| Family history, lineage and descent can be traced | | | | through genes and are therefore hereditary. By |
| through the study of genealogy. In ancient terms, | | | | knowing what your ancestors suffered from in |
| its origins come from two Greek words: "genea" | | | | the past, you are better equipped to battle these |
| which means descent and "logos" which means | | | | diseases and perhaps even prevent them. |
| knowledge. Thus, the study of genealogy was | | | | Diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart attack and |
| born, and the term genealogy became widely | | | | high blood pressure can be passed on down the |
| used to refer to the study of family ancestry. | | | | family tree. If you know about these diseases |
| But beyond the history that obviously underlies | | | | being present in your family's bloodline, then you |
| this ancient practice of tracing lineage and descent | | | | can prepare yourself better in preventing them. |
| through the storied halls of the past, lies the very | | | | So where should you start? With the wealth of |
| heart of the purpose of genealogy. Research into | | | | information available, picking where to begin can |
| family lineage and descent has persisted over | | | | be an overwhelming task, and even more |
| time not just because of political importance or | | | | overwhelming than that is the work required to |
| personal interest but also of the basic human | | | | unearth this information that seems to be there |
| need to fully understand the present self that | | | | but is buried in paperwork or in human memory. |
| stands on the shoulders of history. | | | | Don't be overwhelmed or discouraged though. |
| The logic is quite simple: we would not exist | | | | The work is easy if you know some of the |
| without the prior existence of our ancestors. The | | | | basics. Start with your own relatives and the |
| long forgotten faces found only in faded | | | | people you know. Ask them questions, listen to |
| photographs are the very reason we are here | | | | their stories and write down their accounts. From |
| today and understanding their lives and their | | | | here, you can go about verifying the information |
| choices in their time will not just shed light on our | | | | by visiting your public library and going through |
| current situation, but also help us understand | | | | newspaper articles, documents and records. |
| ourselves and who we have become as a result | | | | Always get help. There are plenty of groups, |
| of their cumulative decisions. | | | | societies and associations dedicated to genealogy |
| There are many other benefits to engaging in | | | | of which you can gain membership. These groups |
| research into our personal family genealogies. For | | | | have great resources that you can tap into as |
| one, it allows us to pay tribute and honor our | | | | well as the expertise you may need, especially |
| ancestors by learning about them and making | | | | when there are tough situations you really need |
| sure that they are always remembered by the | | | | help and advice on. |
| present and future generations. Another is that | | | | Finally, there is technology. Plenty of old records |
| you will gain great insight into your present | | | | and documents are now available in online |
| condition, including why most of your family is | | | | databases, so don't hesitate to use this tool to |
| rooted in your present locations, as well as, and | | | | your advantage. Of the many things that you will |
| more importantly, your medical condition. | | | | learn and unearth in your search for your family |
| Tracing your roots will also allow you to trace | | | | history, you will also learn that, if done right and |
| your medical history. This is important because | | | | with a little bit of patience and perseverance, the |
| most diseases these days can be transferred | | | | process can also be a lot of fun. |