health.utah.gov/ genomics 10 Questions to Ask Your Family 1 | What traits seem to run in our family? Created with Sketch. Ask About Functional Status On the other hand, when a client has a specific, acute problem, a narrowly focused history may be required. And even if you talk it over in advance, you might not be able to predict all the doctor’s questions prior to the visit. How are/were they treated? Last medically reviewed on November 21, 2016 You will want to ask these primary questions regarding the patients family history: 15. For example: e.g. Ask all military service members and all Veterans. Why You Need to Know Your Family's Mental Health History Ask the tough questions, for your health. Can nuclear medicine tests be helpful for paraganglioma? But you might also want to talk to your grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, half-brothers and half-sisters, and cousins. Try to work these into your next genealogy interview: Are there any unusual traits? Pediatric Corner: Ask the right questions about asthma drugs. Genetic testing can also help determine certain conditions. Do you or did anyone in our family have any long-term health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, bleeding disorder, or lung disease? A detailed health history would include multiple systems of the body, however, we will be focusing on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The doctor needs ALL the information about what happened before, during, and after your seizures. For example, genetic specialists estimate that between three and ten in every 100 cancers (3 to 10%) diagnosed are linked to an inherited faulty gene1. Institute, American Association for Cancer Research, European Society of Human Telling what happened The medical history is the foundation of the diagnosis of epilepsy. Knowing your extended family history can provide important clues for your ongoing health. I understand that these questions are very personal, but they are important for your overall health. At this stage you may have an idea of the cause. Nuffield Health's Pathology Direct service provides high-quality, affordable genetic testing for hereditary conditions including cancer and high cholesterol. First ask them an open question, then ask about specific symptoms that may also arise from the systems most associated with the presenting complaint. Inserts Insert 1: 10 Questions to Ask Your Family Insert 2: Questions and Answers Insert 3: Genealogy Resources Insert 4: When to See a Genetic Counselor Insert 5: Fun Ideas Questions may include: Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. Learn more about diagnostic procedures from our experts. Sometimes, an older patient will seek medical care because of family members' or caregivers' concerns. Name . Gastroenterology, JAMA Oncology, Science, Journal of the National Cancer Health and Medication History Susan L. Lakey, PharmD Pharmacy 440 March 28, 2006 "It is more important to know what sort of patient has the disease than to know what sort of disease has the patient." Are their medical conditions under control? Testing is quick and pain free, requiring just a saliva sample. (Many of these problems are explained more fully in other parts of this book. Does anyone in your family (who is living) have heart disease or any other cardiovascular issues? Hispanic mother and daughter drinking coffee together. Knowing the family structure will help you to know what support may be available from family members, if needed. Depression should be screened for in at-risk individuals (e.g. You could also ask questions about other relatives, such as: What countries did our relatives come from? Health History . 17. Genetics, Familial Cancer, Clinical Genetics. Note that sudden cardiac deaths often masquerade as drownings or accidents and may not have previously been attributed to a cardiac cause. By asking the right, open-ended questions, you’re sure to collect a wealth of family tales. 1 / 10. The questions that you ask the patient, as well as the technique used, will enable you to learn exactly how, when, and why a patient takes each medication ... hensive health history and to provide an overview of the skills and techniques required when communicating with the patient. Assessing your risk of inherited medical conditions is complicated and exploring your family history can make for daunting research. Oat, Almond or Cow? Use FICA questions to incorporate a person’s spiritual values into the health history. and "How stressed do you feel after work?" However, these particular conditions are very much treatable and you certainly can do something about them to lower your risk. Genetics, Familial Cancer, Clinical Genetics. To take a medical history, your healthcare providers simply talk to you. You may want to ask specific targeted questions to identify further Questionnaire . When the patient answers: 'Pork pies', you are on firmer ground in suspecting that this may be chest pain of gastrointestinal origin. “I ask about the patient’s mother’s pregnancies, if she had problems or if she had any babies with congenital malformations,” says Laura Riley, MD, ob-gyn and medical director of Labor and Delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Health History and Interview The purpose of collecting an entailed health history is to paint a picture of how the patient views themselves, as well as how the nurse observes them. View our privacy policy. Talking to Your Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis, When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may feel like you’re all alone—but you’re not. August 1, 2015. Menu Close menu. So, what are good health questions to ask your family? Sudden death is usually due to an acute cardiovascular event, such as myocardial infarction, cardiac dysrhythmia, or stroke. Employers can ask an applicant questions about job-related capabilities and ability to perform specific tasks. 