Creating a family medical history is a great idea. In order to do this, there are several steps to take. To start, you should speak with immediate family members include parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings, and children. You should ask for specific information including their age, if they have any chronic health conditions or serious illnesses. Follow up by asking if they know about any birth defects, developmental problems, or illnesses that they or other family members have. You should also ask about the causes of death for their family members. The next step is to fill in the information gaps by checking public records or newspapers. Continue updating the family medical history and be sure to share it with your doctor so they can make informed decisions regarding your health.