you and your loved ones, now and in the future.
“We are products of our families and our environments, and both have an influence on our health,” says Atlantic Health primary care physician Jonathan Okun, MD. “Many diseases have hereditary components—from heart disease and diabetes to sickle cell disease and certain cancers. Even if a disease isn’t directly caused by a gene, you can inherit a predisposition that puts you at higher risk.”
Why It Matters
A detailed family health history provides your healthcare providers with valuable insight into your potential risks—helping them identify red flags, order the right screenings and sometimes prevent disease altogether.
“As one example, a woman in her 40s came to an urgent care facility with what seemed like heartburn,” he recalls. “When I asked if anyone in her family had heart disease, she mentioned that her younger brother had a heart attack in his 30s. That detail changed everything—we sent her to the ER, and it turned out she was having a heart attack.”
Who and What to Ask About
Start by going back at least two generations—your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and first cousins.
You don’t have to know every detail, but focus on what Dr. Okun calls the “big three:”
- Heart disease (especially if it occurred early—before age 55 in men or age 65 in women)
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Also ask about conditions like dementia, osteoporosis or kidney disease that appeared earlier than expected, and whether anyone had complications during surgery or reactions to anesthesia.
“Those details can be critical for preoperative planning or preventive care,” says Dr. Okun.
How to Bring It Up
Let’s face it, asking your relatives about their medical history can feel awkward. But the holidays can actually make it easier.
“You don’t have to talk about it over dinner,” says Dr. Okun. “You can simply say, ‘I’d like to give you a call next week to talk about our family health history. My doctor suggested it.’”
What to Do with the Information
Write down what you learn and share it with your primary care provider, even if your doctor hasn’t specifically asked. It’s essential for patients to be proactive and ensure that accurate information is entered into their records.
“You don’t need genetic testing or an ancestry kit to start,” says Dr. Okun. “Just a few phone calls and conversations can give you a wealth of information.”
Your family’s stories can be powerful—especially the ones about their health. This holiday season, give yourself and your loved ones a gift that could truly last a lifetime: the knowledge of your family’s medical history.
Find A Physician
Get started on the path to good health. To find a doctor that’s right for you, visit Physician Finder.
