National Family Health History Day

National Family Health History Day is observed in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It’s a day to cherish loved ones and address important health concerns together—what could be more important than family?

History

The purpose of this holiday is simple: gather your relatives for an open discussion about your family’s health history. Today’s focus might be on serious illnesses such as cancer, which can run in families. Sharing this information can help with early prevention and screening! Older relatives often have valuable insights and stories about past generations’ health experiences.

Interesting Facts

• Before anesthesia, surgical procedures were unbearably painful. In 1846 American dentist William Morton demonstrated the use of ether by removing a jaw tumor from an unconscious patient, witnessed by a large audience.
• Until the mid-1800s, surgeons rarely washed their hands or disinfected instruments—resulting in frequent postoperative infections.
• Today, over 450 million people worldwide have diabetes. Before insulin therapy existed, the disease was often fatal, leading to blindness, liver failure, and kidney damage.

How to Take Part

• Host a family dinner and invite relatives near and far—call or video-chat with those who live elsewhere.
• Prepare a simple questionnaire to guide your health-history discussion.
• Encourage everyone to share known conditions, ages of diagnosis, and any lifestyle factors.
• Compile the information into a family health record to help with future screenings and doctor visits.

When is National Family Health History Day in 2025?

National Family Health History Day is observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year.

Observations