Explore Your Genes: Create a Family Health History

There are sites where you can research and record your family’s genealogy, such as Ancestors.com. But, did you know there is a site to record family medical history?

You can document your family’s medical history using the U.S. Surgeon General’s “My Family Health Portrait,” a free tool available at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov.

We hope you find this website helpful, but please remember that Sharp HealthCare does not control or endorse the information presented on this website, nor does this site endorse the information found on www.sharp.com.

Does It Run in the Family?
Genetics can contribute to the risk of many common diseases, including:

How to Get Started
A complete family health history should include three generations. Start by making a list of all your relatives. The most important people to include are immediate family: parents, siblings and children. Ask each family member the following questions and, if you like, record the information using the online tool:

  • Age and date of birth
  • Diseases that family members passed away from
  • Other serious illnesses he or she has had, including cancer or stroke
  • Problems with pregnancy or childbirth
  • The age when these conditions occurred
  • Where your ancestors are from
  • Whether anyone in the family has had birth defects or learning disabilities
  • Whether he or she has any chronic conditions, such as heart disease

Share your family health history with your doctor and your child’s doctor. A recent study indicated that three-fourths of doctors would find a computer-generated health history useful in caring for a patient.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's health and wellness services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find health general information, read the General Health News archive.