Asking your mother for details about her health history can help shed light on your future health and provide insight as to what preventive steps you can take to avoid illness as you grow older.

Women’s Health magazine reports that, just as we inherit physical traits (and maybe even personality traits!) from our parents, we also inherit their health histories—so it’s time to start talking.

For example, asking your mother questions about any changes in her height can provide clues about your risk for osteoporosis, and discussing her past pregnancies may provide insight into potential complications that may be genetic.

Click here for more tips about what to ask your mother and why.