How much do you really know about your mom’s health?
This information is so important and can be incredibly helpful when it comes to disease prevention and treatment."
Lynne Thomas Gordon, a speaker for The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), agreed.
But what are the most important things to learn about your mom’s health?
I went to the experts to find out.
Does your mom have depression or mental illness?
Meredith told me, “Bipolar disorder and depression have been found to run in families.
Has your mom experienced fertility issues?
HealthLabs.com’s Chief Physician,Dr.
This is important to know for fertility issues and knowing your optimal conception timeline.”
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a medical condition that can affect your fertility.
It can also be associated with fertility issues.
PCOS can be genetic, and your mom may have some of the symptoms, including infertility."
Does your mom have any allergies?
In a2012 study, researchers found that not only are allergies genetic, they are also tied to gender.
Does your mom’s family have a history of melanoma?
Melanoma is a key in of skin cancer that unfortunately impacts women at a young age.
Melanoma is treatable as long as you catch it early.
Has your mom ever had breast or ovarian cancer?
Breast and ovarian cancers both have genetic links.
By comparison, the numbers for the general population are 7 percent and 1 percent.
Does your mom have an autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune diseasescan wreak havoc on your health.
This causes symptoms like fatigue, fever, and inflammation.
Dr. Shainhouse told me, “Autoimmune disease is most common in women and often begins after age 20.
Some autoimmune diseases include: thyroid disease, lupus, psoriasis and celiac disease.
Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases are incurable, however, knowing you have one can help you treat your symptoms.
Has your mom experienced any heart problems?
Even if you have normal cholesterol levels, you still may be at risk for heart attacks or strokes.
It is used to help assess heart attack and/or stroke risk in individuals.
Individuals whose parents have had heart attacks should get this test.”
Has your mom been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder affecting women.
It causes your bones to weaken and break more easily.
It’s also been strongly linked with genetics researchers have confirmed at least15 genesas osteoporosis susceptibility genes.
While I don’t share their bone structure or frame, I do not consume many dairy products.
So this was important news for me to contend with.
I was fortunate that my mother and grandmother both shared their bone density data with me."
I asked the experts what they suggested you do to find out more about your mom’s health.
Gordon recommended having a conversation with your mom and then going to the doctor with her.
“Start by asking your mom to describe her health history with you.
You might also ask your mom if you have her permission to accompany her on her next annual checkup.
Meredith added that you and/or your mom may need to take tests to learn more about your health.
Let it motivate you
Learning about your family medical history can feel scary.
But you don’t have to succumb to your fear.
Use this information as a springboard for taking action instead of letting it scare you.
Meredith told me, “This information should be used to motivate you, not cripple you.”
