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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 H E A LT H Y B U S I N E S S T his year saw the rise of an unlikely travel personality — Driving Miss Norma. Miss Norma, whose real name is Norma Bauerschmidt, is a 90-year- old woman from Michigan who is currently traveling the United States on an epic cross-country tour. Two days after Norma's husband of 67 years passed away, doctors told her that she had what could likely be terminal cancer. ere were options — surgery followed by months of radiation and chemotherapy, every- thing you might expect with a cancer diagnosis — or something very dif- ferent. Norma chose something very diff erent. She chose to hit the open road with her son, daughter-in-law and their two dogs. Norma's choice is an important les- son for all of us — what might be right for one, may not be right for another. Norma's story is an inspiration and being covered wherever she goes. While some may think, "Well, of course, she's 90," her story illustrates just how impor- tant end-of-life and advance care plan- ning conversations can be. When we receive a diffi cult or terminal diagnosis, we naturally gravitate towards discussions of cura- tive treatment and focus primarily on the illness, and that's okay. However, turning our attention to the entire patient, not just the illness, and having conversations about our quality of life, is just as important. As patients, we look to our doctors to guide us. However, new studies show that physicians are often unpre- pared to have these conversations. A recent national poll conducted by the John A. Hartford Foundation and California Health Care Foundation shows that while virtually all physi- cians agree that talking with patients about end-of-life and advance care planning is important, nearly half report sometimes feeling unsure of what to say and less than a third report having had any formal train- ing on speaking with families about end-of-life care. At our recent " resholds Conference" and in the fi rst of a series of community forums, we outlined how to begin these conversations, both from the doctors' point of view, and from the perspective of patients and their loved ones. 1. Research and understand: As a family member or friend of someone with a serious illness, try to understand the illness and con- sider your loved ones concerns as a whole — what might they want, what is important to them — and gently begin a conversation. You might say, " is must be very dif- fi cult for you." 2. Set aside time: ese can be very diffi cult conversations. Dedicate enough time to fully discuss questions and wishes, and be sure to have the right people as part of the conversa- tion. Ask questions. It's important to think about what you want and ask questions of your physi- cian that address your priorities. Understand that your doctor doesn't want you to feel that they are giving up on you so let them know that you want to under- stand all of your options. Listen to understand. Listen to learn what's important. Let everyone express his or her thoughts. If it's impor- tant to be with family on the open road, like Norma, then being held to a schedule of radiation, chemo- therapy or recovery from surgery may not be what's best. 3. Be open: Whatever your point of view and your feelings about the decisions being made, share your thoughts, be open and honest and provide appropriate support. It's important to remember that call- ing a hospice doesn't mean you're giving up. It means you're taking charge. ese conversations can be uncomfortable and diffi cult, yet at the end of life, having dis- cussed ones wishes can make all the diff erence. Hospice of Southern Maine's com- munity forums being held throughout the rest of the year provide an exceptional educational resource for patients, families, and clinicians alike on the important topic of end-of-life conversations. D J . C , C E O o f Ho s p i c e o f S o u t h e r n M a i n e, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t @ . Navigate end-of-life care and related conversations B Y D A R Y L J . C A D Y H OW TO To apply to be a Fit Friendly Worksite or to simply learn more, visit startwalkingnow.org or call the American Heart Association in Maine at 207-289-2394. These worksites have been recognized by the American Heart Association for meeting criteria for employee fitness. Apply today. It's free! Next deadline: November 1, 2016 * Also received the Worksite Innovation Award ** Also received Worksite Innovation and Community Innovation awards This is the day to tell your employees to get moving. Take a walk. Or a couple of laps around their cubicles. Today you devise a scheme to have your employees take the stairs instead of the elevator. Anything to get them active. Because companies that promote healthy habits at the office have more productive employees and save on healthcare costs. Become one. This is the day to get your employees healthy. Visit startwalkingnow.org and click on "In the Workplace" or call 207-289-2394. Because companies that promote healthy habits at the office have more productive employees and save on healthcare costs. Become one. This is the day to get your employees healthy. Visit startwalkingnow.org and click on "In the Workplace" or call 207-289-2394. 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