Family Health History - Coursework Example

Running Head: FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY REPORT Family Health History Report Name Institution Date Report for family health history Introduction The report represented in this paper on the health history of my family will comprehensively cover the medical condition affecting supposedly ten key family members’, their ages, the disease onset, possible causes of death and other relevant information on their health. Moreover, the psychological and behavioral history of these members will be accessed. My report will predominantly focus on my mother’s side of the family since I was only raised by my mother ever since I was 3years old. Soon after my parents divorced, I have had no contact with my father. The first section of this paper will generally focus on identifying the disease trends in each family member. In the section that follows, relevant literature will be reviewed in reference to the medical conditions identified in the family members. The final section of this paper will comprise of my personal action plan aimed on maintaining good health patterns in regard to the identified patterns in the health history of my family members. Family health history Grandfather’s mother My grandfather’s mother was presumably born in May 1911 and died in September 1962. Her husband, my grandfather’s father died during the war and as a result, she had to raise my grandfather and his older sister on her own. The bereavement of her husband affected her psychologically, she vehemently wept and mourned for the death of her husband. Furthermore, the death of her husband brought about economic struggles given the fact that he was the bread winner and they lived in a very poor countryside thus she could not access help from her close relatives. The burden of supporting her family on her own caused her to work as a farm helper in a nearby farm. As a farm helper she worked excessively for long hours, carrying out strenuous physical tasks such as walking 5km from the market to the farm while carrying 10kg of water or fruit. The traditional diet in the hometown that she lived in was highly saturated. As a preservative measure she would excessively salt down all meat and fishes so that they can be persevered for later use. Vegetable and fruits were rarely part of her diet. In her entire lifetime she never visited any doctor or physician. She presumably died from stroke at the age of 51during her normal working day at the farm. Grandfather My grandfather was allegedly born in August 1938. The economic tussles in the 1980 greatly affected him psychologically since he needed a lot of money to take care of his three children and to undergo an operation in a well equipped hospital in the city. Moreover feelings of despair during his old age greatly affected him psychologically subsequent to his first stroke. The later stage of grandfather’s life was characterized by despondency and despair since he tolerated negative thoughts. He habitually, thought that there was absolutely nothing to care for and that he was a burden to the family. During his time, the traditional diet in the hometown was highly saturated since all meat and fishes had to be salted in order to preserve them for later use. Moreover, grandfather loved to eat oiled, sweet and fried foods such as deserts, pork skin, chicken skin and rice. Vegetables, fruits and spiced food were rarely part of his diet. Grandfather also had a smoking history, he started smoking one pack a day at the tender age of six. Grandfather also had the habit of drinking five pots of red tea on a daily basis even after getting stroke. However, he never consumed any alcohol. His leisure activity centered on playing Mah-jong. The first stroke grandfather experienced was when he was 60 years old. Similarly he was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Cataract. Five years later experienced his second stroke and was diagnosed with Benign Bladder Tumor. Consequently, he was operated on and his tumor was removed. His third stroke occurred when he was 71 years old, it allegedly caused his death. Grandmother My grandmother was presumably born in October 1940. Her life was generally characterized by worry and anxiety since she would often worry about little things. She was emotionally weak and was often times terrified by small things. In such instances her body would shake, she would also experience insomnia and palpitation as the after-effects. At the age of 38 she was diagnosed Hyperthyroidism this condition was spurred by an occurrence whereby she was nearly run over by a truck subsequent to this experience insomnia and palpitations were the after effects. In 1980 at the Guangzhou hospital she was operated on in order to remove the Hyperthyroidism this operation caused her to lose nearly 30kg of her total weight. Afterwards she was diagnosed Rheumatoid. In 1995 she was also diagnosed with Cataract nevertheless this condition was addressed through an operation. Traditional diet in the home town that she lived in was to large extent highly saturated since all meat and fish dishes were salted for later use. Grandmother loved to eat vegetables and fruits however she rarely consumed spicy foods. At around the age of 15 years two of the best. she started smoking one to two cigarettes per day. She hardly consumed alcohol but loved to drink little tea. During rainy and stormy seasons grandmother