Sunday, November 03, 2013

Exercise in Death

Disease and Causes of Death Chart

It's going around. No, not a virus or something contagious, it is a genealogical exercise in locating and recording the diseases, causes of death and age at death of your ancestors.

I started a chart like this years ago but my research now shows me so much more information about those who have gone before me. I see quite clearly, where I need to find out or send for a vital record of death for many of my "greats". It is a good idea to write this down. I did a medical and genetic investigation paper in college and I interviewed my family at that time. If they knew what diseases were in my family, I wrote it down.  It was not a comfortable topic for the elders in my family. Fortunately, I already "did" genealogy so I put the information in my notebook and I have managed not to lose it.

I prefer a list to doing this in genealogy software so I am going to continue to work on this this next winter.

My own lung problems may be part of my family. That much is clear.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Midge, I too do this. It is useful in order to see trends and help possibly stay healthier in Sr. age. Also interesting. Hard to get some records in certain states but many states are genealogy friendly.