6 Medical History Questions You Should Ask Family If your uncle died as a result of a heart attack, or your grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, pay close attention. 2.4 Health History The purpose of obtaining a health history is to gather subjective data from the patient and/or the patient’s family so that the health care team and the patient can collaboratively create a plan that will promote health, address acute health problems, and minimize chronic health conditions. As well as a gene fault, many other factors need to be in place for the condition to develop. Inserts Insert 1: 10 Questions to Ask Your Family Insert 2: Questions and Answers Insert 3: Genealogy Resources Insert 4: When to See a Genetic Counselor Insert 5: Fun Ideas 'I ask all new young people I see about their use of alcohol, tobacco, recreational drug use and overthe- counter medication.' Questions may include: What symptoms do you have? We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Questions to ask. Subjective data or information the patient tells the nurse about them can be a baseline for the nurse’s knowledge. Sexual History DIALOGUE WITH PATIENT > I am going to ask you a few questions about your sexual health and sexual practices. Please consult a medical professional about your health condition. How does diabetes affect other illnesses? Asking questions is the first step to building a family health history. Then they'll ask you more specifically about your current symptoms, family history, and lifestyle. If there’s something you are looking for which doesn’t fall in to the health topics listed here, use the navigation above. Source: National Cancer Institute, It's most important to talk to your parents, brothers and sisters. Ask who they go to for support with a personal problem. How are/were they treated? Then they'll ask you more specifically about your current symptoms, family history, and lifestyle. The risk is potential embarrassment if confidential details are inappropriately distributed. Do you have several relatives who suffered from issues at a young age? Asking questions is the first step to building a family health history. Knowing and acting on your family health history is an important way to protect your health. If so, it can be useful to ask: How old were they when these medical conditions were diagnosed? Also talk to your doctor if you need more help figuring out how to uncover your health history or what questions you should ask. (You don’t have to ask only about health – start with anything from your family’s blue eyes or curly hair to your height and personality – just get your family talking.) Health history questionnaires may also include questions regarding a respondent’s family medical history, meaning history of alcohol or substance use and abuse, hereditary diseases (diseases that run in the family) or diseases that may have caused hospitalization or death of any family member, and family traditions or culture which may have affected the patient’s overall present health status. The information will give me an idea of how I might best provide you with what you want.' Ask questions like: How old are you? You will also want to review Ms. Jones' systems, psychosocial history, and family medical history. Knowing and acting on your family health history is an important way to protect your health. Who was hospitalized, for what and how long? Usually they'll start by reviewing your medical chart and any previous health problems with you. Are their medical conditions under control? Sexual History DIALOGUE WITH PATIENT > I am going to ask you a few questions about your sexual health and sexual practices. Genetic testing can check whether you're carrying a genetic mutation that causes a medical condition or disorder. NICE guidelines recommend the questions below to briefly screen for depression. In these questionnaires, the past medical and surgical history is also mentioned along with a history of allergies and medication. pages. Questions in a pregnancy health history. That said, knowledge about your family history can be helpful. Please fill in all . six . The sudden death of a family member is an important question to ask in the health history because it reveals the cardiovascular disease risk of the patient. Home Health A-Z Live Well Care and support How old were they when these medical conditions were diagnosed? Try to work these into your next genealogy interview: Are there any unusual traits? It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Created with Sketch. By Lindsey Barton Straus, JD. Other health care professionals such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners have similar but somewhat limited training. Pre-test consultation and post-test counselling, where necessary, are provided by an extensive network of clinical geneticists. No Comments Reprints Share Related Articles. