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This is Scientific American’s 60-Second Science. I'm Karen Hopkin. This will just take a minute.

Pop-pop! It’s so good to see you. How are you?

Man’s voice: Good, good.

How are those knees holding up? And the old ticker?

Man: Fine. Can’t complain.

What medications are you taking now, Pop? Have you ever been diagnosed with high-blood pressure? Kidney disease? What about asthma¹? Any trouble breathing? Now, can you read the letters on the third line?

Man: E, Uh, M. P?

Taking grandpa’s medical history might not seem like the best way to spread warm holiday wishes. But geneticists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham note that family gatherings² are a great time to learn more about your family’s health issues.

Lots of disorders—like diabetes³, heart disease, and cancer—have strong roots in your genes⁴. So it’s good to know whether grandma has glaucoma or your mom had a brother who died young of a massive coronary. That way your docs can screen you for diseases to which you might be susceptible⁵. Or maybe the info will inspire you to start taking better care of yourself.

Either way, offer the relatives a cup of holiday cheer. And feel free to note how much they drank. For your records.

Thanks for the minute. For Scientific American’s 60-Second Science .I’m Karen Hopkin.