Kansas Kids Kin Konnections
Family Health History Day

In 2004 the US Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona, declared Thanksgiving Day as Family Health History Day and suggested that while visiting with family members a discussion be held that would lead to family members learning more about their family history.

Family history is one of America's favorite and most enriching hobbies. More than sixty percent of Americans are interested in their family history and it's a powerful way to connect with your roots while preserving your own family's memories for future generations. By making October National Family History Month, it helps millions of Americans discover, preserve and celebrate their heritage, both now and for generations to come. Now, with the declaration of Thanksgiving Day as Family Health History Day researchers are becoming more aware of the need to add that to their quest for family information.

Although doctors are trained to ask questions about family medical history, sometimes patients aren't prepared with the answers. The Surgeon General's goal is to have everyone compile potentially life-saving information, so that it's there when your family needs it. Health care professionals have known for a long time that common diseases - heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - and even rare diseases - like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia - can run in families. If one generation of a family has high blood pressure, it is not unusual for the next generation to have similarly high blood pressure. Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk and take action to keep you and your family healthy.

The Utah Department of Health has suggestions for activities you could do on Family Health History Day.