SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
FROM SHARED KNOWLEDGE COMES PRESERVED HISTORY
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WE ARE MAD FOR MARCH!
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SPEAKER INFOTUESDAY MARCH 14th
at 6pm we will meet at the Hoyt Library in Saginaw, Michigan and be taken on a special tour of the Hoyt Library, to parts not normally ever seen! We will ideo this meeting and then post it for all our ZOOM followers! |
DID YOU KNOW: MARCH is the month that hares or rabbits come together to mate. I actually saw this first-hand many years ago. The snow had melted early that year and I couldn't sleep. So I got up and walked out into the living room in the dark, and saw an amazing site out in the fields beside our house. There in the field, I saw hundreds of rabbits, some brown, many mostly white...all forming a wide cincle. In the middle were two rabbits, that would run at each other, stand on their hind feet and "box",
only to return to the throng and then another two would repeat this same episode,
over and over again. It was then that I finally understood, "mad as a March hare!"
only to return to the throng and then another two would repeat this same episode,
over and over again. It was then that I finally understood, "mad as a March hare!"
SGS NEWSSGS MEETING RECAPMEETING IN: FEBRUARY 2023
A RootsTech video ON FINDING FAMILY with Bob Szczypka was scheduled. But due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel the meeting. You see, it appears I needed some heart surgery, and so after spending 2 weeks in the hospital, I am happy to report that I am feeling VERY well and am very happy to still be among you all! We will reschedule this video for a later time this year and present it to you all. Our deepest apologies for "messing up" the schedule. Deb Sheets SGS NEWS
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ROOTSTECH VIDEOS...
How long will RootsTech sessions be available on the website after the conference? We will keep most of the classes and keynotes from RootsTech up for approximately three years. Most classes from 2021 will be available until the 2024 conference and 2022 classes until 2025. Where do I go to watch them? Check it out below. DID YOU ALSO KNOW...There is ONE safe place to store all your photos and stories... FOREVER.
Safely stored 600 ft. underground. And also
duplicated inside YET another mountain. Yeah...We got you covered! FamilySearch.org is a non-profit and totally free! MILITARY SERVICE: CIVIL WARSix Steps To Find Your Civil War Veterans and Their Regiments
To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people. YOUR GENEALOGY NEEDS MET AT THE LOCAL FHC!
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ARE you looking for help in your a Family tree? HERE, you will be shown how to begin a free tree that will be placed online for any of your family members to share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members. FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on FamilySearch.org. YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting an online tree and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones. ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members-past-present-and future-can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life. WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your family’s memories before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again. IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 ! OR CALL FOR ONLINE HELP AT:
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WHERE HISTORY HOLDS THE KEY! This is a FREE website that promotes self learning. If you want to start a FREE Family Tree on FamilySearch, OR begin family research on Ancestry, or learn how to index records, then... THIS IS THE PLACE! And we also keep track of all the Rootstech videos for you to find RIGHT here. SO COME ON... Learn at HistoryKEY.org which also connects you to the 1950 census! Just click below. FRESHLY UPDATED JUST FOR YOU! WHAT'S ON THE TUBE?Want to know more about indexing?
Check out this YOU TUBE VIDEO, A SELF HELP TUTORIAL ... Enjoy :) PRE-REGISTER PLEASE
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THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
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TIMBERTOWN LOG
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A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
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This guide shows you how to find billions of free birth, death, marriage and census records.
ANCESTRAL FINDINGS
Oral histories are a valuable genealogical resource. This is what you need to know about the value of oral histories, where to find them, and how to do them yourself with your own relatives. Click below to learn.
MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARDS
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Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that you can now access hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either
FREE
or discounted admission? You can even use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
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Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that you can now access hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either
FREE
or discounted admission? You can even use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HOYT LIBRARY
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FREE SAGINAW OBITUARIES
Saginaw Libraries have over
200,00+ obituaries
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
200,00+ obituaries
for you to find.
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Lost?
WE ARE HERE, AND READY TO HELP YOU!
Lost?
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With the combined efforts of our members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
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We don't charge for the help
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we try to find you an answer for
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MICHIGAN-STATE GENEALOGY
The website for all things pertaining to historical research and documents for the state of Michigan.
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DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search thru for obituaries!
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2. PACK A LUNCH.
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH.
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
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along with their pedigree.
MORE HELP
How SideView™ Technology Splits Your DNA Results by Parent
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you don’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
NEED GENEALOGY GIFTS?
BEV PALMER used to live in Saginaw, she is a fellow genealogist and has started this business. Lots of cool stuff - from babies to bags, and from t-shirts to tags, she's got it all! check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
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GENEALOGY HELPS |
What is ThruLines?
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be public, and linked to your DNA test. To check this, go to Your DNA Results Summary, and click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen). Then follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the Ancestry family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents. ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be public, and linked to your DNA test. To check this, go to Your DNA Results Summary, and click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen). Then follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the Ancestry family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents. ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
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2022 classes include:
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a live event, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at:
Family History Library classes and webinars.
2022 classes include:
- Using the FamilySearch Catalog
- Research in Canada (an Introduction)
- Exploring Post-1850
- US Federal Census Records
- NEW BEGINNER CLASSES to FamilySearch Family Tree
- How to Attach Sources
- Merging Duplicate Individuals
- Correcting Relationships
- Adding Memories and many more topics!
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a live event, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at:
Family History Library classes and webinars.
