Why the holidays are a perfect time to talk about your family health history

Knowing your family health history can be an important tool in creating a better lifestyle.

Your health history can help you understand your risk for certain conditions and take steps toward prevention.

The holidays are a perfect time for families to share, learn, and record important information that could benefit everyone's health. Here's what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones have an honest, healthy discussion.

Why knowing your family health history matters

Knowing your family health history gives you and your healthcare provider insight into potential risks for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that having a family member with a chronic condition increases your chances of developing that condition as well.

Notably, Thanksgiving is recognized as National Family Health History Day, making it a natural time to reflect on your family’s health journey. It’s a great time to share important health information with future generations.

What to include in your family history

Compiling a complete family health history should include discussion about diseases, diagnoses, as well as shared habits and environmental factors. When talking with loved ones, consider discussing:

• Common medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease
• Shared patterns in diet, exercise, or weight management
• Family behaviors around smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• Environmental similarities, like living in areas with shared exposure risks
• Mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or other conditions that may run in families

Families can also use free tools, such as the U.S. Surgeon General’s My Family Health Portrait, to collect and organize this information. This online resource helps you record your family’s health history and share it easily with your healthcare provider.

How to start your family health history conversation

Health and well-being can be a sensitive, seldom-discussed topic for many families. Encouraging care and openness with your family can lead to greater understanding for all.

The CDC recommends starting small: consider sharing your own recent experiences or test results. Here are a few ways to begin:

• If you've been diagnosed with a new condition, share it with relatives. Your openness might encourage others to share their own experiences.
• If you’ve had genetic test results or screenings, sharing those results could be relevant to your family’s health.
• Older members of the family can share knowledge of health conditions and challenges that their parents or grandparents experienced.

It's always a good idea to include mental wellness in the discussion. Talking openly about depression, anxiety, or stress helps remove stigma and builds understanding. You may find that your relatives also want to share their experiences, but have been hesitant to do so.

Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross, says awareness is key to prevention.

"When it comes to your health, knowledge is power," he said. "Knowing your family's health history - and sharing that history with your family doctor - can be a powerful tool in preventing or minimizing chronic health issues."

Turning family discussions into action

Once your family health history is collected and organized, bring it to your next doctor's appointment. Your provider can help you interpret the information and develop a personalized plan for screenings, preventive care, and other adjustments.

Small changes can make a big difference!

At Capital Blue Cross, we encourage members to use the holiday season to start these conversations. Sharing your family health history is the perfect way to strengthen your family relationships and long-term wellness.