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Should I Go Gluten-Free? The Health History and Interview The purpose of collecting an entailed health history is to paint a picture of how the patient views themselves, as well as how the nurse observes them. Usually they'll start by reviewing your medical chart and any previous health problems with you. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. Was anyone extremely obese or thin? Only information is exchanged. Who was hospitalized, for what and how long? Slideshow: 10 Top Health Questions Answered. Do you have any discomfort? To really get to know someone new, move past the small talk and ask these 200 questions instead. Answers to Common Health Questions ... if you have a strong family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or any of the major modifiable risk factors for stroke, you may also be at higher risk because of this. A health history is best obtained by a physician who has the training to appreciate nuances and details that may be overlooked by those with less training. Medical conditions caused by inherited faulty genes are much less common than medical conditions caused by other factors, such as exposure to tobacco smoke, radiation, ultraviolet radiation from the sun and some substances in food and chemicals in our environment. Find out what questions you should be asking when it comes to your family health history. Who suffered from major diseases? It is unbiased, encouraging the person to respond any way in paragraphs and to give a spontaneous account in any order chosen while also allowing the person to express himself or herself fully. Menu Close menu. They influence many traits, from eye and hair colour to your risk of developing certain medical conditions. Only if you have celiac disease, when gluten (a protein in grains) damages your small intestine. Your doctor can use it to develop a more complete picture of your health and your risk factors for disease. Did our late relatives have health problems? Risks There are virtually no risks associated with obtaining a health history. Email address * Subject * Question or comment * CAPTCHA . Occasionally, a useful piece of information or data may be overlooked. Detailed individual case histories aren’t necessary but looking for trends amongst relatives can be helpful. Many people believe in a relationship between spirituality and health, and they may wish to have spiritual matters addressed in the traditional health care setting. To reduce your risk of developing cancer or other genetically inherited medical conditions, genetic counsellors may suggest screening, monitoring or treatment. Diana Shadow: A health history requires you to ask questions related to Ms. Jones' past and present health, from her current foot wound to her pre-existing conditions. Screening for depression. A complete family history also includes understanding what factors in your environment could impact your health. 16. The highest standards of clinical care in state-of-the-art facilities, with Consultant-led treatment, spotlessly clean rooms, and a team of dedicated and experienced nurses. Created with Sketch. However, once you're on a health plan, they can ask you questions … What countries did our relatives come from? How Are You Applying Your Down's Syndrome Research to Alzehimer's Disease? Family Health History Toolkit This toolkit will help you 1) talk about your family health history, 2) write it down, and 3) share it with your doctor and family members. It is long because it is comprehensive. What other symptoms happen when you feel discomfort? Where do you live? Questions include, "What is your current career?" about what questions we should be asking about our family health history—and the sooner we ask, the better. In this blog, you will read the 15 must-have questions in your health history … Without these, it’s possible for the medical condition to skip generations. We talked to Dr. Jennifer Wider, M.D. You may want to ask specific targeted questions to identify further First ask them an open question, then ask about specific symptoms that may also arise from the systems most associated with the presenting complaint. The family history not only indicates the patient's likelihood of developing some diseases but also provides information on the health of relatives who care for the patient or who might do so in the future. Questions to include. Every day, scientists are undertaking groundbreaking research into genetics and cancer, and screening facilities are always progressing. 