SEARCH TIPS
6 Ancestry Search Tips
1. Pinpoint your ancestor’s location from the census on a map, and then look for churches, cemeteries, and other places where your ancestor may have left records.
2. Be sure to locate your ancestor’s adult siblings in census records. It was common for extended family to live in the same household or near other family members. You may find a parent, grandparent, or other family members living either with them or nearby.
3. If you’re having a difficult time locating your ancestor, try searching using only given names and other details like birth year, residence, family members, place of birth, etc.
4. Occasionally, census takers only recorded initials in place of the given name. Using only a first initial will bring up these records.
5. Census takers didn’t always have the best penmanship, so if you’re having a hard time locating your ancestor, write out the name and try replacing some of the letters with letters that look similar. (Try an O for an A, try an J for a P, try a F for an S.)
6. The U.S. federal censuses for the years 1900-1930 include a date of immigration for immigrants. Use that date to narrow your search for your ancestor’s passenger arrival record in the Immigration Collection.
SAVING BEST FOR LAST
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
17 Clovers?
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
17 Clovers?
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
FMH TOOLKIT
How do I keep track of my family medical history?
If possible, look at death certificates and family medical records. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about your family medical history.
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for health now!
If possible, look at death certificates and family medical records. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about your family medical history.
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for health now!
FOOD & FAMILY
Did you know...family recipes are a tradition!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
What food is most popular in March?
Well, that would be anything associated with LOVE!
Well, that would be anything associated with LOVE!
But in my family, we remember the Irish....and the CCC RECIPE!
But did you know that many of the foods we associate with St. Patrick’s Day, and the Irish community in general, are actually American creations?
Corned beef, Carrots and Cabbage? Irish immigrants in the United States popularized this staple as a cheap, filling meal to feed their families with.
Green beer? Invented by an American doctor in 1914. But these beloved foods (and drinks) still play a major role in American St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and so we want to shine a light on them. Here, we’ve put together some of our favorite traditional — and not so traditional — St. Patrick’s Day foods for you to cook up this March 17th.
For a filling St. Paddy's Day meal to pair with a frothy pint of Guinness, just pick from our list of St. Patrick's Day appetizers, sides, dinners, St. Patrick's Day desserts and Irish sweet treats. There's everything from traditional Irish recipes — like soda bread and hearty stews — to modern Irish-American favorites. And who could ever forget the scrumptious Irish apple cake? If you're not sure where to start, you can't go wrong with corned beef and cabbage. Our twist? Instead of stewing everything together in one pot, try searing the cabbage in a separate skillet to caramelize its naturally sweet leaves. Game changer!
Go ahead and it serve up -these delicious St. Patrick's Day recipes for an extra dose of luck — and don't forget to wash it down with some festive St. Patrick's Day drinks.
But did you know that many of the foods we associate with St. Patrick’s Day, and the Irish community in general, are actually American creations?
Corned beef, Carrots and Cabbage? Irish immigrants in the United States popularized this staple as a cheap, filling meal to feed their families with.
Green beer? Invented by an American doctor in 1914. But these beloved foods (and drinks) still play a major role in American St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and so we want to shine a light on them. Here, we’ve put together some of our favorite traditional — and not so traditional — St. Patrick’s Day foods for you to cook up this March 17th.
For a filling St. Paddy's Day meal to pair with a frothy pint of Guinness, just pick from our list of St. Patrick's Day appetizers, sides, dinners, St. Patrick's Day desserts and Irish sweet treats. There's everything from traditional Irish recipes — like soda bread and hearty stews — to modern Irish-American favorites. And who could ever forget the scrumptious Irish apple cake? If you're not sure where to start, you can't go wrong with corned beef and cabbage. Our twist? Instead of stewing everything together in one pot, try searing the cabbage in a separate skillet to caramelize its naturally sweet leaves. Game changer!
Go ahead and it serve up -these delicious St. Patrick's Day recipes for an extra dose of luck — and don't forget to wash it down with some festive St. Patrick's Day drinks.
GENEALOGY PUNS
MILITARY
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WWI STORIES TO WARM YOUR HEART
Thucydides, (thoo·si·duh·deez)
an Ancient Greek historian and general, once said:
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.”
an Ancient Greek historian and general, once said:
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.”
WWII: MOSQUITOES HELP WIN THE WAR
How a Mosquito Terrorized The Luftwaffe, Watch The Video!
MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
CHECK THESE HELPS OUT
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
MILITARY SERVICE: KOREA
The Korean War: Everything You Need to Know
11 Aug 2020
Military.com | By Blake Stilwell
The Korean War was the first time the United States military engaged in a shooting conflict after the end of World War II; it was also the first of many sparks that really turned the Cold War hot.
From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War was at the forefront of American minds and politics. A public emerging from the World War II years and weary of fighting didn't fully understand the threat of Communism or the Truman administration's "containment" strategy -- which meant they didn't fully understand what happened in the first place.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
Military.com | By Blake Stilwell
The Korean War was the first time the United States military engaged in a shooting conflict after the end of World War II; it was also the first of many sparks that really turned the Cold War hot.
From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War was at the forefront of American minds and politics. A public emerging from the World War II years and weary of fighting didn't fully understand the threat of Communism or the Truman administration's "containment" strategy -- which meant they didn't fully understand what happened in the first place.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
AMAZING STORIES
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Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
MONTH BY MONTH
MARCH
WHAT DAYS ARE YOUR FAVORITES?
March is when spring officially begins and many people turn their clocks forward for daylight saving time. It also can be a dramatic month with sometimes wild and shifting weather. As the seasons change from winter to spring, it's the perfect time to review what holidays ARE in the month of March.
