Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, reconnecting, sharing food, and celebrating the people we love. But while the holiday centers around tradition, it also offers an opportunity to create a new one: talking about your family’s health history. That is why the U.S. Surgeon General officially declared Thanksgiving National Family Health History Day. For many families, it is the one time of year when several generations sit around the same table. That makes it the perfect moment to start a meaningful conversation that could protect everyone’s future health.
We often think of genetics in terms of eye color, height, or hair texture, yet our health is another powerful piece of the puzzle. Knowing whether certain diseases run in your family can help you understand your own risks and give your healthcare provider valuable insight about your screenings, lifestyle choices, and preventive care. While it may not be as fun as carving the turkey, it is certainly more impactful in the long run.
Many of the most common chronic diseases have hereditary links. Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and high cholesterol often cluster in families. Even mental health conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain allergies can have strong genetic or environmental patterns. When healthcare providers know these patterns, they can make better recommendations about when to start screenings and how often you need them. For example, if your father or sibling had colon cancer before age 50, guidelines recommend you begin colonoscopies earlier than the general population. If your family has a history of early heart disease, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation markers more closely.
Talking about health history is not always easy. Some older relatives may be private about their health, feel uncomfortable discussing difficult diagnoses, or simply not know all the details. Others may not think their experiences are relevant. The key is to approach the conversation gently, respectfully, and with genuine care. A simple question can open the door: “Has anyone in our family ever had early heart disease, diabetes, or cancer?” or “What health issues run on our side of the family?” Most relatives appreciate being asked, especially when they understand that the information can benefit future generations.
Another challenge is accuracy. Memories fade and stories change over time. That is why it is helpful to gather as many details as possible, such as the type of condition, the age of diagnosis, and any circumstances that may be relevant. Even approximate information is far better than none at all. Once you gather what you can, write it down. The Surgeon General’s free online tool, My Family Health Portrait, allows you to store, update, and share your family health information securely. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be printed or emailed to your physician.
National Family Health History Day is also a reminder that health is shaped not only by genetics but also by shared environments and habits. Families often eat similarly, live in similar regions, and experience similar stressors or activity levels. These patterns can contribute to conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The good news is that lifestyle factors are changeable. Even if your genes suggest a higher risk for a certain condition, healthy choices can dramatically reduce that risk. Regular exercise, nutritious food, adequate sleep, stress management, and preventive checkups can help counteract inherited vulnerabilities.
Thanksgiving’s warm, relaxed atmosphere offers the perfect backdrop for these important conversations. You can weave the topic naturally into the day rather than making it feel like a formal interview. Ask a few questions in the kitchen while preparing the meal. Chat with relatives during dessert. Share your own experiences first so others feel comfortable. The goal is not to collect medical records but to understand patterns that could guide your health choices and screenings.
Starting this tradition may also encourage younger generations to take ownership of their health. When children and young adults know what runs in the family, they can make more informed decisions about their choices and checkups. It becomes a gift you pass down, one that empowers them to create healthier futures.
This Thanksgiving, between the laughter, the stories, and the second helpings, take a few minutes to talk about something that truly matters. Your family’s health history is one of the most valuable pieces of information you can share. Understanding it today could save a life tomorrow.
Robin Stoloff is a longtime South Jersey health reporter and host of Living Well with Robin Stoloff, Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on Lite 96.9 WFPG. She shares health updates, interviews, and wellness tips on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and at LivingWellWithRobinStoloff.com.