would experience pain in her ankle. She would exercise on a daily basis and centered her leisure time on playing Mah-jong. Grandfather’s Older Sister My grandfather’s older sister was allegedly born in September 1933. During her mid her she had the burden of solely taking care of her five children and both of her parents who were largely dependant this greatly affected her psychologically. On reaching 47 years she was thereby diagnosed and the results with masters with high blood pressure. Two years later she was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. Traditional diet in her hometown was as well highly saturated. Meat and fish dishes had to be salted in so as to protect them for later use. Furthermore, grandfather’s older sister loved to eat oiled, sweet and fried foods such as deserts, pork skin, chicken skin and rice. Vegetable and fruits were as well included in her regular diet. Spicy foods were not part of her diet. She also loved to play Mah-jong an exercise as Tai Chi a few times in a week. Uncle (Mum’s younger brother). My uncle is generally an introvert and calm man. He was born in May 1965.Subsequent to his divorce in 2006, his two children were allegedly under his care. This has over the course of time caused him psychological distress since it poses to be an economic burden looking after his two children alone. My uncle’s regular diet was basically comprised of sweet and oily foods such as pork and chicken skin. Rice was largely part of his daily diet, he however shunned from spicy foods. He began smoking at the age of twenty taking at least one packet a day. Nevertheless, when he clocked the age of 35 years he successfully overcame the habit. Uncle hardly drank alcohol, then again he regularly exercised Chinese Kung-Fu and Tai Chi. As a result of his psychological distress, eating and smoking habits he was allegedly diagnosed with Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the age of 39 years. Fortunately he was subjected under advanced treatment such that he was drastically restored to health. The doctors also ascertained that he was bound to contact the Hepatitis B infection since his wife was supposedly infected. Cousin A (uncle’s daughter). Uncle’s daughter has a generally calm and introverted disposition like is father. Subsequent to her parents divorce she became depressive. She has the habit of eating high calorie diets and in most cases she skips breakfast. Her regular diets are characterized by sweet and oily foods such as desert, chicken and pork skin. At a tender age of 2 years she started experiencing nose bleeding issues. Moreover, she had convulsions whenever she got angry during her childhood. In 2007 she was diagnosed with benign fibro adenoma of breast an operation was conducted as a method of intervention. She has as well been ailing from myopia ever since she was 11years old. Cousin B (Uncle Son). Uncle’s son was born in December 1997. Like his sister he had nose bleeding issues ever since he was one year old. He easily gets terrified. In such instances his face colour changes to green and pale. His regular diet is characterized by sweet food, desert, fried foods, salty foods and oiled foods such as chicken skin and pork skin. His regular diet also consists of vegetables, fruits, spicy food and high calories. Aunt (mother’s younger sister). Mother’s younger sister, was presumably born in December 1968. She easily gets agitated and anxious. She generally loves to exercise and eat healthy. She has a slender body structure. When she was 18 years of age she was diagnosed to have an inflammation of Tonsils which was successfully removed through an operation. At the same time she has diagnosed with Dormant Hyperthyroidism. Cousin C (Aunt’s son) Aunt’s son was born in December 1991. His mother allegedly put a lot of pressure to perform in his academics and as result he became overly depressed. His life is characterized by intake of healthy diet and regular exercise after dinner by walking. At the age of 7 years he was allegedly diagnosed with Myopia. Mother My mother was born in May 1962. After her divorce with my father, she lost the job she was a performing very well. The loss of her job brought about economic strain. Consequently, she was in most cases depressed and anxious. Over the course of time she got a job as a hotel manager. In this job she works for longer hours, she spends long hours standing. Moreover, she is often times busy such that she has both times to eat her meals. She also sleeps late. In the hometown that she grew up in, their traditional diet comprised of highly saturated meals. She habitually loved to eat sweet and oily foods such as deserts, rice, chicken skin and pork skin. However, she hardly consumed alcohol or take food with spices. At the age of 35 years mother was diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis, this condition can be attributed to her excessive working hours. In most cases she feels numb in her finger and legs. Mother has as well suffered from Beriberi which came as a result of standing for long hours while wearing leather shoes. She has also had cases of hypertension. Ever since she was 38 years she urged by the doctor to wear presbyopic glasses. Literature Review In reference to my family’s health history report key trends of disorders identified include, stroke, cataract, Benign Bladder Tumor, Hepatitis B, Myopia, Cervical Spondylosis and Rheumatoid among