Fourth Grade
Worksheets
Your Family's History
Family History Day
Reading Comprehension for June 14
If someone asked you about your family history, what would you think they meant? They might possibly be asking where your ancestors came from or the things that they did. They might also be asking about your family's health history.
You might think it's something for your doctor to worry about, but that is a very short-sighted way of looking at things. We all have some control over our health, and we should not ignore it just because it seems to be good for now. Many common diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease run in families. Do they run in yours? One way you can take care of your health is by making a family health history chart.
First, write down your own name, and after it, write any health problems you might have. If you have asthma or allergies, be sure to include them. Did you get ear infections when you were small? Write that down, too.
After you have written about yourself, try writing what you know about your siblings. Do any of them have health problems, even mild ones? You can even make notes about which family members wear glasses or contact lenses. Things that affect your brother's or sister's health can have an effect on yours too at a later date. The closer someone is related to you by blood, the more similar your health is likely to be.
