1. Ask about her heart. Women over 50 run the same risk of heart disease as men in that age group. Find out if the women on your mother's side of the family have heart disease, high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol. What you can do: Stop smoking, start working out, eat high fiber/high protein foods, get a yearly physical, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. When you are nearing menopause, consider taking hormones, which will protect you from heart disease and osteoporosis.

2. Ask about her period and pregnancy. Your menstrual history is the same as your mother's. Your period probably started within a year from when Mom started hers. If she had bad cramps, lots of bleeding, and lots of clots, chances are you will too. If she suffered migraines before, during, or after her period, you too are at risk. And, if she got depressed, you might have the same response. Did your mother gain a lot of weight, retain water, and have swollen ankles during her pregnancy? So will you. If she got red or white streaks on her belly, you might too. What you can do: Your doctor can give you medication for cramps; migraines can be controlled with diet, medication, and rest. A good diet can also make for an easier pregnancy.

3. Ask her about diabetes. If Mom had high blood-sugar levels during pregnancy, you might have the same problem too. Diabetes during pregnancy signals an increased tendency for diabetes as we get older. What you can do: Diabetes can be prevented by watching your weight and diet. Exercise is also excellent.

4. Ask her about thyroid disease. Women tend to develop slower thyroids as they age. If Mom's is slow, chances are yours will be too. A simple test can diagnose slowing thyroids, and medication can solve the problem in weeks.

5. Ask her about cancer. If your mother had breast cancer before menopause, you are at risk. But cancer can also skip generations, and be transmitted through our fathers' genes. What you can do: Get regular checkups, exercise, manage your stress, and eat right.