many others. This literature review will tend to focus on two conditions that are common among the members of my family namely, Stroke and Myopia. The literature review on stroke will be based on books like “Stroke: the comprehensive and medically accurate manual about stroke and how to deal with it” by Anthony Rudd and Bridget Penhale. “Stroke: a critical approach to diagnosis, treatment and management” by Derick Wade. The literature review on Myopia will be based on the book, “General ophthalmology” by Daniel Vaughan and Taylor Asbury (Population Research Centre, 1993). Stroke A stroke can be referred to as a rapid processes that cause the loss of brain functioning. Stroke was in the past referred to as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The loss of brain functioning comes as a result interference of blood supply in the brain. This condition of lack of blood supply is referred to as ischemia and it is often times caused by embolism or thrombosis which come as a result of a hemorrhage. Consequently, the area of the brain that is affected by this condition is unable to function thus causing the limbs of the person affected to become immobile. Moreover, the persons affected generally become unable to formulate or understand any form of instruction, they also find it hard to see the alternative side of a visual field. (Rudd& Penhale, 2005). Statistics devised by the World Health Organization indicate that stroke is the leading condition that causes adult disability in Europe and the United States. In the United Kingdom it is the second cause of the increasing mortality rates (Capildeo, 1982). Generally, it is the third leading cause of deaths worldwide after heart attacks and cancer. Factors that can be attributed to stroke include hypertension or high blood pressure, advanced age, transient ischemic or stroke attacks, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation and diabetes among many others. However, the most significant risk factor of stroke is high blood pressure (Rudd& Penhale, 2005). Strokes can be grouped into two main categories namely, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemia stroke occurs due to the disturbance of blood supply in the brain. This kind of stroke occurs when blood supply in some parts of the brain is essentially decreased this leads to the dysfunction of a number of brain tissues. The disruption of blood supply in the brain is in most cases brought about by systematic hypoperfusion and emerging blood clots. 80% of the strokes that occur yearly are as a result of Ischemia. On the other hand, hemorrhagic stroke occurs as a result of the rapture in blood vessels. Hemorrhages can start as ischemic stroke. When blood vessels in the brain rapture bleeding occur and cover the surrounding tissues consequently parts of the brain are deprived of blood and oxygen. Furthermore, this causes swelling in some of the brain tissues. Blood accumulation from the hemorrhage also increases the pressure that is within the skull and brings about more damage by pressing the brain adjacent to the bony skull thus causing stroke (Fuchs, 2001). Signs and symptoms associated with stroke manifests themselves suddenly and in most instances these signs and symptoms do not progress. However, the symptoms and signs that are manifested largely depend on which part of the brain is affected. When a large part of the brain is affected, key parts of the body experience lose their functioning mechanisms. Nevertheless most strokes are associated with consistent headaches (Rudd& Penhale, 2005). A number of mechanisms have over the course of time been proposed in an effort to increase the recognition of potential symptoms and signs of stroke. For instance, in 1994 a systematic review evaluated how the different mechanisms of physical examination can predict the existence or absence of stroke. Nonetheless the common signs or symptoms associated with stroke include the reduction of vibratory sensation or sensory, numbness, weakness in the face muscles, hemiplegia, alteration in movement, alteration in coordination, confusion, disorganized thinking, memory deficit, alteration breathing and heart beat rate among many other symptoms and signs. Medication, surgery, rehabilitation and hospital care are some of the designated stroke treatment. Surgical procedures can be carried out on blocked arteries in order to facilitate the in flow of blood to and fro the brain. The most common surgical procedures performed on stroke victims include, cerebral angioplasty and carotid endarterectomy. The use of tissue plasiminogen activator (TPA) is also another method of treating. Though risky, this method generally involves dissolving clots and restoring blood flow in the brain. Therapy can as well be administered to patients with stroke as this assist in preventing numbness and coordination dysfunctions. Moreover, hyperbaric oxygen can be used to treat patients who show ischemic neurological symptoms. Inducing heart treatment to patients with stroke can play a great role in the treatment of stroke. This procedure can be carried out due to the fact that clots that form in the heart valves can pass through the brain and cause a stroke (Wade, 1985). Myopia Myopia is generally a refractive defect of the eye which causes the collimated light waves to showcase image focus in front of the retina in cases whereby accommodation is relaxed. This condition is also referred