Family Health History Month (2009)

Family Health History Month

WHEREAS, health care professionals have long known that common diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia can run in families; and

WHEREAS, the creation of a family health history cataloging illnesses or disorders suffered by biological or blood relatives across generationscan lead to preventative measures to maintain health or to early diagnosis for proper treatment; and

WHEREAS, a recent national survey found that 96 percent of Americans believe that knowing their family history is important, yet the same survey found that less than one-third of Americans have ever tried to gather and write down their family’s health history; and

WHEREAS, tracing the illnesses suffered by parents, grandparents and other blood relatives can help doctors predict the disorders for which individuals may be at risk and advise them to take the appropriate steps to protect their health, as well as the health of their families; and

WHEREAS, as we gather for Thanksgiving and begin the holiday season, I encourage all Virginians to discuss and record family health information, as the understanding and utilization of one’s family health history function as key factors in helping all of us achieve longer, healthier lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize November 2009 as FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.