“I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens”
Woody Allen
Not long ago, Terri Schiavo was the news – morning, day and night. It was the main topic in homes, offices and schools across our country. One unfortunate woman, in a hospital bed in Florida, polarized our nation without even being aware of her influence. She sparked heated debate with each side strongly convinced of its stance, usually set in stone. Despite the differences with deep political and religious roots, agreement was made on one important issue. Virtually every stakeholder agreed that each individual should make their own end of life decisions. Those critical decisions should be clear, documented and adhered to.
Living Wills have been around a long time but they never really caught on. Not until Terri Schiavo. Living Wills basically are written specific instructions on how you want physicians and other healthcare professionals to treat you (i.e. what heroic measures they should or should not take) if you were to become permanently unconscious and terminally ill. Most individuals know exactly what they want or don’t want to endure in this type of unfortunate situation-they just never take the time to write it down. Everyone should have a Living Will or advanced health-care directive. Everyone. It should be done now, rather than waiting for an illness or catastrophic event. It’s not just for the sick or elderly. Also, it’s not only for you, but for your family. Just think of the awful war that raged around Terri Schiavo. Believe it or not, similar end of life issues and discussions occur in virtually every hospital in our nation, everyday.
Since Terri Schiavo, interest in Living Wills has exploded, with exponential growth of these legal documents. Perhaps that will be her legacy. Although she could not speak, her message was clear. Still only 20–40% of adults have one. In the business of life, this is every bit as important as your mortgage, car lease, employment agreement, or if you’re flying high enough, your golden parachute.
To learn more about Living Wills, talk to your doctor and/or an attorney specializing in this area. Also go to agingwithdignity.org and review their “Five Wishes” form which helps you navigate some of the tough end of life issues. The AMA provides useful information and some great links to relevant materials.
Woody Allen, who often contemplated his own mortality, also said “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work, I want to achieve it through not dying”. Terri Schiavo achieved immortality through her long struggle and ultimately her passing. She has and will influence how we live and how we die for years to come.
FitTip
In both sickness and in health, life and death, a little planning goes a long long way, and throughout the continuum of life you should always be in charge of your healthcare.
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