Remember the deliciously whacky tea party scene with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the sleepy Dormouse in the Lewis Caroll classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? There are people who believe that the expression mad as a March hare to mean ‘completely crazy’ comes from this novel. This, however, is NOT TRUE; the expression had been in use long before the novel was published. All that Charles Dodson, Lewis Caroll’s actual name, succeeded in doing was to give new life to an already existing idiom. So, what is the connection between the month of March and a HARE?
In real life, most people perceive the rabbit and the hare to be followers of Mahatma Gandhi – practitioners of non-violence. While this belief holds true for these animals most of the year, come March, hares and/or rabbits undergo a metamorphosis. These usually docile creatures suddenly become exponents of WWF wrestling: they stand on their hind legs, thump their chests as they tear into each other, and make fur fly. In other words, they simply go LOCO. For you see, March is the start of the mating season for these animals, and macho males go nuts trying to do two things – subduing potential rivals, and trying to catch the eye of the females that are in season. Therefore, when a person behaved in a crazy or in an excitable manner, he was said to be as 'mad as a March hare'. Nowadays, the expression is also used with people with crazy ideas and with someone who is extremely angry about something.
However, March holidays and observances ALSO cover fun foods, educational activities, health awareness, environment causes, and more. March is the awareness month of dissociative identity disorder, colorectal cancer, and multiple sclerosis to name a few. Some March national holidays are National Grammar Day, National Dentist's Day, and National Pi Day. March celebrations also include Holi, St. Patrick's Day, and International Women's Day. Plus, Passover, Easter, and Ramadan are often holidays in March.
SO HERE ARE : 31 Reasons to Celebrate in March!
Here are all the special March holidays and observances you can celebrate, from silly to serious and everything in between
Remember the deliciously whacky tea party scene with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the sleepy Dormouse in the Lewis Caroll classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? There are people who believe that the expression mad as a March hare to mean ‘completely crazy’ comes from this novel. This, however, is NOT TRUE; the expression had been in use long before the novel was published. All that Charles Dodson, Lewis Caroll’s actual name, succeeded in doing was to give new life to an already existing idiom. So, what is the connection between the month of March and a HARE?
In real life, most people perceive the rabbit and the hare to be followers of Mahatma Gandhi – practitioners of non-violence. While this belief holds true for these animals most of the year, come March, hares and/or rabbits undergo a metamorphosis. These usually docile creatures suddenly become exponents of WWF wrestling: they stand on their hind legs, thump their chests as they tear into each other, and make fur fly. In other words, they simply go LOCO. For you see, March is the start of the mating season for these animals, and macho males go nuts trying to do two things – subduing potential rivals, and trying to catch the eye of the females that are in season. Therefore, when a person behaved in a crazy or in an excitable manner, he was said to be as 'mad as a March hare'. Nowadays, the expression is also used with people with crazy ideas and with someone who is extremely angry about something.
However, March holidays and observances ALSO cover fun foods, educational activities, health awareness, environment causes, and more. March is the awareness month of dissociative identity disorder, colorectal cancer, and multiple sclerosis to name a few. Some March national holidays are National Grammar Day, National Dentist's Day, and National Pi Day. March celebrations also include Holi, St. Patrick's Day, and International Women's Day. Plus, Passover, Easter, and Ramadan are often holidays in March.
SO HERE ARE : 31 Reasons to Celebrate in March!
Here are all the special March holidays and observances you can celebrate, from silly to serious and everything in between
DAYS TO CELEBRATE: LUCK OF THE IRISH
The Shamrock’s Importance Comes
Back to the Number 3
Back to the Number 3
Why are shamrocks lucky?
Prior to Christianity and the work of St. Patrick, the Druids believed that they could thwart evil spirits and danger by carrying a shamrock. A three-leaf shamrock would enable them to see the evil spirits and escape in time. A four-leaf clover was said to ward off bad luck and offer magical protection.
Prior to Christianity and the work of St. Patrick, the Druids believed that they could thwart evil spirits and danger by carrying a shamrock. A three-leaf shamrock would enable them to see the evil spirits and escape in time. A four-leaf clover was said to ward off bad luck and offer magical protection.
Learn how to tell fact from blarney when it comes to this symbol of Ireland! Here are fun lucky shamrock facts to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Shamrocks are one of the most famous symbols in the world, easily conjuring up the image of Ireland at first sight. Find out how this symbol came to be, which plant it truly represents, and more with these fun 'lucky' shamrock facts.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
Shamrocks are one of the most famous symbols in the world, easily conjuring up the image of Ireland at first sight. Find out how this symbol came to be, which plant it truly represents, and more with these fun 'lucky' shamrock facts.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
IN THE PAST...
THE BOOK NOOK
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
A Watermelon, a Fish and a Bible by Christy Lefteri
A moving novel of love and war by the author of "The Beekeeper of Aleppo"
It is July 1974 and on a bright, sunny morning, the Turkish army has invaded the town of Kyrenia in Cyprus. For many people, this means an end to life as they know it. But for some, it is a chance to begin living again.
Everyone has always talked about Koki. They never believed she was her father's daughter and her mother died too soon to quiet their wagging tongues. And when she became pregnant and there was no sign of a husband, her fate was sealed.
So she lives outside the town and hides from her neighbours' eyes. But, held captive with the very women who have made her life so lonely, Koki is finally able to tell them the truth. To talk of the Turkish shoe-maker who came to the town and took her heart away with him when he left. And how she has longed for him all these years.
