Rehashing family history
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When the family comes from far and near for the holidays, the question, ``How are you doing?'' can be more just than a greeting. It can lead to good things about health, because the answers can help to put together a family health history.
The director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Dr. Griffin Rodgers:
"Many serious diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease, as well as being overweight or obese, run in families, and knowing your family's health history is important to help you understand your chances of developing health problems." (13 seconds)
Search online for the My Family Health Portrait Web tool of the Surgeon General.
While genes can't be changed, you can change how you live. For diabetes and kidney problems, a healthy weight is important.
Learn more at hhs.gov.
HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.