There is a stigma to hospice. Patients who qualify for hospice are often considered losers who have given up. It’s a shaming, derogatory word like “retarded,” used to malign those mentally challenged. These people began to receive better recognition and attention when others stopped referring to them as retarded or unworthy. Despite what hospice … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Replace the Word “Hospice” with Palliative Care
Taking Control of Your Healthcare Destiny
Dr. H in the Media Guest: Dr. Kevin Haselhorst Listen to the interview below or check it out on the Health Professional Radio’s website. … [Read more...] about Taking Control of Your Healthcare Destiny
9 Ways to Be Kind in 2018
Can we be kinder to others by taking better care of ourselves? Becoming set in our ways is a form of chronic illness. The New Year presents the opportunity to consider necessary life changes and make resolutions. Does being kind to yourself and others matter? Does having quality of life matter? If you had a life-limiting illness like … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Be Kind in 2018
True Survivors Celebrate the New Year!
Sean, a robust 29-year-old, came to the ER, experiencing constant chest pain and shortness of breath. This was not related to exertion or eating, nor was there evidence of infection or diminished breath sounds. Dr. H wondered if Sean might be experiencing a deeper kind of pain and asked, “Are you feeling stressed?” Sean broke down saying, “My … [Read more...] about True Survivors Celebrate the New Year!
Wintertime Reflections
Nora had been experiencing horrific side pain from a recurrence of shingles. At age 93 she was debilitated and moved from her lifelong home to a skilled-nursing facility. She appeared to be deteriorating so her nephew, Tom – Nora healthcare proxy – thought it was best to have her transported to the ER and determine if there were any reversible … [Read more...] about Wintertime Reflections
Acceptance Comes with Humility
At 79, Hank had reached life expectancy. Yet, he was being treated for cancer in his liver duct with an experimental immunotherapy medication. He became delirious, with a temperature of 105 degrees, and sought treatment in the ER. His vital signs were stable, but survival was questionable. The ER physician did a quick assessment of the situation … [Read more...] about Acceptance Comes with Humility
Lisa Jones, RN
"15 minutes with Dr. H in the ER allowed my father-in-law to live the rest of his days - his way. I wish my mother had been so blessed." ~ Lisa Jones, RN … [Read more...] about Lisa Jones, RN
Avoid EMS Transport for Precious Cargo
Ruth, age 67, had been bedridden due to multiple sclerosis and colon cancer for two years. Complicating matters, she was prone to urinary infections and sepsis. Her body was ravaged by IV lines, breathing and feeding tubes, colostomy and a bladder catheter. While Ruth appeared to be an ICU patient, she was not. Her husband, Bill, cared for Ruth in … [Read more...] about Avoid EMS Transport for Precious Cargo