Meanwhile, Adem Berker finds himself back in Kyrenia, his former home, now as a member of the invading force. Here he left everything he ever wanted and, by cover of darkness, risking his life, he is searching every house, every cafe, every old pathway, for just a glimpse of the only woman he has ever loved.
It is July 1974 and on a bright, sunny morning, the Turkish army has invaded the town of Kyrenia in Cyprus. For many people, this means an end to life as they know it. But for some, it is a chance to begin living again.
Everyone has always talked about Koki. They never believed she was her father's daughter and her mother died too soon to quiet their wagging tongues. And when she became pregnant and there was no sign of a husband, her fate was sealed.
So she lives outside the town and hides from her neighbours' eyes. But, held captive with the very women who have made her life so lonely, Koki is finally able to tell them the truth. To talk of the Turkish shoe-maker who came to the town and took her heart away with him when he left. And how she has longed for him all these years.
Meanwhile, Adem Berker finds himself back in Kyrenia, his former home, now as a member of the invading force. Here he left everything he ever wanted and, by cover of darkness, risking his life, he is searching every house, every cafe, every old pathway, for just a glimpse of the only woman he has ever loved.
WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND
by Rochelle B. Weinstein
by Rochelle B. Weinstein
*A USA TODAY Bestseller*
It is said that our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: What if?
What if we had the chance to go back and live what could have been? What We Leave Behind hones in on the fleeting moments and stand-out events that irrevocably change our lives.
The book chronicles the life and emotional growth of Jessica Parker as she frees herself from the past and moves forward with her future.
At sixteen, Jessica is managing the emotional trauma of her father’s death while surrendering to the profound pain of a failed first love. Jonas Levy, a twenty-two-year-old medical student, has abruptly walked out of Jessica’s life after an intense summer romance, and the wounds are still raw. Is it possible to ever forget the boy you first gave your heart to?
Jessica eventually moves on, and in her twenties, becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. She marries film producer, Marty Tauber, starts a family, and appears to have it all, until things slowly begin to unravel. The marriage struggles through a miscarriage and becomes harder and harder to sustain. With an unexpected phone call from New York, a secret from Jessica’s past comes to light.
As the rippling effects of her betrayal emerge, Jessica finds herself caught in the firestorm of long-hidden emotional trauma. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past or lose everything she holds dear. Will she be able to reconcile old feelings in time to salvage her marriage?
An honest, tender, and poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been.
It is said that our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: What if?
What if we had the chance to go back and live what could have been? What We Leave Behind hones in on the fleeting moments and stand-out events that irrevocably change our lives.
The book chronicles the life and emotional growth of Jessica Parker as she frees herself from the past and moves forward with her future.
At sixteen, Jessica is managing the emotional trauma of her father’s death while surrendering to the profound pain of a failed first love. Jonas Levy, a twenty-two-year-old medical student, has abruptly walked out of Jessica’s life after an intense summer romance, and the wounds are still raw. Is it possible to ever forget the boy you first gave your heart to?
Jessica eventually moves on, and in her twenties, becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. She marries film producer, Marty Tauber, starts a family, and appears to have it all, until things slowly begin to unravel. The marriage struggles through a miscarriage and becomes harder and harder to sustain. With an unexpected phone call from New York, a secret from Jessica’s past comes to light.
As the rippling effects of her betrayal emerge, Jessica finds herself caught in the firestorm of long-hidden emotional trauma. Thrust into a modern day moral and ethical dilemma, Jessica must face the pain of her past or lose everything she holds dear. Will she be able to reconcile old feelings in time to salvage her marriage?
An honest, tender, and poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, this heart wrenching novel will resonate with any woman who has questioned her past and wondered what could have been.
GENETICS 101 |
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LEARN MORE TO KNOW MORE
Genetic diseases can be categorized into three major groups: single-gene, chromosomal, and multifactorial.
CHAPTER GENETICS 101
Almost every human trait and disease has a genetic component, whether inherited or influenced by behavioral factors such as exercise. Genetic components can also modify the body’s response to environmental factors such as toxins. Understanding the underlying concepts of human genetics and the role of genes, behavior, and the environment is important for appropriately collecting and applying genetic and genomic information and technologies during clinical care. It is important in improving disease diagnosis and treatment as well. This chapter provides fundamental information about basic genetics concepts, including cell structure, the molecular and biochemical basis of disease, major types of genetic disease, laws of inheritance, and the impact of genetic variation.
1.1 Cells, Genomes, DNA, and Genes
Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of every known living organism. Instructions needed to direct activities are contained within a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence. DNA from all organisms is made up of the same chemical units (bases) called adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, abbreviated as A, T, G, and C. In complementary DNA strands, A matches with T, and C with G, to form base pairs. The human genome (total composition of genetic material within a cell) is packaged into larger units known as chromosomes—physically separate molecules that range in length from about 50 to 250 million base pairs. Human cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. Each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, which consist of 22 autosomes (numbered 1 through 22) and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). However, sperm and ova normally contain half as much genetic material: only one copy of each chromosome. Each chromosome contains many genes, the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions for how to make proteins. The DNA sequence is the particular side-by-side arrangement of bases along the DNA strand (e.g., ATTCCGGA). Each gene has a unique DNA sequence. Genes comprise only about 29 percent of the human genome; the remainder consists of non-coding regions, whose functions may include providing chromosomal structural integrity and regulating where, when, and in what quantity proteins are made. The human genome is estimated to contain 20,000 to 25,000 genes. Although each cell contains a full complement of DNA, cells use genes selectively. For example, the genes active in a liver cell differ from the genes active in a brain cell because each cell performs different functions and, therefore, requires different proteins. Different genes can also be activated during development or in response to environmental stimuli such as an infection or stress.