to as nearsightedness or shortsightedness. Individuals with this condition tend to clearly see objects that are near. However, objects that are far appear blurred to them. Individuals suffering form Myopia have long eyeballs or steep cornea and as a result, images most images are focused in the vitreous side of the eye instead of the back of the eye which has the retina. The degree of myopia is measured in diopters or optical power. Low myopia ranges from- 3.00 diopters. High myopia ranges from-6.00 diopters. The global prevalence of Myopia is esteemed to be 800million (Vaughan & Asbury, 1980). Myopia is in most cases classified according to the cause of the condition. For instance, Index myopia comes as a result of the variation of ocular media in the index variation. Axial myopia is associated with the increase of the length of the eye’s axial. Curvature myopia comes as a result of excessive presence of curvature in the refractive surfaces of the eye such as the cornea. Refractive myopia can be attributed to the existence of refractive elements in the eye. A number of studies indicate that there is congenital relationship between IQ and Myopia. In reference to Arthur Jensen, individual with myopia average 7-8 points of IQ higher as compared with individuals without myopia (Schneider, 2001). There are about two established causes of Myopia namely, form deprivation and optical defocus. Form deprivation can be attributed to the reduction of the retina’s image quality. On the other hand, optical defocus is attributed to the loss of light focus behind or in front of the retina. Alternatively, a number theories revolving around the cause of myopia have been formulated (Ernst, 1885). For instance, combinations of environmental and genetic factors have been linked to myopia. Some theorists claim that genetic factors or the hereditability of myopia have greatly contributed to the cases of myopia. Furthermore, environmental aspects such as nightlights and lifestyle trends have also played a role in increasing myopia cases. Diagnosis of myopia can be simply conducted by a retinoscope or autorefractor during an eye examination. Primary options of treating or managing myopia include refractive surgery, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Orthokeratology, also reduces myopia the process involves the use of special contact lenses that are rigid in order to flatten the cornea. Despite the fact that there are no concrete measures of preventing myopia, commonly used measures of preventing myopia include, participating in out door activities, wearing reading glasses and using appropriate eye drops. Additionally, current medical research indicates that daylight prevents myopia. (Vaughan &Asbury, 1980). Action Plan The trends and conditions portrayed by my family’s health history are indeed saddening. The trends of diseases identified in this report include, stroke, Benign Bladder Tumor, myopia, cataract, Rheumatoid, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Cervical Spondylosis among many others. These trends of diseases can be attributed to the family historical traditional diet of oily foods that is highly saturated with salt. The intake of this type of diet is highly unhealthy as it contributes to high blood pressure. Moreover, certain trends such as smoking, depression, lack of exercise have as well greatly contributed to the listed conditions. On a positive note, this conditions and unhealthy trends can be managed and prevented through the action plan that I have devised. Foremost, my initial action plan entails enlightening myself on the effects of unhealthy diets such as oily and saturated foods. I further intend to improve my personal diet by incorporating vitamins, proteins and avoiding excessive consumption of oily and saturated foods. Dietary habits are generally the habitual choices made by a person or a certain culture in regard to the food they choose to eat. As observed from the study of each culture has its on preferences on the kind of diet they consume. I find it vital to educate myself on what appropriate or healthy diet entails. Additionally, I will make correct choices on the appropriate diet to intake. This is mainly because dietary choices make a person more or less healthy. These choices also play a great role in determining ones health or mortality (World Health Organization, 2008). Suitable diet requires the ingestion of appropriate proportions of vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and food energy. Ignorance or lack of knowledge on the correct dietary choice is one of the key challenges that I face and as a result it has contributed to wrong dietary choices which have in turn contributed to health deterioration and poor body functioning. Personally, I can eradicate ignorance and lack of knowledge on nutrition by reading appropriate literature on nutrition and dietary choices. Secondly, I intend on enlighten myself on the value of exercising regularly. Physical exercises enhance and maintain an individual’s overall health and physical fitness. Exercising promotes the strengthening of muscles and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It assists in sustaining a healthy weight and the enhancement of an individual well being thus minimizing surgical risks. The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone are as well reduced through exercises. Current research shows that regular exercises help to