Drawing A Family Tree - Instructions (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Drawing A Family Tree - Instructions Page 2

Your Medical Tree

Your Medical Family Tree

KEY:

Male

Yo u

Female

• Draw a square for each male and a circle for each female.

• If a couple is married, draw a horizontal line between them.

• If a couple has children, draw a vertical line. On the row below, enter the symbols for each child, listing

the children in chronological order with the oldest to the left. Show that the siblings are related by

connecting each of them to a horizontal bar (see illustration). Be sure to list all siblings, including those

miscarried or stillborn.

• Continue the process, entering extended family members. Remember to keep all members of the same

generation on the same row.

• To make your family’s pedigree even clearer, be sure to note special circumstances such as divorces,

half- or step-siblings, or children who entered or left the family through adoption.

• For reference, assign each person on the chart a number that corresponds with the number on their

health history form and supporting documentation.

Next, add markings to highlight pertinent health information:

• For those still living, list the date of birth and make a note of any health conditions about which they

currently know.

• Put a slash through the square or circle to indicate that the person is deceased. Make a note indicating

the cause and age of death.

• Finally, use a coding system to help identify regularly occurring health concerns. Some genealogists

suggest using color. For instance, use red to mark the symbol for all persons diagnosed with heart

conditions; use blue to mark all cancer patients, etc. (Be sure to include a “key” to indicate what each

color means!)

Drawing A Family Tree - Instructions Page 2