By Art Gib
 Doctors have known for years that many diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more can be linked through your family tree. If one generation of a family has health problems, it is likely that next generation will have certain genetic problems as well. But how important is gathering a family health history? What kind of benefits can you gain from researching your family's health history and compiling it comprehensively? Tracing the illnesses that plagued your grandparents and great-grandparents can give you an in-depth look at your own health profile, as well as warn you to conditions you may face in the future.
Have you ever tried to gather your family's health history together? Probably not. Only one-third of Americans, who know the importance of gathering health history, have ever tried to compile their family health history to detect patterns of illness through generations. It may seem like a daunting task, but with a little organization, you can use this as a powerful tool to taking charge of your own health.
Gather as much information as you can about your family
health history. Some information to include would be: Birth and death date of each ancestor, along with cause of death, ethnic background of each family member, major illnesses, patterns of chronic health problems, allergies, emotional problems, as well as any habits that may have affected your ancestor's health, ie: tobacco, alcohol or other factors.
Finding this information can be daunting, but get creative! You can talk to relatives who have access to family books, check for obituaries or death certificates or military records. If you have a family Bible, often there will be information with causes of death written in it.
Remember that some family members may be reluctant to share personal information about your ancestors with you. Assure them of your purpose, and ask questions carefully, taking into consideration the delicate nature of questions regarding illness and death. If they don't want to answer fully, respect their privacy and find a different avenue for your research.
Once you've compiled a family health history, you can use it to trace back and see which illnesses seem to run in your family. For instance, if your family has a pattern of high blood pressure, you can be sure and ask your health care professional about monitoring yours more carefully, and adjusting your diet to reflect your heightened risk. Your family health history can be a powerful tool for your own health and the health of generations to come.
SGgenomics Inc (http://www.itrunsinmyfamily.com/) is a family health history website. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
3 Fruits That Are Really Good For You
By Roberto Garabell
 If you're like me, you love fruit. I could eat fruit all day long and be happy. I once got into trouble when I was young because I ate 16 peaches in one day. I didn't have any ill effects, except my mother was not happy that I had eaten half of the peaches she just bought. Fruits can be very healthy for you, too, especially when you eat them raw. here are three fruits that are great healthy foods to eat.
Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used as health food for thousands of years. They have a plentiful suppy of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but their real benefit is glyconutrient polysaccharides found only in goji. Goji berries can be eaten dried, fresh, or as juice.
goji juice has a very pleasant tart yet sweet berry flavor. I have yet to meet someone who did not like the flavor of goji juice.
Noni
The noni fruit has a vast list of health benefits ranging from improved energy to better sexual health. The only real problem with noni is that it doesn't taste good. It is usually eaten as noni juice, and you can mix the noni juice with other fruit juices to make it taste better.
Cherries
Black cherries have a very high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help your body fight free radicals. Cherries are great eaten fresh, in fruit salads, as juice, or cooked. Try not to use sugar with your cherries, though, as you might counter the health benefits.
Want some fruit juice that will improve your health? Try GoChi or noni juice. Visit http://www.nonijuicegoodness.com
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