Past Imperfect - by Carol Daus (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Has anyone in your family ever suffered from depression? Alzheimer's? Breast cancer? Are you at risk? In Past Imperfect, author Carol Daus takes you step-by-step through the fascinating process of tracing your family medical history. In simple, easy-to-understand terms, Daus explains everything from how to interview your living relatives to how to find old medical records.

You'll also see how easy it is to take advantage of recent scientific discoveries to prevent deadly diseases from striking you and your loved ones. And you'll be introduced to real people whose lives have been saved because of what they learned about their own family medical histories.

Past Imperfect features the names, addresses, and phone numbers of archives, genetic volunteer organizations, libraries, and genealogical societies from throughout the nation. It's a "must read" for anyone who cares about their health or the health of their family. Knowledge is power, and knowing your family medical history can save your life.

About the Author

Carol Daus is a freelance writer who specializes in health and lifestyle issues. For the past twenty years, she has had articles published in a variety of consumer and trade magazines, including Health, Parenting, and Coping. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked in Chicago and San Francisco as a writer for several national health organizations and large urban hospitals, including the American Heart Association, San Francisco Children's Hospital, and Medical Data International.

On a personal note, Ms. Daus became interested in the importance of family medical histories when her own extended family began to display unusually high patterns for heart disease and cancer. Daus, a concerned wife and mother, treasures the well-being of her family, and works diligently toward generating and maintaining a healthy household. She lives in Huntington Beach, CA, with her husband, Tony, and their three children.

Jeanne Homer is a genetic counselor for Genzyme Corporation in Cambridge, and is currently working with people who are considering undergoing genetic testing.