|
| |
10 Tips for a LONGER LIFE and GREAT HEALTH - Back to the basics !
Todays lifestyle has caused many of us to forget the basics. Fast food, packaged snacks, and something out of a can has become the norm. The foods God gave us belong back in our diet, along with exercise and common sense. In todays fast paced ...
Don't Loose Your Head over Health Care Worries
----------------------------------------------------------TITLE: Don't Loose Your Head over Health Care WorriesAUTHOR: IrinaLENGTH: 483 wordsFORMAT: 58 characters per lineCONTACT: irbonness@ureach.com--------------------------CUT ...
How Important Is Your Health?
How Important Is Your Health? Does the title sound like a silly question to you? Everyone knows that health is extremely important. Good health allows you to enjoy life- to live it to the fullest. Nutrition is essential to good health. There is so much ...
|
|
|
| |
1. What is an advanced health care directive?
Advanced health care directives are written instructions that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no longer be able to make your own health care decisions.
2. What are the components?
An Advanced Health Care Directive includes: - A Living Will which outlines your medical and treatment choices
- Health Care Power of Attorney – the person you appoint to make medical and treatment decisions when you are no longer able to do so yourself.
3. How are they used?
If you are no longer able to make choices regarding your health care, these documents will communicate to your physicians what treatments you want or don' t want such as artificial administration of food and fluids, or even the use of CPR or a breathing machine.
4. When do they become effective?
These forms are only effective when you cannot communicate your desires yourself. It may be used in situations where you are terminally ill and will die soon. In that case, life-sustaining procedures that only prolong the dying process will be withheld as you have indicated. Another time they will come into play is if you suffer from an event or illness that leaves you permanently in a coma. Because situations are varied, it becomes important to be as clear as you can, and make sure your POA understands your desires.
5. What happens if I don't have one?
Ever state has a hierarchy that is followed that describes who is your next of kin and who will make decisions for you. For instance, if you are a minor child, it will be your parents. If you are an adult with a legal spouse, that person becomes your decision maker. It becomes complicated when family members/significant others disagree about what your desires are. This is why these forms are so important.
6. Can I change my mind?
You can change your mind about what you have written and who you choose as your decision maker at any time by destroying the old forms and making a new one. Make sure the new forms are given out to those that need them such as your decision make, family/significant others, health care provider, hospital, etc.
7. If I have a living will, does that mean I won't get treatment?
This is a common misconception, and the answers is no. These forms do not mean NO CARE. You should always get the care and comfort that you require.
8. Where do I get these forms?
Often times, your health care provider or hospital will have them. However, it's best if you do them before you ever see these providers. You can obtain them from your attorney, or there are several online sources where you can get state specific documents for free.
9. Do I need to see a lawyer?
No. You can fill these forms out yourself following the form directions.. That said, if you situation is sticky, it would not hurt to get professional legal advice. In most states the forms do not have to be notarized. Make sure you get the required witnesses to sign these forms. They cannot be relatives or employees of your health care provider, hospital, clinic, etc.
10. Where can I find more information?
Online, www.LawHelp.org provides free information for most states. Most state departments of health or your state legal association will be able to point you in the proper direction.
About The Author
©2005 Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP
Are you living with Vibrant Intent? Do you want to experience the Joy, Magic, and Wisdom of Successful Aging? Celebrate with us as we explore these issues and more. Receive your complimentary copy of "Celebrating You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living" at http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The Boss Welcomes Obama To The White House + Other Inaugural News - Idolator.com
The Washington Post is reporting that Bruce Springsteen and that something street band of his will play welcoming committee for Barack Obama's inauguration when they perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. OK, I don't want to get all ...
U.S. teen pregnancy out of control - Overthelimit.info
Washington (OTL) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put out a report revealing that Mississippi has the highest teen birth rate in the entire U.S. The report looks at teen birth rates in the year 2006 to see which states ...
Should the Buffalo Sabres Hold Off on Connolly? - Bleacherreport.com
Again. He is apparently healthy and ready to get back into the lineup. Again. For Buffalonians, Connolly returning from an injury is as repetitive as the winter snow. It is unfortunate that his health has been a train wreck. When healthy, Connolly ...
Miners lead European shares down; econ data bleak - Reuters
FRANKFURT, Jan 8 (Reuters) - European shares were down in early trade on Thursday, with heavyweight mining stocks taking most points off the index, after a record drop in German exports and weak U.S. jobless data rekindled economic worries. At 0915 ...
FACTBOX: Emerging Gaza ceasefire plan - Reuters
(Reuters) - Israel, Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have entered talks with Egypt to try to iron out the terms of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Western diplomats predicted a difficult negotiation ahead. Israel is seeking international ...
|