1.2 Types of Genetic Disease
Many, if not most, diseases are caused or influenced by genetics. Genes, through the proteins they encode, determine how efficiently foods and chemicals are metabolized, how effectively toxins are detoxified, and how vigorously infections are targeted. Genetic diseases can be categorized into three major groups: single-gene, chromosomal, and multifactorial. Changes in the DNA sequence of single genes, also known as mutations, cause thousands of diseases. A gene can mutate in many ways, resulting in an altered protein product that is unable to perform its normal function. The most common gene mutation involves a change or “misspelling” in a single base in the DNA. Other mutations include the loss (deletion) or gain (duplication or insertion) of a single or multiple base(s). The altered protein product may still retain some normal function, but at a reduced capacity. In other cases, the protein may be totally disabled by the mutation or gain an entirely new, but damaging, function. The outcome of a particular mutation depends not only on how it alters a protein’s function, but also on how vital that particular protein is to survival. Other mutations, called polymorphisms, are natural variations in DNA sequence that have no adverse effects and are simply differences among individuals. In addition to mutations in single genes, genetic diseases can be caused by larger mutations in chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities may result from either the total number of chromosomes differing from the usual amount or the physical structure of a chromosome differing from the usual structure.
The most common type of chromosomal abnormality is known as aneuploidy, an abnormal number of chromosomes due to EITHER an extra or missing chromosome. A usual karyotype (complete chromosome set) contains 46 chromosomes including an XX (female) or an XY (male) sex chromosome pair. Structural chromosomal abnormalities include deletions, duplications, insertions, inversions, or translocations of a chromosome segment. Multifactorial diseases are caused by a complex combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Examples of these conditions include spina bifida, diabetes, and heart disease. Although multifactorial diseases can recur in families, some mutations such as cancer can be acquired throughout an individual’s lifetime. All genes work in the context of environment and behavior. Alterations in behavior or the environment such as diet, exercise, exposure to toxic agents, or medications can all influence genetic traits.
1.3 Laws of Inheritance
The basic laws of inheritance are useful in understanding patterns of disease transmission. Single-gene diseases are usually inherited in one of several patterns, depending on the location of the gene (e.g., chromosomes 1-22 or X and Y) and whether one or two normal copies of the gene are needed for normal protein activity. Five basic modes of inheritance for single-gene diseases exist: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive, and mitochondria.
1.4 Genetic Variation
All individuals are 99.9 percent the same genetically. The differences in the sequence of DNA among individuals, or genetic variation, explain some of the differences among people such as physical traits and higher or lower risk for certain diseases. Mutations and polymorphisms are forms of genetic variation. While mutations are generally associated with disease and are relatively rare, polymorphisms are more frequent and their clinical significance is not as straightforward. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced “snips”) are DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide is altered. SNPs occur every 100 to 300 bases along the 3 billion-base human genome. A single individual may carry millions of SNPs.
Although some genetic variations may cause or modify disease risk, other changes may result in no increased risk or a neutral presentation. For example, genetic variants in a single gene account for the different blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Understanding the clinical significance of genetic variation is a complicated process because of our limited knowledge of which genes are involved in a disease or condition and the multiple gene-TO-gene and gene-TO-behavior-TO-environment interactions likely to be involved in complex, chronic diseases. New technologies are enabling faster and more accurate detection of genetic variants in hundreds or thousands of genes in a single process.
CHAPTER GENETICS 101
Almost every human trait and disease has a genetic component, whether inherited or influenced by behavioral factors such as exercise. Genetic components can also modify the body’s response to environmental factors such as toxins. Understanding the underlying concepts of human genetics and the role of genes, behavior, and the environment is important for appropriately collecting and applying genetic and genomic information and technologies during clinical care. It is important in improving disease diagnosis and treatment as well. This chapter provides fundamental information about basic genetics concepts, including cell structure, the molecular and biochemical basis of disease, major types of genetic disease, laws of inheritance, and the impact of genetic variation.
1.1 Cells, Genomes, DNA, and Genes
Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of every known living organism. Instructions needed to direct activities are contained within a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence. DNA from all organisms is made up of the same chemical units (bases) called adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, abbreviated as A, T, G, and C. In complementary DNA strands, A matches with T, and C with G, to form base pairs. The human genome (total composition of genetic material within a cell) is packaged into larger units known as chromosomes—physically separate molecules that range in length from about 50 to 250 million base pairs. Human cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. Each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, which consist of 22 autosomes (numbered 1 through 22) and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). However, sperm and ova normally contain half as much genetic material: only one copy of each chromosome. Each chromosome contains many genes, the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions for how to make proteins. The DNA sequence is the particular side-by-side arrangement of bases along the DNA strand (e.g., ATTCCGGA). Each gene has a unique DNA sequence. Genes comprise only about 29 percent of the human genome; the remainder consists of non-coding regions, whose functions may include providing chromosomal structural integrity and regulating where, when, and in what quantity proteins are made. The human genome is estimated to contain 20,000 to 25,000 genes. Although each cell contains a full complement of DNA, cells use genes selectively. For example, the genes active in a liver cell differ from the genes active in a brain cell because each cell performs different functions and, therefore, requires different proteins. Different genes can also be activated during development or in response to environmental stimuli such as an infection or stress.
