While you may not be willing to talk about all of your health issues with total strangers, it's important to talk to your family about what's been ailing you in 2008. 

Spending time with family during the holidays can spark several conversations. Why not start the conversation that could save your life? 

Why not discuss diabetes, cholesterol, even thyroid problems while unwrapping gifts around the tree this holiday season? It certainly can be a lifesaver. 

Dr. Kristi Hermanson with Sanford Women’s Health says, “Holidays are a time to get together with your families but I also think it is a good time to educate each other about your medical problems and so as a family you can try to become more healthier and become more educated.” 

Hermanson says knowing your family's medical history is helpful for your physician.

“If three or four people in your family had high cholesterol then I would potentially start screening you sooner than I normally would or would recommend it just based on your family history,” she says. 

Becoming familiar with your family's medical tree can also lead to intervention which could delay or even prevent some diseases. It can also identify when genetic testing is needed. 

Hermanson says, “If your mom or your dad has a history of blood clots then I would be a little more hesitant to place one of my patients on birth control pills or I may want to do some testing before I placed them on birth control pills.” 

Conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some types of cancer can be passed on from generation to generation. But in many cases, they can be prevented. That's why Hermanson says it's important you start the conversation. 

She says, “I think you should ask your parents what medical problems they have, what medications they're on maybe and so then you can ask them why are they on that medication.” 

My Family Health Portrait