How Much Do You Know About Your Family's Health History?

7 ways your family health history helps

You may have a lot in common with your family members. Think about it. Has anybody ever told you, “You have your mom’s eyes,” or “You have your grandfather’s nose”?

Your genes help paint a picture of who you are. They help determine your eye, hair, and skin color. They affect how you look, some ways you behave, and even your blood type. But most importantly, they can help doctors learn what kinds of health problems might be passed on to you.

Know your health history roots

Put simply, your health history family tree—often called your family medical history—is a record of illnesses and health conditions that run in your family. These illnesses and conditions can range from cancer to heart disease to high blood pressure.

Chances are you have a family member who suffers from some type of health condition. If you do, you may have a higher chance of developing this condition as well. By knowing your health history family tree, you can pass this information along to your doctor.

Planting your health history family tree

While a health history family tree can’t predict the future of your health, it can be a vital tool for your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, your family medical history can help doctors:¹

Identify medical conditions and determine your risk of certain diseases

Recommend treatments or ways to lower your risks

Determine which screenings and tests to run on you

Create a schedule for the frequency you should be tested for certain conditions

Decide whether you or family members should get a specific genetic test

Establish whether other family members are at risk of developing a certain disease

Predict your potential of passing a condition on to your children

The sooner you start developing your healthy history family tree, the earlier you can begin to use it to help protect your health.

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Medical Plans

Humana group medical plans are offered by Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00235-0008, Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation, or Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc., or insured by Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00187-0009, or administered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. or insured by Humana Insurance Company. Administered by Humana Insurance Company.

Go365^® is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

Individual Dental and Vision Plans

Humana Individual dental and vision plans are insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. or Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. Discount plans offered by HumanaDental Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company. For Arizona residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. For Texas residents: Insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company or DentiCare, Inc (d/b/a Compbenefits).

In states, and for products where applicable, the premium may include a $1 administrative fee. If you have purchased an association plan, an association fee may also apply. Some plans may also charge a one-time, non-refundable enrollment fee. (This fee is non-refundable as allowed by state).

A minimum one-year, initial contract period may be required for some dental and vision plans, excluding Dental Savings Plus

Group Dental and Vision Plans (Insurance through your employer)

Humana group dental plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Utah, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Humana group vision plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance Company of New York, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, or The Dental Concern, Inc.

Life Insurance Plans

Humana group life plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky.

Limitations and exclusions

This communication provides a general description of certain identified insurance or non-insurance benefits provided under one or more of our health benefit plans. Our health benefit plans have exclusions and limitations and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, refer to the plan document or call or write Humana, or your Humana insurance agent or broker. In the event of any disagreement between this communication and the plan document, the plan document will control.

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7 ways your family health history helps

Know your health history roots

Planting your health history family tree

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