HHS HealthBeat (November 27, 2008)

A Thanksgiving history

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

``How’ve you been doing?’’

It’s a good question as the family gets together for Thanksgiving. And you can get an even better answer if part of the question is about everybody’s health.

Acting Surgeon General Steven Galson says you can create a family health history – or update the history if you already have one. The knowledge can help the family – and doctors – spot possible hereditary conditions.

``The important thing is to talk to your relatives about their family health history, so we want to emphasize in this holiday period, it’s important to have this discussion.’’  (11 seconds)

Galson offers a Web tool to help you ask the right questions and write down the answers.

He also says you can update the site later – and folks who aren’t at the table can send in health information.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: November, 26 2008