1.2 Types of Genetic Disease
Many, if not most, diseases are caused or influenced by genetics. Genes, through the proteins they encode, determine how efficiently foods and chemicals are metabolized, how effectively toxins are detoxified, and how vigorously infections are targeted. Genetic diseases can be categorized into three major groups: single-gene, chromosomal, and multifactorial. Changes in the DNA sequence of single genes, also known as mutations, cause thousands of diseases. A gene can mutate in many ways, resulting in an altered protein product that is unable to perform its normal function. The most common gene mutation involves a change or “misspelling” in a single base in the DNA. Other mutations include the loss (deletion) or gain (duplication or insertion) of a single or multiple base(s). The altered protein product may still retain some normal function, but at a reduced capacity. In other cases, the protein may be totally disabled by the mutation or gain an entirely new, but damaging, function. The outcome of a particular mutation depends not only on how it alters a protein’s function, but also on how vital that particular protein is to survival. Other mutations, called polymorphisms, are natural variations in DNA sequence that have no adverse effects and are simply differences among individuals. In addition to mutations in single genes, genetic diseases can be caused by larger mutations in chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities may result from either the total number of chromosomes differing from the usual amount or the physical structure of a chromosome differing from the usual structure.
The most common type of chromosomal abnormality is known as aneuploidy, an abnormal number of chromosomes due to EITHER an extra or missing chromosome. A usual karyotype (complete chromosome set) contains 46 chromosomes including an XX (female) or an XY (male) sex chromosome pair. Structural chromosomal abnormalities include deletions, duplications, insertions, inversions, or translocations of a chromosome segment. Multifactorial diseases are caused by a complex combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Examples of these conditions include spina bifida, diabetes, and heart disease. Although multifactorial diseases can recur in families, some mutations such as cancer can be acquired throughout an individual’s lifetime. All genes work in the context of environment and behavior. Alterations in behavior or the environment such as diet, exercise, exposure to toxic agents, or medications can all influence genetic traits.
1.3 Laws of Inheritance
The basic laws of inheritance are useful in understanding patterns of disease transmission. Single-gene diseases are usually inherited in one of several patterns, depending on the location of the gene (e.g., chromosomes 1-22 or X and Y) and whether one or two normal copies of the gene are needed for normal protein activity. Five basic modes of inheritance for single-gene diseases exist: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive, and mitochondria.
1.4 Genetic Variation
All individuals are 99.9 percent the same genetically. The differences in the sequence of DNA among individuals, or genetic variation, explain some of the differences among people such as physical traits and higher or lower risk for certain diseases. Mutations and polymorphisms are forms of genetic variation. While mutations are generally associated with disease and are relatively rare, polymorphisms are more frequent and their clinical significance is not as straightforward. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced “snips”) are DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide is altered. SNPs occur every 100 to 300 bases along the 3 billion-base human genome. A single individual may carry millions of SNPs.
Although some genetic variations may cause or modify disease risk, other changes may result in no increased risk or a neutral presentation. For example, genetic variants in a single gene account for the different blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Understanding the clinical significance of genetic variation is a complicated process because of our limited knowledge of which genes are involved in a disease or condition and the multiple gene-TO-gene and gene-TO-behavior-TO-environment interactions likely to be involved in complex, chronic diseases. New technologies are enabling faster and more accurate detection of genetic variants in hundreds or thousands of genes in a single process.
GENETICS BASICS
Genetics research studies how individual genes or groups of genes are involved in health and disease. Understanding genetic factors and genetic disorders is important in learning more about promoting health and preventing disease.
Some genetic changes have been associated with an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect or developmental disability or developing diseases such as cancer or heart disease. Genetics also can help us understand how medical conditions happen.
How We Get Our Genes
People get (inherit) their chromosomes, which contain their genes, from their parents. Chromosomes come in pairs and humans have 46 chromosomes, in 23 pairs. Children randomly get one of each pair of chromosomes from their mother and one of each pair from their father. The chromosomes that form the 23rd pair are called the sex chromosomes. They decide if a person is born a male or female. A female has two X chromosomes, and a male has one X and one Y chromosome. Each daughter gets an X from her mother and an X from her father. Each son gets an X from his mother and a Y from his father.
Genetic Disorders
Genetic disorders can happen for many reasons. Genetic disorders often are described in terms of the chromosome that contains the gene that is changed in people who have the disorder. If the gene is on one of the first 22 pairs of chromosomes, called the autosomes, the genetic disorder is called an autosomal condition. If the gene is on the X chromosome, the disorder is called X-linked. Genetic disorders also are grouped by how they run in families. Disorders can be dominant or recessive, depending on how they cause conditions and how they run in families.
Dominant
Dominant diseases can be caused by only one copy of a gene having a DNA mutation. If one parent has the disease, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene.
Recessive
For recessive diseases, both copies of a gene must have a DNA mutation in order to get one of these diseases. If both parents have one copy of the mutated gene, each child has a 25% chance of having the disease, even though neither parent has it. In such cases, each parent is called a carrier of the disease. They can pass the disease on to their children, but do not have the disease themselves.