treat and prevent chronic conditions that are life threatening such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression and insomnia. Research also shows that exercising is generally beneficial to the brain since it increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain this can help to prevent stroke. Moreover, physical exercises increase the formation of chemical in the brain which helps cognitive function. Individuals who exercise are less likely to develop dementia. In a nutshell exercising is invaluable to the overall well being of an individual. There is therefore need that get clear information on the appropriate exercising methods. I also intend on exercising regularly (Capildeo, 1982). Depression and psychological disturbance are key trends among most of my family members. Given the fact that frustrations and challenges are inevitable in life there is therefore need that I personally learn to cope and respond to challenges positively. This goal can be actualized by going for assertiveness trainings. As an action plan of curbing the disease trends in my family that come as a result of psychological disturbance I intend to go for professional assertiveness trainings as this would equip me with effective skills of dealing with setbacks and frustrations (Lewis, 2007). Depression generally drains away ones energy thus making it difficult for the individual to cope. Besides assertiveness training, a key method of overcoming depression and psychological disturbance entails cultivating relationships that are supportive. Support plays a crucial role in helping me to overcome depression and stress. Lack of support from close family members leaves an individual overwhelmed and plagued. In order to prevent depression and psychological disturbance among family members I intend to cultivate relationships that are empathetic and supportive. Managing stress can as well assist in preventing depression and psychological disturbance. Information on how to manage stress would essentially assist me to handle stress related situations. A key aspect of managing stress requires one to identify those factors that cause stress. After I have identified these factors, then I can easily can embark on dealing with stressors. For instance, if work is the stressor, I can either take a day off from work or a short leave as this will help give me time to rest and rejuvenate my strength. Seeking professional help from clinical psychologists, cognitive psychologists, counselors or therapist can also aid in managing and preventing stress, depression and psychological disturbances. Smoking, a common trend in my family has played a great role in contributing to a number of illnesses experienced by some family members. This habit poses a number of health risks especially to the cardiovascular system. Research shows that smoking related illnesses are amongst the world leading killers. Medical research also shows that smoking increases risks of lung, pharynx and kidney cancer. Due to the hazardous effects of smoking, I intend to maintain my status of being a non- smoker. Personally, I also intend to keep away from second hand smoke as this can as well contribute to smoke related illnesses. Despite the fact that bringing to an end the habit of smoking is hard certain procedures can be followed in order to do way with smoking. Seeking professional help and self determination can enable one to stop smoking. As far as genetically inherited conditions are concerned, it is important that I should regularly visit the doctor for checkup as this will facilitate the detection of critical conditions that need immediate treatment. Earlier detection of these conditions will as well prevent the progression of these diseases (Lewis, 2007). I will therefore ensure that I regularly visit the doctor for checkups. References Lewis S. M. (2007). Medical-surgical nursing. Assessment and management of clinical problems, 3 (4) 283-290. Capildeo, R. (1982) Stroke: the facts. Birmingham: Oxford University Press. Ernst, G. (1885).The causes as well prevention of blindness. Michigan: Tindall & Cox Publishers. Fuchs, E. (2001). Text-book of ophthalmology. L. Jersey: J.B. Lippincott Company. Population Research Centre, (1993). Global envirom family health examination. MCH and family planning, 2(1) 120-129. Rudd, A, & Penhale, B. (2005). Stroke: the comprehensive and medically accurate manual about stroke and how to deal with it, 2(3) 432-9. Schneider, L. S. (2001). A.D.A.M. Illustrated Family Health Guide. New York: A.D.A.M., Inc. Vaughan, D & Asbury, T. (1980). General ophthalmology. California: Lange Medical Publications. Wade, D. (1985). Stroke: a critical technique to diagnosis, healing and management. Michigan: Year book medical Publishers. World Health Organization, (2008). The World Health Report 2008: Primary Health Care Now More Than Ever, 3(2) 153-159. Read More

The economic tussles in the 1980 greatly affected him psychologically since he needed a lot of money to take care of his three children and to undergo an operation in a well equipped hospital in the city. Moreover feelings of despair during his old age greatly affected him psychologically subsequent to his first stroke. The later stage of grandfather’s life was characterized by despondency and despair since he tolerated negative thoughts. He habitually, thought that there was absolutely nothing to care for and that he was a burden to the family.

