Chronic disease affects many Americans. There are some contributing factors we can control such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, etc.; however, there are also risk factors we cannot control such as age, gender, and family history. Most people have increased risks for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes because it runs in the family genes. Health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis can also be passed among relatives. Not only do genes play a factor, but lifestyles, behaviors, and environments, which influence the risk for chronic diseases, are often the same or similar among family members.

Thanksgiving Day marks National Family Health History Day. The Surgeon General has declared this day as such because families gather around the holidays and this is a good time to take a few minutes to discuss health issues that may run in the family. Having this discussion makes family members aware of their possible health tendencies and, in turn, take steps toward prevention. Knowing what you may be at higher risk for can help you decide how to work on the contributing factors we can control: nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, and health screenings.

Start by gathering health information about family members closest to you: parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts/uncles. The type of information to record: diseases and/or conditions, ages diseases occurred, and age of death (if applicable). Share this information with your health care provider and other family members. Record family health history information as you receive updates and save for future generations. By letting your health care provider know your family health history, preventative measures can be tailored for your care.

I have a family history of high cholesterol (not based on diet) and breast cancer. Although the risk for acquiring certain conditions and diseases remains in my blood, I use my knowledge to tailor my prevention and lifestyle habits to reduce my risk as much as possible. I make sure to get annual mammograms, eat healthfully most days, and engage in some form of physical activity daily.

While you are giving thanks this Thanksgiving Day, take a quick moment to get to know your relatives’ health history. Recording this information can help secure many more healthy years together! For more information about National Family Health History Day and tools you can utilize, visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/FamilyHealthHistory/ and http://www.hhs.gov/programs/prevention-and-wellness/family-health-history/index.html.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

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Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.