Importance of Family History During the Holidays
November 27, 2013; Posted by: webleed staff
Acting Surgeon General talks family health history in light of 10th anniversary of Family Health History Day.
The United States Surgeon General’s office is hoping food isn’t the only thing families will be sharing this Thanksgiving. The 10th Anniversary of Family Health History Day is tomorrow which coincidentally falls on Thanksgiving.
Knowing your family medical health history is important. For those in the bleeding disorders community, it is always a talking point due to the genetics of each disorder. Using bleeding disorders like hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease (vWD), these disorders can be passed down from generation to generation. With any aging person, they are just as likely to develop medical problems as time goes on as well.
To be open about your family history can always be a positive when determining the health of your family for the future. “All families are different in sharing information,” says Dr. Terry Weston, vice president of physician services MedCentral Health System in Mansfield. “Some things might be sensitive, confidential or private. The dynamics of the family end up mattering.”
Remember that there are are many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving – including your health and the ongoing health of your family.
Photo Credit – Norman Rockwell
