Category: News
Is Dying At Home The Best Option?
“If time were short, where would you want to be?” As a palliative care clinician, I regularly ask my patients, or their family members, where they want to die. Having asked this of hundreds of patients, I have come to expect...
Read MoreThe Problem with Miracle Cancer Cures Is…They Are Not!
I frequently care for patients with advanced cancer. A majority have tried some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Yet, many land back in the hospital because the cancer returned or spread widely. This leaves...
Read MoreThe Footprint of Death
With all the attention on how we can reduce our carbon footprint, most of us don’t know that we continue to have a significant impact on the environment when we die. All this thanks to our toxin-riddled funeral industry. But a...
Read MorePalliative Care and it’s Impact
“But I felt like I failed her because, for all the time I knew her, I never could figure out her wishes, her goals, to determine if the treatment I was prescribing was what she really wanted. Did I give her time on this earth...
Read MoreIt’s Time to Write Your Obituary
Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, was reading the newspaper one morning when he was shocked to discover his obituary inside. The newspaper made a mistake published Alfred’s obituary when his brother died. His shock many...
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Burial and Memoriam
During a recent visit to New York City, I visited the DeathLAB. A group of architects and...
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Terminal Lucidity
Susan had not eaten for weeks by the time she entered the hospice facility. A 75-year-old editor,...
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The Book of Joy
I just finished reading the Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. In this book,...
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Calling All Souls
When my cat Tiger died she left an unbearable ache in my heart. Animals do this. They hold joy and...
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The Many Sad Faces of Mr. Toledano
Phillip Toledano was terrified of growing old. So he decided to do it as many times as possible....
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The Invisible Patient
As health care providers we focus primarily on the terminally ill patients and their comfort. But...
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Talking Death Cards
Talking Death Cards provide you with engaging questions that inspire deep and meaningful conversations among family, friends and colleagues in an easy to use playing card format.