Sharing your medical history with your family might seem an uncomfortable prospect, but it may wind up saving your life as well as theirs.

What Is Your Medical History?
Your medical history includes quite a bit. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services actively encourages investigation into family medical history. Do you know how your great grandparents died or what illnesses they experienced during their lives? Of course, the closer you come to your parents the more relevant the information may become. The family line leads to you, making your own medical history a topic of vested interest to your family. You should include cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, allergies and more when considering your medical history. The American Medical Association suggests creating such a history once you find you are going to have a child, but it is never too late to start one. The facts collected are relevant to your family’s health as well as your own.

Who Should Know?
You should make your children aware of your personal medical history, as well as that of their genetic family line. If diabetes runs in your family, for instance, it may be possible to create a diet plan to delay the onset of the disease. Your children may eventually wind up helping you with your health. The more they know, the better prepared they will be. You and your spouse should also share information on your health risks so that you can work together to stay healthy.

When Is Medical History Useful?
Understanding your health risks is the major benefit of sharing your medical history. The information should help you to create diet and exercise plans that contribute to better health. It will also encourage you to get screenings, based on the medical conditions you may be most at risk for. Emergency medical staffs need to know your medical history to help you safely and more efficiently. Your family members may find they are the ones who have to inform medical technicians on your behalf. If they are prepared, their assistance will be invaluable.

If you are concerned about key factors of your medical history, the team at JFK Medical Center can help. Use our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-616-1927 to find a physician or to make an appointment.

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