Family tree introduction

Tracking our ancestors' health history is a valuable exercise for all of us to undertake so that we are better informed and can understand our family's health as well as our own.

We want to encourage people to generate and update their family history to promote a sense of responsibility and encourage individuals to play a part in their own health care management.

Our Healthcare Heritage tree allows you to input family members and illnesses as well as enabling you to find out more about some of the hereditary conditions from our online directory.

Why should we know about our family's medical history?

An accurate family history is a well-established method to help individuals and healthcare professionals recognise genetic disorders and susceptibilities that may contribute to future health problems.

It remains one of the most powerful ways to identify individuals at risk of hereditary disorders when laboratory tests are not available.

More frequently, the family history will identify families with increased susceptibility to disorders such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

How can knowledge of my family's history improve my health?

Early identification of families with increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers can often improve, delay, or even prevent adverse health outcomes to individual members.

The method of risk assessment for each disease is unique and requires periodic re-evaluation based on changes in health and lifestyle choices, e.g. smoking / not-smoking, exercise, diet etc.

As you identify some of the medical problems your relatives may have faced, you will have the opportunity to learn more about these diseases and conditions that may be hereditary, including potential causes and the role that genetics may play in their development.