Family Health History Month
November is National Family Health History Month!
November is National Family Health History Month, and it’s a great time to talk to your family about your cardiac condition.
Family Health History Month is a national initiative that encourages families to share their medical history with relatives who may also be affected – and possibly save their lives!
Family Health History Month is particularly important for the SADS community. SADS conditions are genetic – meaning that if you’re affected, people in your family may be affected too (including aunts and uncles, cousins, and extended family).
By reaching out to your family and making them aware of your condition (and the possibility that they could be affected too), you could save the life of a loved one, or even a distant relative!
SADS conditions are treatable, but only if the person affected is diagnosed. Encourage your family members to get screened as soon as possible; if you or a family member need help finding a heart rhythm specialist, click below.
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Learn more about Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing survey for Family Health History Month
The Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation is gathering information about genetic testing from our families affected by a SADS condition. Please take about five minutes to complete this survey for us. Your answers to this brief survey will help SADS improve genetic testing and counseling for more families. Your information is confidential. Survey results will be reported in aggregate only– see our privacy policy for more information
Take the Survey
How can I participate in Family Health History Month?
Watch our genetic testing roadmap with Dr. Michael Ackerman to learn more about genetic testing – and how to keep you & your family members safe.
Fill out your family pedigree to learn who might be affected in your family.
Sign up to watch the recording of our Genetic Testing Webinar. Learn more about genetic testing here.
Talk with your family members and let them know about your SADS condition (see tips below).
What do your family members need to know?
It can be hard to know how to start conversations about SADS, especially with family members you aren’t regularly in contact with. If you haven’t told everyone in your extended family about you or your child’s condition, we have some points below that you can email to help start the conversation. We’re also happy to contact family members for you and answer any questions directly.
Our email script that you can copy and send to your family members
Follow our instructions to make a family tree (pedigree)
Learn more from a cardiac genetic counselor