Your Family Tree of Health: How (and Why) to Compile Your Family Medical History
June 23, 2025Categories: Healthy Living
You may know who in your family has your smile or your sense of humor, but what about their health history?
Understanding your family’s medical past can be one of the most powerful tools for protecting your future. When you share that history with your primary care provider, it helps them create a more personalized, proactive plan for your health.
Here’s how to gather this information, what to look for, and why it matters more than you might think.
Why Family Medical History Matters
Many health conditions tend to run in families, not just because of genetics, but because of shared environments, habits, and lifestyles. A complete family medical history can help your provider:
- Identify your risk for certain diseases early
- Recommend earlier or more frequent screenings
- Suggest preventive measures based on your unique background
- Spot patterns that may not be obvious from symptoms alone
- Offer genetic counseling or referrals when appropriate
Even if you feel perfectly healthy, this information helps build a strong foundation for lifelong care.
Have You Spoken to a Primary Care Provider about your Family Health History?
What If You Don’t Know Much? That’s Okay!
Not everyone has access to complete family information, and that’s okay. Just bring what you can. Even limited details, like “my mother had diabetes in her 40s,” can be helpful.
Your provider will never judge; they’re here to help you build the best health plan possible, starting from where you are.
How to Start Gathering Your Family’s Health History
You don’t need to be a geneticist to get started. Think of this as a conversation, not a science project.
Start with these close relatives: Parents, Siblings, Children, Grandparents, Aunts and uncles. If possible, include both maternal and paternal sides of the family.
Ask about:
- Major chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.)
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy)
- Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease)
- Age at diagnosis
- Cause and age of death (if applicable)
How to Organize the Information
You don’t need a fancy tool, though they exist! A simple document, spreadsheet, or even handwritten notes can work. Just make sure it’s easy to update and share.
Include:
- Name or relationship to you (e.g., maternal grandmother)
- Known health conditions
- Age at diagnosis or age of death
- Lifestyle notes if relevant (e.g., smoking history, diet, exercise)
Bonus tip: The U.S. Surgeon General’s online tool “My Family Health Portrait” is a free and secure way to organize this information digitally.
Did you know you can message your Family Health History directly to your Doctor in MyChart?
How Your Primary Care Provider Uses This Information
When your provider understands your family’s health landscape, they can better:
- Customize your screening schedule (e.g., earlier colonoscopies or mammograms)
- Recommend lifestyle changes targeted to your risks
- Provide genetic testing or specialist referrals if needed
- Monitor for early signs of hereditary conditions
Your PCP can also help you better understand what aspects of your family history are most relevant, and keep this information updated in your records.
Schedule a Meeting with your Primary Care Provider to discuss your Family Health History Today!
