For as long as man has had the ability to communicate, family histories have been kept alive, be it through story telling or eventually the written word.  I remember my mother had baby books for me and my sisters that contained not only pictures, but family information as well. It was a tradition in her family to document all aspects of the family history, including illnesses, conditions and cause of death.  Overall, having access to one's history is extremely interesting, however, it is also an important guide to one's own health, present and future.

Doctors and medical researchers are well aware of the roll in which hereditary plays in a persons health. Gene's are passed down from generation through generation.  Some of these traits are obvious, such as a family of red heads or exceptionally tall family members.  My family happens to have an extremely high number of "twins" born into each generation.  These traits are obvious and often times "define" a family; almost like a family crest.  Then there are those traits, that no one wants to pass down or inherit, such as health problems like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to the "twins" trait that my mother's family carries, they also have an usually strong rate of cancers among them. Other families might be prone to diabetes. The important thing is knowing.

The more information your doctor/health care professional has about you and your family history, the better they can guide you.  Obviously, you can't rid yourself of your genes, but you can take steps to prevention.  If your family has a high rate of heart disease, you can focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise, hopefully avoiding the disease or postponing the onset.  Your doctor may even want you to take preventative medicines or early medical tests that they otherwise wouldn't suggest. Prevention is much easier than treating, regardless of the illness.

The internet has made it increasingly easier to research, communicate with and store information.  Many of the people in your family who have this information may not have any written documentation of it all.  They simply go by memory. It is important that someone store it safely, yet make it accessible to all family members.  Even as simple document on a computer can easily be shared via email or printed out for family members to keep.  It can easily be added to as time goes on and just as easily passed on to each generation.  Who knows, a family "health" tree might be more valuable than great grandma's wedding ring and the best part, everyone gets one.

Do you or does anyone in your family keep health records?  Have you found the information helpful?  Do you share information online?  We are always interested in your comments and suggestions.