Dr. H in the Media Guests: Dr. Kevin Haselhorst and Rhea Go-Coloma Hosts: Mark Young and Presley Reader … [Read more...] about Aging in Arizona – Hospice and Final Wishes
Zero Tolerance for Family Separation
Josh was carrying his 78-year-old mother, Amelia, from her wheelchair to a stretcher when the emergency physician walked in. Seven years ago, Amelia had a stroke that paralyzed her right side. Her husband had been her primary caregiver until he died of a heart attack four days ago. Amelia was trying to do for herself despite Josh’s best intention … [Read more...] about Zero Tolerance for Family Separation
Sex, Drugs and PALLIATIVE CARE 2.0: The Next REVOLUTION for Baby Boomers
Cue the Beatles . . . You say you want a revolution: Baby Boomers were born to start revolutions. They enacted the greatest change in history during the 1960’s and never stopped. “Flower Power: gave them the freedom to love, not hate. Now we can not only love the one we’re with – we can marry them. Legalized marijuana is all but … [Read more...] about Sex, Drugs and PALLIATIVE CARE 2.0: The Next REVOLUTION for Baby Boomers
Sophie’s Choice: A Family Caregiver’s Charge to be Hopeful or Fearless
Like a hot potato being tossed from one player to the next, Leonard went from his primary doctor to an ENT specialist and finally to the emergency department due to a tumor obstructing his airway. Sophie, his daughter, stated, ”He needs one of those tubes in his neck that will allow him to breathe.” At 93, the emergency doctor took offense at the … [Read more...] about Sophie’s Choice: A Family Caregiver’s Charge to be Hopeful or Fearless
How to Apply “Final Wishes” to Everyday Medical Decisions
Emergency doctors normally don’t consider final wishes when it comes to treating a 47-year-old woman. Tina had metastatic kidney cancer that spread to her liver and lungs. With her being someone’s wife, mother, sister and friend, there’s an emotional charge to keep this young woman alive. Tina deserved the best treatment available. Like most, this … [Read more...] about How to Apply “Final Wishes” to Everyday Medical Decisions
The Unsure Church Nurse
At 83, Dorothy was a good person – but a lousy patient. Frustrated with lower abdominal pain, she refused to take pain medication while in the emergency department. She finally gave in but developed heartburn from the morphine. Once her stomach settled, the doctor relayed the bad news, “Dorothy, you have uterine cancer that’s pushing on your … [Read more...] about The Unsure Church Nurse
Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity
Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity Last week Americans celebrated the life and death of former first lady, Barbara Bush. As the matriarch of the Bush family dynasty, she was fondly referred to as the “enforcer.” This term of endearment gained her respect and served others in knowing what she demanded. “What Barbara says, goes” is … [Read more...] about Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity
Low Vision/High Tech: Gadgets for the Visually Impaired
Assistive technology can be a boon if you’re visually impaired and you may be surprised to know there are many high-tech devices out there that can help you with low vision. Here is a rundown on some of the most cutting-edge tech devices. Shoes That Guide Your Feet Imagine you’re walking down the street listening to audible directions and you … [Read more...] about Low Vision/High Tech: Gadgets for the Visually Impaired