Genealogy and Its Importance

Genealogy has to do with compiling and studying a record or account of the ancestry and descent of a person, family, and/or group. Certain aids are helpful in tracing the family history, including its health history. One of the first aids might be a blank pedigree chart, the second would be a family group form, and the third would be a map. There are three basic kinds of maps which are helpful for the genealogical research: political maps (which show boundaries, mountains, elevations, etc., and distribution of languages, population, crops, temperatures) county maps, and historical maps which include information on landowners and early cemeteries. It is important to notice the differences between historical maps (the way things were in the past) and contemporary maps (the way things are today). One can locate geographic places of one’s ancestry.

The pedigree chart, family group sheets, and other information may be kept in a genealogy computer program. Little items of interest as well as significant information can be kept on the disc. Some of the small fragments of information may seem boring at the time but when it is all put together in the right places it gives a more clear picture of the heritage.

DNA testing has been around for many years but recently it has become affordable. Home DNA test kits can be ordered through the mail or Internet. The cost is $100- $400 per test. The home test is easy to do and normally consists of a cheek swab or mouthwash. In this way cells are collected from the mouth. Within a month or two results of the test are sent back. The DNA test can be used in genealogy studies to find out if individuals are related as well as to study the genetic code of the individual with regard to inherited health risk factors.

There is some concern that the genetic history may be used against the individual for such factors as getting health insurance. It is illegal in many states to use that as a factor to lose or refuse health insurance. There are many historical health cases which can be traced such as anemia, muscular dystrophy, cancer, vision, hearing and the like, all of which may be from a genetic component.