Ask Us Anything About … Family Health History

As researchers learn that more health conditions have genetic links, it’s more important than ever for patients to know their family’s health history.

Dr. Mack Ruffin, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, says it’s most important for patients to know what diseases family members once had and when they were diagnosed. Family history and lifestyle go hand-in-hand in determining a patient’s likelihood of developing issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Watch Ruffin answer questions on the latest Ask Us Anything About (AUAA) and view all the AUAA videos on the Penn State Health News website.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.