A recent survey found that 96 percent of Americans believe it’s important to know their family medical history, yet only a third actually gather specifics, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It’s important that older relatives share their medical histories with younger generations. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends collecting family medical histories at family reunions and holidays.

Then you can keep your family medical history current by using free web services such as the government’s Family Health Portrait Tool (http://fam-ilyhistory.hhs.gov).

Information collected about grandparents and other family members is organized into a diagram for health care professionals to better individualize diagnosis, treatment and prevention plans.  — statepoint media