How Important is Family Health History?

While it’s critical to understand your health history in detail, it is also vital for you to understand your family health history. Not only can this knowledge help you notice and identify warning signs, but your family health history is also an invaluable piece of information for your primary care provider. Make sure you have this information ready when getting primary care services done at our offices.

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The Importance of Family Health History

Family health history is important for several reasons. Both you and your healthcare provider can benefit from this information. Some of the most prominent benefits of understanding your family health history include:

• Provides valuable information about your risk for certain diseases and conditions
• Can help you make lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk
• Help your primary care provider tailor your care to address your unique needs
• Provides early warning signs to keep an eye on for certain diseases

By understanding patterns of disease within families, scientists can develop new ways to prevent and treat illnesses. Family health history is significant for individuals, providers, and researchers alike. It is a powerful tool that can be used to improve our health on many levels.

What Information Should Be Included in Your Family Health History?

Family health history should include information that helps your care provider understand your risks and assist them in providing helpful lifestyle guidance. The type of information that you should include in your family health history includes:

• Chronic illnesses
• The family member who had the condition in question, their relationship to you, and when they were diagnosed
• Inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis (genetic disorders)
• Family members with mental illness

While it may be difficult to talk about some of these things, it is important to provide as much information as possible to your healthcare provider.

Find Expert Primary Care at Center of Advanced Wellness

For all your primary care related needs in San Antonio and Frisco, turn to the trusted experts at Center of Advanced Wellness. We’ll help you assess your family health history and make sure you get the care and guidance you require and deserve. Call us today to schedule your next appointment or consultation.