This is your life, your care, and your decision of how it will all play out. What might be right for your sister or brother, aunt or uncle, may not be the right decision for you. For example, what types of life-sustaining treatments are available? Would those treatments make sense for you, given your values? Ask questions and seek out the answers. Medicine has had many advances over the past decade, and it is essential to know your care options and how they could affect your health. These decisions are probably some of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. I cannot stress enough the importance of thinking about the ‘what ifs’ or the ‘why nots’ now so your loved ones do not have to wonder later on. Understanding your health concerns or medical problems now can help you plan for their future impact on your health. Ask them to explain what your illnesses mean and how they will potentially change over time. It is OK to schedule an appointment with your health care provider to ask questions about your health. We may all feel good today-however, we never know when our day will come or when we will experience an unforeseen health complication. It is important to understand your current health state. In the end, and when it is most important, your loved ones will thank you for it. It is not often that we are asked what we want, but it is OK to think about yourself and what you want when talking about the end of life or death. While talking about death is not a priority when we feel well, it is probably one of the most important conversations worth having. Self-reflect on your values and what brings you joy and quality of life. Talk to your family, your friends, and your health care provider about what you want. The easiest way to begin is to just start talking.
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