In today’s Giving Tuesday post, sharing family medical history is invaluable information to pass among the generations.
I have a confession to make: I am a cold person. From the frigid, gloomy days of February through the sultry, hot days of August, you most likely can find me with a sweater nearby, especially if I am in an air-conditioned building. More warm-blooded people may ask me, “How can you be so cold?”, and I shrug my shoulders and mention it could be a thyroid condition due to a genetic predisposition on my paternal side of the family. Unfortunately, I lost access to that medical history when my father passed away unexpectedly at 60. Here is what I know- both my father and grandmother were prescribed medications for various thyroid issues but I never asked or remembered the exact diagnosis or medication.
Family history of illness can be one of the strongest influences on risk of developing serious illness, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and, for me, a potential thyroid disorder. If I could go back in time, I would have sat down with my father, discussed various family medical conditions of his side of the family, learned the age onset of those disorders, and what treatments were used. Finally, I would have created a written family medical history for my use and the future use of my children. Instead, I live in uncertainty.
Do you and your family have a written family medical history? If so, feel free to share any details!
