As seen on CNN’s House Call

Reporter: You have your father’s smile, your mother’s eyes, your aunt’s sense of humor. We inherit a lot of things from our family, including health problems. That’s why physicians say it is important to know your genetic health history because certain diseases can be passed down from generation to generation.

Guest: Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease – those are the main three. Also, for women, osteoporosis; for men, prostate cancer.

Reporter: Many people need to take their time during the holidays to talk with their family and record everyone’s health history.

Guest: And it doesn’t have to be an inquisition per se. You can just start talking about how you went to the doctor or about to go to the doctor because the new year is coming, and is there anything I should be aware of?

Reporter: Once the notes are made, ask your doctor to keep them in your own health record so they can be used as a reference later on.