Having a Family Reunion This Summer? Create a Family Health History

"Doesn't Jason's new baby look just like Cousin Brian?" "Heather, you laugh just like Aunt Susan." "And Kevin, I see you inherited your dad's freckles!"

Family reunions are the time when we catch up with loved ones, meet new spouses and babies, and spend time together. If your family is like most, an unofficial family historian will take this opportunity to inscribe the latest branches on the family tree, and record the recent happenings of the growing generations.

Family reunions also provide a perfect opportunity to create a document to help keep our loved ones healthier: a family health history.

Certain diseases and conditions can run in families. These include heart disease, stroke, depression, diabetes and certain cancers. If one or more relatives has these conditions, this may put other kin at higher statistical risk. Genes and environment both may come into play: families share not only DNA, but also habits. Even family members added by marriage or adoption are impacted by family lifestyle choices.

At your next family reunion, take the time to talk about health. Compile and share a written health history document. Ask senior family members about their own parents and grandparents' health. We can't change our genes, but knowing which health conditions seem to run in our family can motivate us to reduce our personal risk. A family health history also helps our doctor diagnose and treat diseases—and catch them earlier.

Creating a family health history is a gift your family can give themselves, and is a valuable legacy for future generations.

More Family Reunion Ideas

The Office of the Surgeon General and the National Human Genome Research Institute have partnered to create the online My Family Health Portrait, a tool you and your family can use to create a family healthy history.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers more ideas for making your next family reunion a happy, safe event. It's a great time to talk to older loved ones about healthy aging—and to pass down a legacy of healthy living to younger family members!