For immediate release: November 19, 2007 (07-199)

Contacts:
Tabitha Harrison, Genetic Services Consultant 253-395-6744
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Didn’t Aunt Edna have gout? Catch up on family health history at holidays

OLYMPIA ¾ Holidays are traditionally a time for family gatherings. In between chats of births, graduations and upcoming engagements it’s also a good time to gather a family health history.

One of the best predictors for chronic illness or disability is having a family history of the same condition. Learning about your family’s health history will provide valuable clues about the potential health future of you and your children.

“You may be more likely to develop certain health conditions that run in your family because family members share their genes, habits, lifestyles and environments,” said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. “The good news is that you can make more informed screening and lifestyle choices to lower your risk of disease by knowing your family health history.”

In 2004 Thanksgiving was named National Family History Day to inspire families to explore their health history. A tool to record your family’s health history is featured on the U.S. Surgeon General’s Family History Initiative Web site (http://www.hhs.gov/familyhistory).

The tool, “My Family Health Portrait,” allows you to document illnesses that run in your family, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and other medical conditions. Once you’ve completed the form, share it with your physician.

Your family’s health history can help you and your physician make informed choices about health screenings, lifestyle and other prevention efforts. More information on genetic services (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/genetics/default.htm) is on the agency’s Web site.

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