Single Gene Disorders
(double helix)
Some genetic diseases are caused by a DNA mutation in one of a person’s genes. For example, suppose part of a gene usually has the sequence TAC. A mutation can change the sequence to TTC in some people. This change in sequence can change the way that the gene works, for example by changing the protein that is made. Mutations can be passed down to a child from his or her parents. Or, they can happen for the first time in the sperm or egg, so that the child will have the mutation but the parents will not. Single gene disorders can be autosomal or X-linked. For example, sickle cell disease is an autosomal single gene disorder. It is caused by a mutation in a gene found on chromosome 11. Sickle cell disease causes anemia and other complications. Fragile X syndrome, on the other hand, is an X-linked single gene disorder. It is caused by a change in a gene on the X chromosome. It is the most common known cause of intellectual disability and developmental disability that can be inherited (passed from one generation to the next).
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Different Number of Chromosomes
People usually have 23 pairs of chromosomes. But, sometimes a person is born with a different number. Having an extra chromosome is called trisomy. Missing a chromosome is called monosomy. For example, people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra copy changes the body’s and brain’s normal development and causes intellectual and physical problems for the person. Some disorders are caused by having a different number of sex chromosomes. For example, people with Turner syndrome usually have only one sex chromosome, an X. Women with Turner syndrome can have problems with growth and heart defects.
Changes in Chromosomes: deletion, translocation & inversion
Sometimes chromosomes are incomplete or shaped differently than usual. Missing a small part of a chromosome is called a deletion. A translocation is when part of one chromosome has moved to another chromosome. An inversion is when part of a chromosome has been flipped over. For example, people with Williams syndrome are missing a small part of chromosome 7. This deletion can result in intellectual disability and a distinctive facial appearance and personality.
Complex Conditions
A complex disease is caused by both genetic changes and environmental factors. Complex diseases also are called multifactorial. Most chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are complex conditions. For example, while some cases of cancer are associated with inherited genetic changes, for example, Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, the majority most likely are caused by changes in several genes acting together with environmental exposures.
Some genetic changes have been associated with an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect or developmental disability or developing diseases such as cancer or heart disease. Genetics also can help us understand how medical conditions happen.
How We Get Our Genes
People get (inherit) their chromosomes, which contain their genes, from their parents. Chromosomes come in pairs and humans have 46 chromosomes, in 23 pairs. Children randomly get one of each pair of chromosomes from their mother and one of each pair from their father. The chromosomes that form the 23rd pair are called the sex chromosomes. They decide if a person is born a male or female. A female has two X chromosomes, and a male has one X and one Y chromosome. Each daughter gets an X from her mother and an X from her father. Each son gets an X from his mother and a Y from his father.
Genetic Disorders
Genetic disorders can happen for many reasons. Genetic disorders often are described in terms of the chromosome that contains the gene that is changed in people who have the disorder. If the gene is on one of the first 22 pairs of chromosomes, called the autosomes, the genetic disorder is called an autosomal condition. If the gene is on the X chromosome, the disorder is called X-linked. Genetic disorders also are grouped by how they run in families. Disorders can be dominant or recessive, depending on how they cause conditions and how they run in families.
Dominant
Dominant diseases can be caused by only one copy of a gene having a DNA mutation. If one parent has the disease, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene.
Recessive
For recessive diseases, both copies of a gene must have a DNA mutation in order to get one of these diseases. If both parents have one copy of the mutated gene, each child has a 25% chance of having the disease, even though neither parent has it. In such cases, each parent is called a carrier of the disease. They can pass the disease on to their children, but do not have the disease themselves.
Single Gene Disorders
(double helix)
Some genetic diseases are caused by a DNA mutation in one of a person’s genes. For example, suppose part of a gene usually has the sequence TAC. A mutation can change the sequence to TTC in some people. This change in sequence can change the way that the gene works, for example by changing the protein that is made. Mutations can be passed down to a child from his or her parents. Or, they can happen for the first time in the sperm or egg, so that the child will have the mutation but the parents will not. Single gene disorders can be autosomal or X-linked. For example, sickle cell disease is an autosomal single gene disorder. It is caused by a mutation in a gene found on chromosome 11. Sickle cell disease causes anemia and other complications. Fragile X syndrome, on the other hand, is an X-linked single gene disorder. It is caused by a change in a gene on the X chromosome. It is the most common known cause of intellectual disability and developmental disability that can be inherited (passed from one generation to the next).
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Different Number of Chromosomes
People usually have 23 pairs of chromosomes. But, sometimes a person is born with a different number. Having an extra chromosome is called trisomy. Missing a chromosome is called monosomy. For example, people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra copy changes the body’s and brain’s normal development and causes intellectual and physical problems for the person. Some disorders are caused by having a different number of sex chromosomes. For example, people with Turner syndrome usually have only one sex chromosome, an X. Women with Turner syndrome can have problems with growth and heart defects.
Changes in Chromosomes: deletion, translocation & inversion
Sometimes chromosomes are incomplete or shaped differently than usual. Missing a small part of a chromosome is called a deletion. A translocation is when part of one chromosome has moved to another chromosome. An inversion is when part of a chromosome has been flipped over. For example, people with Williams syndrome are missing a small part of chromosome 7. This deletion can result in intellectual disability and a distinctive facial appearance and personality.
Complex Conditions
A complex disease is caused by both genetic changes and environmental factors. Complex diseases also are called multifactorial. Most chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are complex conditions. For example, while some cases of cancer are associated with inherited genetic changes, for example, Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, the majority most likely are caused by changes in several genes acting together with environmental exposures.
How to create a family health history
A family health history is a written record of health and medical conditions that have happened to you and your relatives, including your immediate and extended family. It isn’t a prediction of your health or your family’s health; rather, a family health history can help you understand your risk of certain conditions and act on that knowledge.
