WHY YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY MATTERS

 How much of our health is dependent on our family lineage? We find out!

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Many believe that health disorders come from their family’s genetic makeup. It’s a valid assumption, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. We unpack a few common health issues to find out how you can improve your chances at life.

ARTHRITIS
Inflammation and stiffness of the joints are often debilitating, decreasing one’s overall quality of life. Around 35-60% of arthritis cases do have a genetic component. If your family has this condition in the form of gout, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, then you should get checked by your GP.

In these cases of inheritance, mutations have occurred in the genes that generate collagen, making individuals more susceptible to joint disorders. But other factors can play a bigger role in developing arthritis. These include obesity, previous physical injuries, and age. Arthritis can also be found in children of parents with autoimmune diseases – between one and four in every 1 000 are affected.

“Due to the misconception that arthritis affects only older people, there are sadly thousands of children suffering from the illness who are not correctly diagnosed and therefore do not receive the proper treatment,” says Dr Bhadrish Mistry, a paediatric rheumatologist practising at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital south-east of Johannesburg. Keep an eye on your kids to see if they are limping, have a fever or complain of aches and pains.

“It is important to remember that children are not small adults – they do not communicate in the same way. An adult will usually be able to discuss pain in a straightforward way. Children will often deny they are in pain but may be irritable and have trouble sleeping or playing less. Sometimes quite specific changes can occur, such as an alteration in handwriting, which may indicate problems in the fingers or wrist joint,” she continues.

CANCER
The truth is that the dreaded ‘C’ cannot be passed down the family tree. Cancer lies dormant and is triggered by altered genes and genetic changes that occur inside tumour cells that can’t be transferred from person to person. Although cancer is common, research shows that only 5 to 10% of cancers are hereditary (by way of faulty genes).

Smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle and not eating healthily, are more commonly associated with being the cause of cancer. In South Africa, women are mostly affected by cancer, with breast cancer being the most common form.

“It’s important to realise that not all lumps are cancerous, as menstruation, for example, can make the breasts feel naturally lumpy and not all breast cancer patients have easily discernible lumps, especially as breast tissue is often quite dense in women below the age of 40,” says Dr Gary Sopher, director of oncology at Novartis South Africa.

“Women need to be wary of other early signs like a pain in your breasts or your armpits, any swelling or inflammation in armpits or even your collarbone. Keep an eye out for any changes in skin texture, such as puckering or dimpling, nipple discharge without squeezing, and rashes or redness around the nipple.”

HEART DISEASE
Did you know that in South Africa, heart disease is one of the main causes of death? The SA Heart and Stroke Foundation says 30% of the population has some form of cardiovascular disease, which is an astonishing number of South Africans at risk of a shortened lifespan.

Many people believe that heart disease is hereditary, and there is some truth to this. However, it is, in fact, rare forms of inherited heart conditions, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and environmental factors, that increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. Other than that, there are controllable risk factors, and making small improvements that can save your life.

South African cardiologist, Dr Iftikhar Ebrahim, advises to find out if you have high blood pressure first. This way you can make healthier lifestyle decisions that may ward off heart disease.

“Maintain healthy eating habits, avoid processed foods [fast food] and refined carbohydrates, decrease sugar and salt intake, and increase fruit and vegetable intake. People need to measure their glucose levels and, if they are elevated, visit their doctor for advice and medication. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital to avoid all sugars and carbohydrates.

Take your medication regularly (and on time) and monitor your blood glucose levels. Also, you need 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. Even a brisk walk will lead to a decrease in blood pressure and glucose levels, and assist in losing weight and increasing blood flow.”

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS TO SEE IF THEY’RE LIMPING, HAVE A FEVER OR COMPLAIN OF ACHES AND PAINS

MIGRAINES
Doctors are still battling to pinpoint the cause of a migraine. However, it’s clear that it comes as a result of abnormal brain activity which temporarily affects one’s chemical balance, nerve signals, and blood vessels in the brain.

Research shows that both genetic and environmental factors can lead to migraines. If there are multiple family members who experience migraines, there’s a 50-75% chance of inherited genetic risk that the family shares.

“Those who suffer from frequent attacks should avoid triggers such as excessive sensory stimuli, alcoholic beverages, food additives and dehydration,” says Michelle Reddy, a well-known clinical pharmacist at Life Groenkloof Hospital. “They should also limit stress and sleep disruptions to prevent the onset of migraines. Commonly reported triggers include certain foods, loud noises or weather changes, and behavioural-physiologic triggers such as a lack of sleep or stress.”

For more information and advice on this condition, please visit: heartfoundation.co.za

Images: Gallo/Getty
By: Charndré Emma Kippie