During his time, the traditional diet in the hometown was highly saturated since all meat and fishes had to be salted in order to preserve them for later use. Moreover, grandfather loved to eat oiled, sweet and fried foods such as deserts, pork skin, chicken skin and rice. Vegetables, fruits and spiced food were rarely part of his diet. Grandfather also had a smoking history, he started smoking one pack a day at the tender age of six. Grandfather also had the habit of drinking five pots of red tea on a daily basis even after getting stroke.

However, he never consumed any alcohol. His leisure activity centered on playing Mah-jong. The first stroke grandfather experienced was when he was 60 years old. Similarly he was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Cataract. Five years later experienced his second stroke and was diagnosed with Benign Bladder Tumor. Consequently, he was operated on and his tumor was removed. His third stroke occurred when he was 71 years old, it allegedly caused his death. Grandmother My grandmother was presumably born in October 1940.

Her life was generally characterized by worry and anxiety since she would often worry about little things. She was emotionally weak and was often times terrified by small things. In such instances her body would shake, she would also experience insomnia and palpitation as the after-effects. At the age of 38 she was diagnosed Hyperthyroidism this condition was spurred by an occurrence whereby she was nearly run over by a truck subsequent to this experience insomnia and palpitations were the after effects.

In 1980 at the Guangzhou hospital she was operated on in order to remove the Hyperthyroidism this operation caused her to lose nearly 30kg of her total weight. Afterwards she was diagnosed Rheumatoid. In 1995 she was also diagnosed with Cataract nevertheless this condition was addressed through an operation. Traditional diet in the home town that she lived in was to large extent highly saturated since all meat and fish dishes were salted for later use. Grandmother loved to eat vegetables and fruits however she rarely consumed spicy foods.

At around the age of 15 years two of the best. she started smoking one to two cigarettes per day. She hardly consumed alcohol but loved to drink little tea. During rainy and stormy seasons grandmother would experience pain in her ankle. She would exercise on a daily basis and centered her leisure time on playing Mah-jong. Grandfather’s Older Sister My grandfather’s older sister was allegedly born in September 1933. During her mid her she had the burden of solely taking care of her five children and both of her parents who were largely dependant this greatly affected her psychologically.

On reaching 47 years she was thereby diagnosed and the results with masters with high blood pressure. Two years later she was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. Traditional diet in her hometown was as well highly saturated. Meat and fish dishes had to be salted in so as to protect them for later use. Furthermore, grandfather’s older sister loved to eat oiled, sweet and fried foods such as deserts, pork skin, chicken skin and rice. Vegetable and fruits were as well included in her regular diet.

Spicy foods were not part of her diet. She also loved to play Mah-jong an exercise as Tai Chi a few times in a week. Uncle (Mum’s younger brother). My uncle is generally an introvert and calm man. He was born in May 1965.

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