Family Health History Can Help Save Lives

Ivy Anderson of Chicago has been researching her family tree since 1990 and often shares the information at family reunions. But she hadn't considered tracing her own health history until her pastor encouraged the congregation to participate in the U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative.

The campaign, launched in November 2004 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of knowing your family health history. Since its inception, more than 1 million people have gone online to access free software called My Family Health Portrait to help document their relatives' health history.

"Many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, can run in families," says acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu. "Knowing your family health history can save your life, as well as the lives of those you love."

Thanksgiving 2007 marks the fourth observance of National Family History Day, a time when gathered families have the chance to assemble their health history, which they can share with their physicians.

"It's just more information about the family," says Anderson. "The reality is, we don't talk about family health. Diabetes runs in my family. I'm just being supportive of something I think is a good thing."