+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ YOUR FAMILY HEALTH TREE What's Your Relative Health Risk? +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ A JewishGen InfoFile What's Your Relative Health Risk? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the past few years there has been an increased awareness of genetic diseases, and research on the subject is also increasing. Jewish genealogists can join forces with research scientists, who may benefit from historical information about Jewish families. Of some 5000 known genetic diseases, only about 10 turn up more frequently among Jews of various origins than in other populations. In addition to specific genetic diseases (if you inherit the gene, you generally develop the disease), the complex interaction of your genetic makeup can increase your risk of certain diseases. (For many lucky people, family traits-- a history of low cholesterol, for example-- may also help protect them from certain diseases.) Some cancers (breast, smoking-induced lung, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, several childhood cancers), heart disease and diabetes are among the diseases people may inherit a susceptibility to. Heredity can also be a factor in arthritis, allergies and asthma, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis among other disorders. Research is ongoing into genetic links to behavioral and emotional problems, including schizophrenia, alcoholism and depression. Fortunately, an increasing number of blood tests make it possible to identify hereditary disease carriers or those at risk to develop such diseases before symptoms develop, when early treatment can make a significant difference. Tests can also help prospective parents identify their relative risk of passing along an unwanted genetic trait. With recognition of such predisposition, people can take steps to control and decrease their risk factors-- carefully monitoring their health through regular checkups and screenings, avoiding high-risk lifestyle (smoking, high-fat diet, inactivity) and being aware of symptoms at an early, possibly treatable, stage. Every family's best defense against a hereditary disease are the clues found in a comprehensive family history. Developing a family health tree can be one of the most important legacies you pass along to future generations. Illnesses and surgeries yield valuable information. The age when those occurred is particularly valuable. To the basic genealogy data, be sure to add `Disease and age of onset' and `Cause of death'. Medical records will be your most reliable source. Collect copies from all your first- or second-degree relatives. If they don't have them, ask them to sign a consent form so you can get them from their doctor. In the cases of deceased relatives, contact the physicians or hospitals that treated them. You may need a copy of the death certificate or written consent from the next of kin. Remember to record lifestyle or occupational factors-- smoking, high fat diet, working with asbestos or chemicals. These factors often are the major contributors to health problems, rather than genetic factors. When you're finished charting your family's health tree, look for any patterns that could be significant-- diseases that started early; risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes); early deaths from noninfectious diseases (breast cancer, heart attacks before age 55); several members from the same side affected by the same disease. When you go for your regular medical checkup, bring along your family health tree to discuss with your doctor. Your doctor can help you modify your lifestyle or make any necessary changes to lessen any potential family risks. Or your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor, who can further assess any family tree risks to you and future generations. When you update your family health tree, don't forget to share the new information with family members. A family can learn much about its medical future simply by examining its past. Those who never learn about their family health history may be condemned to repeat it. Resources: Jewish Genetic Disorders: A Layman's Guide By Ernest L. Abel / Hardcover / McFarland & Company, Incorporated, Publishers / August 2001 Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Disease Screening Program Albert Einstein Medical Center, NYC 1-800-Einstein Medical Family Tree This Mayo Clinic site will instruct you on why and how you can prepare a medical history of your family complete with a downloadable form. The site includes a link to free computer software by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is available to help you build your medical family tree. http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=385FC65E-F961-49BA-99B799A3A0DAF885&si=2678 or http://tinyurl.com/3rjy4 ------------ Last update 29 Nov 2004 bik. Source: Information edited from published sources. Provider: Bernard Kouchel +----------------------------------------------------------------------+