Some people know more about their family history than others, writes Clinton Rogers.
I’m ashamed to say I never really asked enough questions when my mum and dad were alive.
But I’ve come to realise that there are certain aspects to your family roots that could quite literally save your life.
This month (September 24) the world will mark Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Day.
Until recently I had never even heard of the condition, but I have had the privilege of making a film for Somerset Public Health to help raise awareness of FH, and I have learnt a great deal.
We all know that eating an unhealthy diet can cause high cholesterol in our bodies.
Too many burgers, too many sticky buns!
But imagine being diagnosed with a condition that causes extremely high levels of cholesterol in your blood from birth, clogging your arteries, no matter how careful you are with your diet.
In making this film, I met a great guy called Luke Potts in Porlock.
Luke had his first heart attack when he was 29.
He has had six more since.
His dad died from a heart attack when he was 40 and so did his grandad.
Turns out they all had FH.
Across Somerset we are all being encouraged to think about our family history of heart disease, particularly if someone close to us suffered a heart attack before the age of 60.
Read more
Clinton Rogers: When Somerset place names prove difficult to say
Clinton Rogers: Can the BBC licence fee survive in its current form?
Clinton Rogers column: The growing importance of saving water
Consultant Dr Alex Bickerton told me: “If anyone in your family has had a heart attack at a young age, that is under 60, then it is possible you have familial hypercholesterolemia and you should get yourself checked.
“You could be walking around in your 40s and 50s with the condition and not even know it.
The good news is that if it is discovered, treatment with a healthy lifestyle and medication is extremely successful.”
Unsurprisingly, Luke is a keen advocate of health checks.
The former police officer told me: “People say ignorance is bliss.
"It’s not.
"Knowledge is knowing that you’re tackling something, and with the medication that’s out there now, there’s no question about it, it will save your life.”
If you are aged between 40 and 74, you are eligible for a free health check.
And booking one is simple – just visit this website: healthysomerset.co.uk/health-checks.
If you’re under 40 and you’re worried, contact your GP.
Public health messages can sometimes feel distant or easy to ignore, but this one is remarkably simple.
Know your family history and possibly save your life.
Share