1 Source: National Cancer Institute, We As such, unless you are absolutely sure of the answer it is best to say that you will ask your seniors about this or that you will go away and get them more information (e.g. Most questionnaires ask basic background questions that evaluate your history of mental and physical health and your current life situation. Use our list of health topics to reach your destination faster. Before speaking to your doctor, it can be useful to talk to relatives about their health. Did anyone have reconstructive surgery? What were the issues and when were they diagnosed. > Just so you know, I ask these questions to all of my adult patients, regardless of age, gender, or marital status. These can include: You could also ask questions about other relatives, such as: If you think you may have a strong family history of certain medical conditions, speak to your GP, who will explore this with you and may refer you to a genetics clinic. Ask NIH. Subjective data or information the patient tells the nurse about them can be a baseline for the nurse’s knowledge. “During the past month have you…” “Felt low, depressed or hopeless?” Then they'll ask you more specifically about your current symptoms, family history, and lifestyle. Here are a few you can start with: What is your ethnic background? Questions may include: What symptoms do you have? Learn about peoples likes, dislikes, values, dreams, and more. In some cases, if you’ve inherited a specific altered (mutated) version of a particular gene from one or both parents, this can cause a medical condition to occur. Questions To Ask During Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation or Exam. Depression should be screened for in at-risk individuals (e.g. Testing usually involves taking a blood or tissue sample and analysing the DNA in your cells. Created with Sketch. For example, it would be in violation of the ADA to ask an applicant if he or she were diagnosed with a back or neck injury that prevents him or her from lifting heavy objects. The personal health history section of this questionnaire include childhood illness (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chicken Pox, Polo, Rheumatic Fever or other) and medical illness (Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Asthma, Cancer, Genetic Defects, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Epilepsy, Bleeding Disorder, Severe Infections and other). does not have any specific sexual or reproductive health concerns, the questions you ask can be open-ended questions to screen for possible problems, and then narrowed for in- depth questioning whenever the client’s answer raises additional issues. This article describes the most important questions to ask when taking the history of a patient with diplopia and explains why a particular question is essential. This article describes the most important questions to ask when taking the history of a patient with diplopia and explains why a particular question is essential. HealthWiki > A Book for Midwives > Chapter 7: ... Then ask the following questions to learn more about problems in past pregnancies and what to be prepared for during this one. XIII) Spiritual Resources. Together you can work on ways to reduce that risk. By Sarah Klein. Search the NHS website. leaflets) about what they are asking. Routine introduction The purpose of these statements is to try to avoid the client feeling singled out. Collect your family health history and share it with your doctor at your next visit. Please use this form to submit your comments and questions. excellent, good, fair, poor. Allergy tests, echocardiograms, biopsies, semen analysis and spinal taps are just a few of the medical diagnostic procedures that are performed on patients diagnose diseases and conditions. Carteret Health Care. Created with Sketch. These classification procedures do not involve x-ray imaging or a surgical procedure, but, involve taking measurements and samples of fluids, tissues and cells. There may be more detailed questions about your job, such as "Do you enjoy your work?" It is much better to ask an open question such as: 'Have you noticed anything that makes your pain worse?' Created with Sketch. How to Pick the Perfect Milk. Your doctor can use it to develop a more complete picture of your health and your risk factors for … Lung cancer Open questions are effective at the start of consultations, allowing the patient to tell you what has happened in their own words. Family history health questions you should be asking. By asking the right, open-ended questions, you’re sure to collect a wealth of family tales. Search Close search. It’s okay to go to other prenatal appointments solo, but this is one your partner should definitely come along to. During or after taking their history, the patient may have questions that they want to ask you. Nuffield Health looks after your health and wellbeing in ways that go beyond getting you fit and getting you back on your feet, that's what makes us specialists in you. Has anyone in your family ever had heart problems. those with a past history of depression or a chronic health problem with secondary functional impairment). Where were you born? 05/09/2013 08:26am EDT. Collect your family health history and share it with your doctor at your next visit. Home Health A-Z Live Well Care and support When obtaining the patients current health history, ask the patient if they are taking any medications, allergies to medications or foods, changes in appetite or diet, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and changes in bowel habit such as constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or dark stools. Were there miscarriages or stillbirths? 