Genogram Family History, Essay Example

According to the genogram, the only health risks that are revealed in the family history are heart disease, cancer and stroke. In addition, there were risks noted for alcoholism and drug abuse. The maternal mother, Beverly Martin had cancer. The type of cancer was a bone cancer. The maternal mother; however, did not pass away and survived the cancer. In addition, there is a history of stroke through the maternal side of the family. The grandfather, James Drummond, died of a stroke. It should be noted that the maternal grandfather also had alcoholism. On the paternal side of the family there is history of cancer, heart disease, and alcoholism and drug abuse. The paternal father, Ranold Martin, has a history of drug abuse. In addition, the paternal father’s brother, Mark Martin had alcohol abuse. The paternal grandfather, Alan Martin had lymphoma at a younger age of 50, survived, and then had a massive heart attack at 82 years of age. Although there are some health risks shown in this diagram, the major causes of death in this family occurred from stroke and heart attack. It is worthwhile to note that although there was history of heart attack and stroke, the grandfathers were at an older age and therefore, the diseases could be related to old age. There was no history of mental retardation, genetic disorders and early deaths from paternal or maternal sides of the family and there were no early deaths noted in the great grandparent sides of the family. The major diseases that could possibly put the new generation at risk are cancer, heart disease, and stroke, as well as alcoholism and drug abuse. Alcoholism and drug abuse is also related to heart disease and stroke. In order to prevent these health risks, a healthy diet and exercise plan should be implemented in the current and new generations. According to the Center for Disease Control (2009), exercise and a healthy diet is essential to prevent obesity, which can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. In addition, alcohol and drug abuse can also increase the risk for a stroke or heart disease; therefore, alcohol and smoking should be limited or eliminated fully for the family members at risk. In regard to cancer, this could possibly be a genetic disease and individuals directly related to the person with the history of cancer should be monitored on a regular basis by their doctor.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm

GenoPro. (2012). Introduction to the Genogram. Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from: http://www.genopro.com/genogram/