Why Should I Learn My Family’s Medical History?

Science tells us that everyone has their own DNA; no one else is exactly like us. Even our fingerprints are completely unique to us! It may seem like our lifelong health should be our own, too, but that isn’t the case.

Genetics plays a huge role in everything from our eye and hair color to our internal health. But while we tend to think of genetics as external features or personality traits, genetics affects your health in profound ways.

Children of single mothers may only know their mother’s medical history. In many cases, only knowing your mother’s medical history isn’t sufficient to understand your personal genetics. It’s just one piece of the puzzle. Even if you know your mother and father’s medical history, there are still so many genes that can be in your genetic pool.

Why is a medical history important for your health?

A family medical history is a record of health information about a person and his or her close relatives. A complete record includes information from three generations of relatives, including children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins.

Knowing your medical history is important for your health because it gives you a more complete picture of genetic traits, diseases, mental health disorders, or addiction tendencies. Without knowing your family’s medical history, you may not realize your genetic predisposition to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, depression, or alcoholism. Certain lifestyle and environmental choices can worsen these conditions, and you could develop a condition that could have been avoided.

Knowing your family’s medical history allows you to take steps to reduce your risk for certain diseases. Healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent screening for certain cancers (such as mammography or colonoscopy) or starting screening at an earlier age. Physicians may also encourage regular checkups, testing, or lifestyle changes for people with a predisposition for other diseases such as diabetes.

While knowing your family’s medical history is beneficial, it doesn’t guarantee you will develop their conditions. Many environmental and lifestyle choices can trigger disease or prevent it; your physician can help guide you in an individual health plan.

How do I learn my family’s medical history?

The easiest way to get information about family medical history is to talk to relatives about their health. Additionally, ask about their relatives’ health conditions for even more information.

If you don’t know your family tree, a genetic test from DNA Paternity Testing Centers can help you learn about your relatives.  Our genetic tests are fast and accurate, so you can determine your family tree quickly.

With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!