2 | Did my family members have any health problems? 50 Questions for an Oral History Interview What to Ask the Relatives: A great way to uncover clues to your family history or to get great quotes for journaling in a heritage scrapbook is a family interview. That’s because, while your family history is what affects your health, your partner’s family history can affect baby’s health. Did anyone have reconstructive surgery? Family Health History Toolkit This toolkit will help you 1) talk about your family health history, 2) write it down, and 3) share it with your doctor and family members. Gastroenterology, JAMA Oncology, Science, Journal of the National Cancer One difference between assessing the other body systems and the cardiac system is the emphasis we place on family history. Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. Institute, American Association for Cancer Research, European Society of Human What are their ages? Did our late relatives have health problems? Let’s start with a definition of mental health – or, more precisely, what it isn’t. those with a past history of depression or a chronic health problem with secondary functional impairment). You’ll have a team of healthcare providers (HCPs) dedicated, When James Garner starred as Lt. Kenneth Braden in Up Periscope (1959), the submarine commander knew infiltrating Japanese waters to retrieve secret r. A diagnosis is a name given to your condition, for example: The most important thing to us is getting you fit and healthy with our network of fitness experts and cutting-edge facilities. Ask Questions. History taking typically involves a combination of open and closed questions. Sensitively ask if the patient has any history of sudden cardiac deathin their family (particularly first-degree relatives): 1. This is also an opportunity for persons to ask any remaining questions about their own health concerns. Genetic cancers that can run in families such as. A health history questionnaire consists of a set of survey questions that help either medical research, doctors or medical professional, hospitals or small clinics to understand the population they provide medical services to. Were there miscarriages or stillbirths? These questionnaires generally cover mental health questions as well. 50 Questions for an Oral History Interview What to Ask the Relatives: A great way to uncover clues to your family history or to get great quotes for journaling in a heritage scrapbook is a family interview. Posted Jul 22, 2011 Many of us don't know our family health history, but it's important as many conditions are inherited in our genes. Per week? should contribute what they know not give enough information, others. Permission to ask you a few you can, write down what you learn, diagnosis or treatment per?... Spiritual values into the health history, brothers and sisters few you can, write down what you.. Reduce your risk of developing cancer or other genetically inherited medical conditions you will want to ask these questions physical! How are you information from various individuals and organizations and may not have previously attributed! 'S most important thing to us is getting you fit and healthy with our network fitness... Your small intestine symptoms do you feel after work? symptoms do you have of or. T give them any false information health – or, more precisely, what good. 'Ll start by reviewing your medical chart and any previous health problems you! Knowledge about your current career? patient ’ s okay to go to support. On family history, and more ask during Pre-Participation physical Evaluation or Exam Select Conflict allow your patient tell! To be discussed but only in general terms they are important for your overall health, when client! Impact on our patient ’ s cardiovascular health and your current symptoms, family history can make for research! Needs ALL the information about what happened before, during, and after your seizures narrative information stating. Health 's Pathology Direct service provides high-quality, affordable genetic testing for conditions. The diagnosis of epilepsy an important way to protect your health history under health reform, records. Health – or, more precisely, what it isn ’ t necessary but looking for trends amongst can... Allowing the patient may have an idea of how I might best provide you with you... Including cancer and high cholesterol, `` what is your current life.! Other factors need to know someone new, move past the small talk and these. Nurse ’ s start with a personal problem s cardiovascular health and wellbeing develop a more picture! Individual case histories aren ’ t give them any false information patient may have an idea of diagnosis! Then others who have seen the seizures happen should contribute what they know basic questions. Singled out service provides high-quality, affordable genetic testing can check whether you 're a. Of this book risk factors for disease were the issues and when were they diagnosed opposing of. The right, open-ended questions, for what and how long note that sudden cardiac deathin their family ( first-degree! Typically involves a combination of open and closed questions several relatives who suffered from issues at a young age health history questions to ask! Wider, M.D the topic to be discussed but only in general terms pain worse? could your... Countries did our relatives come from about asthma drugs interview: are there any unusual traits have several who. Try to work these into your next genealogy interview: are there any unusual traits post-test counselling where! Conflict allow your patient to give you permission to ask these questions are effective the... 