The NGS Family Health and Heredity Committee’s mission is to advance and promote the value of researching and recording ancestral medical information in genealogy.

In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in genealogy. More and more individuals are finding satisfaction and enjoyment in "tracing their family history." What they may not realize is that by simultaneously charting their family’s health history, they will uncover important, and, in some cases, lifesaving information that can affect them and their children. Knowing which diseases may affect you or your children and grandchildren can be of enormous importance to you and your family. With this knowledge, you can change your lifestyle and have more frequent medical examinations and tests, including specific tests to detect the early onset of a familial disease. For instance, although adult-onset diabetes may "run in your family", by losing weight, watching your diet, and exercising , you can markedly reduce the chances of getting this disease. Armed with the knowledge of your Family’s Health History, you can takes steps towards prevention— or at least early detection— by being aware of its early warning signs and by getting the appropriate tests on a regular basis.

• The Family Health and Heredity Committee
• How Do I Start?
• What Can I Learn?
• Where Can I Learn More?
• Sample Pedigree Chart
• Committees