Heart disease, cancer and diabetes may not seem like appropriate topics of conversation on Thanksgiving, but having these discussions with family members can help ensure a brighter and healthier future for yourself and future generations. Since 2004 the United States Surgeon General has declared Thanksgiving to be National Family History Day. Because many Americans spend the holiday with family, it is the perfect opportunity to document family health issues that may carry over from generation to generation. Diseases such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia often run in families and knowing this tendency may just save your life in an emergency. So when you ask Grandma to pass the potatoes this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to also ask her about family illnesses. Make it a priority this year to learn about your past and improve your future!