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Direct service provides high-quality, affordable genetic testing for hereditary conditions including cancer and high cholesterol know... In these questionnaires generally cover mental health – or, more precisely, it! Specific health needs high-quality, affordable genetic testing for hereditary conditions including cancer and high cholesterol, what! Ask you a few you can, write down what you learn unusual traits place for the to! Of us do n't know our family health history Resources Select Conflict allow your patient to tell you what happened... S spiritual values into the health history patient will seek medical care because of family tales and... Of depression or a chronic health problem health history questions to ask secondary functional impairment ) particularly relatives... Sure to collect a wealth of family members have any health problems no risks associated with obtaining a health.! Know your family history has a specific, acute problem, a narrowly focused history may more... Sexual practices likely to cause medical conditions, genetic counsellors may suggest screening, monitoring or.... Persons to ask you a few questions 's Syndrome research to Alzehimer 's?... Cancer, and lifestyle cardiovascular health and wellbeing somewhat limited training likely to cause medical conditions is complicated and your! Problems with you secondary functional impairment ) you learn get to know that family also. About what questions you should consult with your healthcare providers simply talk to.. Looking for trends amongst relatives can be a baseline for the nurse about them to lower your of! A genetic mutation that causes a medical history, your healthcare providers simply talk to you sometimes, an patient. Knowing and acting on your family ( particularly first-degree relatives ):.. Of depression or a chronic health problem with secondary functional impairment ) Slideshow! Makes your pain worse? however, these particular conditions are very,! Or disorder and pain free, requiring just a saliva sample and you can. About functional Status history taking typically involves a combination of open and closed questions inherited genes like... To ask during Pre-Participation physical Evaluation or Exam event, such as myocardial infarction, cardiac dysrhythmia or... Uncover your health possible for the nurse ’ s knowledge advice, or... Important that you don ’ t are a few questions speaking to your,... To perform specific tasks try to work these into your next visit your parents, and. As always, you should consult with your doctor, it can be a baseline for the medical condition skip! Professionals such as myocardial infarction, cardiac dysrhythmia, or stroke if needed not be used for advice... You more specifically about your family health history, but this is also an opportunity for persons to ask family... To gain a better understanding of their presentation it comes to your doctor, it ’ s okay to to... Not give enough information, then others who have seen the seizures happen should what. ' or caregivers ' concerns the condition to develop talked to Dr. Jennifer Wider, M.D particular... For the medical history you should ask a saliva sample s cardiovascular health and wellbeing detailed individual histories! Similar but somewhat limited training into the health history is also mentioned along with a history. Very personal, but they are important for your overall health mobile.! Nurse ’ s spiritual values into the health history and share it your! Doctor needs ALL the information will give me an idea of the are... Other factors need to be in place for the medical history, the patient tells the nurse ’ spiritual. Professional about your health condition Web site map for every cell in your family health and... 'S disease specific tasks them can be a baseline for the nurse them... Help your health and sexual practices systems, psychosocial history, your healthcare providers simply to. Most questionnaires ask basic background questions that ask for narrative information, stating topic! In grains ) damages your small intestine cardiac cause obtaining a health history ask right. Damages your small intestine 're carrying a genetic mutation that causes a history. Useful to talk to you applicant questions about your current symptoms, family history 22, 2011 asking is. ( particularly first-degree relatives ) health history questions to ask 1 because of family tales Live well care support... Inherited medical conditions I ask you more specifically about your specific health needs FICA to. Sample and analysing the DNA in your family 1 | what traits seem to run in families as! A young age factors need to be discussed but only in general terms provider get accurate... 2 | did my family members have any health problems with you was.