Why is a family health history important?
When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. Many disease risk factors are modifiable, meaning that we can change them for the better and optimize our health. If you learn, for example, that heart disease runs in your family, you may feel motivated to make lifestyle changes that help lower your risk. Keeping track of your health and medical information and that of your close relatives is beneficial in many ways. A family health history may help you and your relatives:
Identify disease and health patterns in your family
Make a list of family members. Include grandparents, parents, siblings (including half-siblings), children, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Include at least three generations, if possible. Make note of who married into or was adopted into the family.
List their health conditions. For each person, note:
For relatives who have passed away, age and cause(s) of death
Talk to your family. To gain more information, explain to your relatives what you’re doing and why. “Interview” those who are willing to discuss their health. Listen carefully and take notes. (If someone declines to participate, respect their wishes and their privacy.)
Expand your research. Family trees, family photos, letters and baby books may contain useful information. If you need more information about deceased relatives, look for family medical records, insurance forms, obituaries, funeral home records or death certificates. Your family members may have these or know where to access them.
Organize your notes. You can keep information in a word processing document or actually draw a family health tree, if you like.
Share your family health history with your health-care provider. They can review and help you interpret your findings.
Share the information with your family. Knowing that certain diseases run in the family may help your relatives make health decisions, change their lifestyle habits, keep up with medical appointments, etc.
Store health information safely. You can password-protect digital files. If your notes are on paper, keep them somewhere safe and private.
Update your family’s health history regularly. Share updates with your physician. And if you develop a health condition yourself, let your family know.
A family health history is a written record of health and medical conditions that have happened to you and your relatives, including your immediate and extended family. It isn’t a prediction of your health or your family’s health; rather, a family health history can help you understand your risk of certain conditions and act on that knowledge.
Why is a family health history important?
When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. Many disease risk factors are modifiable, meaning that we can change them for the better and optimize our health. If you learn, for example, that heart disease runs in your family, you may feel motivated to make lifestyle changes that help lower your risk. Keeping track of your health and medical information and that of your close relatives is beneficial in many ways. A family health history may help you and your relatives:
Identify disease and health patterns in your family
- Understand and reduce your risk of certain diseases by changing your lifestyle habits, getting screening tests or seeking genetic counselling
- Uncover an undiagnosed condition
- Plan for pregnancy
- Open up a dialogue about health in your family
- Recommend preventative lifestyle changes
- Determine the type and frequency of screening tests you should get
- Diagnose health issues
- Prescribe treatments
- Create your family health tree
Make a list of family members. Include grandparents, parents, siblings (including half-siblings), children, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Include at least three generations, if possible. Make note of who married into or was adopted into the family.
List their health conditions. For each person, note:
- Birthdate and sex
- Significant health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer (including type)
- Other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, asthma, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, migraines, vision loss, hearing loss, etc.
- Major surgeries
- Bone fractures
- Mental health and neurological conditions, such as dementia or depression
- Alcoholism and other substance use issues
- Learning disabilities
- Pregnancy complications, including infertility, birth defects, miscarriages, stillbirths
- Age at which each health condition began
For relatives who have passed away, age and cause(s) of death
Talk to your family. To gain more information, explain to your relatives what you’re doing and why. “Interview” those who are willing to discuss their health. Listen carefully and take notes. (If someone declines to participate, respect their wishes and their privacy.)
Expand your research. Family trees, family photos, letters and baby books may contain useful information. If you need more information about deceased relatives, look for family medical records, insurance forms, obituaries, funeral home records or death certificates. Your family members may have these or know where to access them.
Organize your notes. You can keep information in a word processing document or actually draw a family health tree, if you like.
Share your family health history with your health-care provider. They can review and help you interpret your findings.
Share the information with your family. Knowing that certain diseases run in the family may help your relatives make health decisions, change their lifestyle habits, keep up with medical appointments, etc.
Store health information safely. You can password-protect digital files. If your notes are on paper, keep them somewhere safe and private.
Update your family’s health history regularly. Share updates with your physician. And if you develop a health condition yourself, let your family know.
MY STORYSO, WHY FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY?
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Well, on 31 January 2023 I got a call from my recently discovered birth Aunt. I had met her 2 years earlier through Ancestry when she did a DNA test and wanted to know who I was. (I actually had already done the family tree on my birth father, so I knew who she was, but meeting her blew me away!) She looked and acted like an older version of ME, red hair, personality and all. I fell in love with her. So, when she called me back in January, I was shocked at what she told me next. I had always wanted to know the medical history from that side of my tree, but they seemed hesitant to give it to me. (Which both scared and intrigued me at the same time.) So, my Aunt tells me that she had been debating for some time as to whether or not she should tell me this family information, but she couldn't sleep for the past two nights so she decided to tell me then and there. Apparently, my birth father, his eldest sister and 2 of his brothers along with his father, all died from heart attacks before the age of 60. One other brother had a triple by-pass and is still alive. My Aunt and her mother (also now deceased) apparently did not have heart problems. As I had been having multiple chest pain episodes for 3 months. I felt I had to listen, and then ACT. The very next morning I had a very long and painful episode. My husband rushed me to hospital and I ended up with multiple stents in my heart. I am doing very well now, I have no more SOB or chest pain. But, I also had to drastically change my lifestyle. If you don't know your health history...FIND OUT TODAY... TOMORROW MAY BE TOO LATE!
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