Do you know which health problems are most common for people of your race or ethnic background? Lupus? Diabetes? Hepatitis? Tay-Sachs? Sickle-cell anemia? Thalassemia? Osteoporosis? People of certain races or cultures have a greater chance of getting a disease such as these.

Share what you know. Your doctor may not know your risk for an illness unless you share as much as you know about your cultural background. Don't make your doctor guess because he or she may identify the wrong information about you or your children, and that could harm you. Having the right information is even more important in families that have more than one race or culture.

Check at your next visit. The next time you see your doctor, ask which race(s), ethnic group(s), languages, and other cultural factors are in your medical record. If the information is wrong or not there, be sure that the right information about you and your children is added.