PANORAMA CITY – This Thanksgiving, Kaiser Permanente is encouraging families to do something that could save lives: Talk about your family health history as that could save lives!
November 27, which is Thanksgiving Day, marks National Family Health History Day, a reminder that knowing your family’s medical background is one of the most powerful tools for preventing disease.
“Knowing your family’s medical background helps you and your doctor spot patterns such as heart disease, diabetes or certain cancers so you can take steps to prevent them,” said Blaire Brown Gonzalez, a certified and licensed genetic counselor at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City. “Your family’s health history is one of the most important tools for understanding your own health risks.”
Why It Matters
Family health history is not just a list of conditions; it’s a roadmap for your future. Kaiser Permanente physicians emphasize that understanding these patterns can guide decisions about screenings, lifestyle changes and preventive care.
“When you know what runs in your family, we can personalize your care,” says Brown Gonzalez. “Whether that means earlier screenings or lifestyle recommendations to reduce risk.”
How to Start the Conversation
Talking about health at the Thanksgiving dinner table can feel awkward, but Kaiser Permanente suggests keeping it simple and positive:
- Pick a relaxed moment: Select a time that best suits your family. After dessert or during a quiet one-on-one chat.
- Explain why it matters: Say something like, “I want to make sure we all stay healthy. Knowing our family history can help.”
- Ask open-ended questions: “Has anyone in our family had heart issues?” or “Do you remember if anyone had diabetes?”
“These conversations do not have to be formal,” noted Brown Gonzalez. “A simple chat can uncover important details that help everyone in the family.”
Resources for Families
Kaiser Permanente offers free tools to make this conversation easier:
- Family Medical History Chart: You can download it from the Kaiser Permanente Health Encyclopedia.
- Guidance on building a family health tree: Learn what details to include and how to share them with your doctor.
- Bring it to your care team: Sharing this information helps doctors tailor preventive care.
“Your family’s health story is one of the most valuable things you can bring to your doctor’s visit,” Brown Gonzalez noted.
This Thanksgiving, give your loved ones the gift of knowledge. For more tips and resources, visit the Kaiser Permanente’s Family Health History page.