Health Problems (NAPS)—When it comes to family health problems, the apple may notfall far from the tree. A Diseases that tend to run tool to help you identify certain diseases and conditions that may Coronary heart diseases, the leading cause of death among American women health history tree can be a useful run in your family. To help womenjoin with family members in learning more about their family’s medical history, Pfizer Women’s Health has launched GenerationalHealth.com, a computer-generated family health tree. At this site, you can record the medical health data of in families include: Depression, which is about twice as common among women as among men Diabetes, which is associated in women with a 3 to 7 times greaterrisk for coronary heart disease than people without diabetes @ GenerationalHealth.com offers two generations of relatives. a list of resources as well as links information is entered, the family health tree automatically cer Society, Breast Cancer Re- Once a family’s medical history highlights recurring medical conditions. The personalized health tree can then be printed to be shared with family mem- bers, if you wish, and discussed with a healthcare professional. “This type of health informa- tion can be critical in identifying certain diseases and conditions that may run in the family,” said Raye Lynn Alford, Ph.D., a genetic scientist at Baylor College of Med- to Web sites of health organizations, such as the American Can- source Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Psychi- atric Association, and others. “GenerationalHealth.com allows the visitor to easily create a health history that can help families record and identify certain conditions and diseases that have affected them,” stated Ruth Merkatz, R.N., Ph.D., Director of Pfizer Women’s Health. “By helping us to learn more about our family’s icine. “A family health tree can be health, GenerationalHealth.com family health history. This computerized version simplifies the early symptomsof certain heredi- an invaluable tool for recording process of recording and updating health information.” The site also provides information on various conditions and dis- eases that may be hereditary, as well as the role that heredity may play in their development. These conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, and diabetes. The site also features suggestions on what can be done to focus on prevention, including potential risk factors, early detection, and management of these conditions. may increase interest in adopting healthy behaviors, identifying the tary diseases, and seeking treatment whennecessary.” Some diseases with a genetic component, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, may pose serious health risks to women. Through its support of research, advocacy, and education, Pfizer Women’s Health strives to provide health information and valuable tools to help women around the world live healthier lives. For more information on Pfizer Women’s Health, visit www.PfizerWomens Health.com, or call 1-800-361-3546, extension 105. won ne anne nnn e een n eee e een e eee PPTL anne eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: References: 1. Mosca L, Manson, JE, Sutherland SE, Langer RD, Manolio T, Barrett-Connor E. Car- diovascular disease in women. A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation_1997;96: 2468-2482. 2. Endicott J, Weissman NM, Yonkers KA. What’s unique about depression in women? Patient Care. August 15, 1996:104-115.
