Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and share gratitude for the year. But did you know it’s also the perfect opportunity to talk about your family’s health? Every Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day, a time to discuss and understand any health conditions that run in our families.
Why is family health history important?
Sharing family health history can help identify patterns of diseases and conditions that may affect future generations. Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or mental health conditions, knowing your family’s health risks allows you to take proactive steps to prevent or manage these concerns. This information is also important for your healthcare providers so they can better guide screenings, tests, and preventive measures.
Here are six ways that knowing your family health history can make a difference:
- Prevention and early detection. Family health history helps identify potential health risks early. For example, if multiple family members have had heart disease, you can start screenings earlier, adopt heart-healthy habits, and collaborate closely with your doctor to monitor your health.
- Personalized healthcare plans. Knowing which conditions run in your family allows healthcare providers to create more accurate care plans. They can tailor advice on lifestyle changes, screenings, and medications based on your specific genetic risks.
- Genetic testing decisions. In some cases, family health history might suggest the need for genetic testing. For instance, if there’s a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic testing can help identify whether you carry certain mutations, leading to more targeted care.
- Behavioral changes. When you know what runs in your family, you’re more likely to adopt healthier behaviors. If diabetes is prevalent, you might choose to improve your diet, increase exercise, and monitor blood sugar levels regularly to reduce your overall risk.
- Mental health awareness. Family health history isn’t limited to physical conditions—mental health matters, too. If depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues are common in your family, being aware can encourage self-care strategies and early intervention.
- Protecting future generations. Understanding your family’s health risks isn’t just about you—it’s about your children and grandchildren, too. By sharing this information with them, you give them the tools to make better health decisions for their futures.
How to start the conversation over Thanksgiving
The best time to talk about family health history is when everyone is together – like Thanksgiving. And it doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable. Try one of these three creative ways to bring it up while sharing the turkey and stuffing:
- Game time. Turn health history into a fun trivia game! Ask questions like, “Who knows which grandparent had high blood pressure?” or “What health conditions run in our family?” This approach makes it lighthearted while still gathering valuable information.
- Time capsule. Suggest creating a “family health time capsule” that everyone can contribute to. Each family member can write down important health details, and you can save the capsule to review at future gatherings. It’s a meaningful way to engage everyone in preserving family health knowledge. Bonus! It sets up future discussions.
- Purposeful cooking. Use Thanksgiving dinner as an opportunity to discuss health while preparing family favorite dishes. Share recipes that align with your family’s health concerns (like diabetes-friendly desserts or low-sodium sides) and explain why these choices are important for long-term well-being.
Understanding your family’s health history is easier with the right tools. My Family Health Portrait is a resource provided by the U.S. Surgeon General which allows you to create a personalized family health history to share. The National Human Genome Research Institute has a variety of worksheets and workbooks for specific diseases to help with sharing information.
National Family Health History Day is a reminder that health isn’t just about one person—it’s about generations. So, this Thanksgiving, add a side of health history to your family meal and take the first step toward a healthier future for everyone at the table.
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Sources: Medicine Plus; AMA; Mass General; CDC
