Family Tree - All In The Family Genes

What is in YOUR genes? What disease do you have a greater chance in getting, compared to the person standing next to you? If you take a look at your family's medical history, you may find some answers. Your findings could save your life! So many diseases travel along the genial lines, such as heart disease, diabetes, mental disorders, and seizures to name a few. Of course it is impossible to predict your medical future. However, it is possible to intervene early so that the disease doesn't get the best of you. Here's a scenario: Your mother died from colon cancer at 65 years of age. Your father is a diabetic with high BP (blood pressure) at the age of 70. You are 50 years old with no medical conditions. What is your parents' history telling you? Knowing about your mom and dad's conditions can clue you in on which screenings to get. Now that you are 50, you should begin having colonoscopies. This procedure may provide early intervention for colon cancer. Also, you should get your blood pressure checked at the doctor's office at least once per year or as recommended by your health care provider. Checking your BP every few months on an automated cuff (usually at the pharmacy) wouldn't hurt, either. In addition, you should get a fasting blood glucose level drawn with your yearly blood work since your dad has diabetes. All these tests are rather simple, yet effective. Let's get back to reality - most of our doctors are very busy during office hours and do not have the time to ask you about your entire family history. Be your own health advocate and start the ball rolling! Design a family tree as completely and correctly as possible. Then list the disease or condition under each corresponding person. You want to know WHO (person with the disease), WHAT (which disease), and WHEN (at what age were they diagnosed). You may have to contact some members of your family or your family doctor for this. Don't stop at just your parents or grandparents. You should include your siblings, your aunts and uncles, half-siblings, cousins, and great-grandparents. This process will take some work - but remember - you are not only doing this for yourself, you are doing this for your immediate family and future generations! Once you have your completed medical family tree, take it to your doctor. You and your doctor may be able to see family trends in regards to disease. In addition, a plan of action can be drawn out for future tests and screenings. Early diagnosis + early intervention = Better chance of survival The family genes are here to stay. Do your part to ensure family wellness! http://www.booklocker.com/books/3014.html _________________________________________________ Thanks for reading and remember, "Knowledge is power!" QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS - www.caringinnovations.net All in the Family Genes was prepared on July 3, 2006 References for All in the Family Genes : Black, J. M., Hokanson Hawks, J., & Keene, A. M. (2001). Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical Management for Positive Outcomes (6th ed). W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. Gaff, C. L. (2005). Identifying clients who might benefit from genetic services and Information. Nursing Standard 20(1), 49-53. Wattendorf, D. J. & Hadley, D. W. (2005) Family History: the three-generation Pedigree. American Family Physician 72(3) 441-8, 375-7, 528. Rebecca Walton, RN has been an agency nurse for most of her career. Working at 15 different hospitals, she has had the ultimate experience to gain the most out her profession. Rebecca became inspired to help her patients become more active in their healthcare. She promoted advocacy and empowered her patients to ask questions about why, what, when, where and how in regards to their healthcare. With so many doctors and nurses not having the time to explain "why" to the patient, Rebecca felt that someone needs to step up and demand answers. That someone is the patient. Teaching her patients on a day-to-day basis was not enough for Rebecca. In 2004, she decided to develop a user-friendly guide so that both the patient and the doctor would be well informed. It became HealthNote, a project she is incredibly passionate about. Rebecca is anxiously awaiting the premiere of HealthNote, which is in the process of being published. It is the single most important resource for anyone concerned about their health. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Walton