Family Medical History
Information and Teaching Tools
Compiling and understanding your family medical history is good
for your health. Knowing what kinds of diseases run in your family
makes controlling or preventing them easier. The US Surgeon General
has recently announced his American Family Health Initiative. Below
are some links with more information about how to compile and interpret
this important medical information.
FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY
INFORMATION
Family
History
The Surgeon General's Family History Initiative. Find case studies,
fact sheets, FAQs, presentations and other information relating to
family history.
The
Importance of Gathering Family History
The Family Medical History in Disease Prevention from the American
Medical Association discusses the purpose and value of obtaining family
medical history information.
Genetics
& Your Practice from The March of Dimes
Designed to help physicians incorporate genetics into their practice.
Includes information about genetic testing, family history and available
genetic services.
Pedigree
Drawing Tool from Progeny
(free for educators). Use this tool to draw family history pedigrees.
Suitable for high school and above.
Family
History Case Studies
Includes discussion of relative role of genetics and environment as
well as focus on some of the ethical issues surrounding genetic information.
Your
Disease Risk
Calculate your disease risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis
and stroke. A good tool to discuss the relative role of genes and
environment (health, exercise, smoking, etc.) on health. Suitable
for middle and high school students.
