Web site can help open dialogue about end-of-life issues

One of these days, hopefully in the distant future, many people will find themselves in a position to need someone to make big, maybe life-and-death, decisions on their behalf.

It isn’t easy talking to loved ones about each other’s mortality. Most people don’t even know where to start.

What kind of medical treatment would you want and who would you trust to decide if you weren’t able to? A 2004 survey found 70 percent of respondents had neither a living will nor medical directives. Only 27 percent had filed powers of attorney for health care.

Don’t worry. A team of educators at the University of Idaho and North Dakota State University is offering families help in addressing these concerns. The team has anticipated your questions and posted answers on a Web site called “Talking with Your Family About End-of-Life Issues” at www.ag.uidaho.edu/lsyff/communicate.

“This is a way for us to reach many more people than we could with a publication,” said team leader Marilyn Bischoff, UI Extension family economics specialist. “And because the information isn’t state-specific, it’s available to anyone in the U.S. who is interested in learning more about advance directives.”

The Web site offers video interviews with clergy, social workers and family members who have experience in end-of-life issues. It also provides references and answers to most commonly asked questions about advance directives.

Bischoff said a previous Web site produced by her team for use by educators, “Legally Securing Your Financial Future,” received hits from every state in the union and every continent except Antarctica.

GU offers nursing degree

In response to a projected nationwide shortage of nurses and a demand for nurses who are more representative of society as a whole, Gonzaga University welcomed its first class of nursing students in January.

Eighteen students have been pursuing their nursing degrees at GU since January, after the board of trustees approved adding the prelicensure, upper-division nursing curriculum to the university’s existing undergraduate prenursing program.

“Six of the 18 students in the new program are either of ethnic or gender minority,” Mary Sue Gorski, chair of Gonzaga nursing department and assistant professor of nursing said.

When they complete the new undergraduate curriculum, they will earn the first B.S. degrees in nursing from Gonzaga, qualifying them to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed registered nurses.

Prevent birth defects

The Spokane Regional Health District reminds the community that simple nutrition and lifestyle choices can prevent birth defects.

“If we can help all women understand how important proper diet, exercise and health habits are to the health of unborn children, we can decrease the rate of infant mortality and birth defects in Spokane,” said Dr. Kim Thorburn, health officer for the district.

Studies have shown that women who practice healthy habits are more likely to have healthy children. The health district offers these tips:

•Take a daily vitamin that includes folic acid.

•Keep up to date on recommended immunizations.

•Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take street drugs.

•Reduce stress which can cause a baby to be born early.

•Plan the pregnancy. Babies who are loved, wanted and planned for are healthier.

Spokane Shock signs with Rockwood Clinic

The Rockwood Clinic has added the Spokane Shock to its lineup of sports teams receiving its services.

The Shock, an arenafootball2 team that debuts next month in the Spokane Arena, has signed an agreement making the clinic the team’s exclusive sports medicine provider.

Besides providing comprehensive care to Shock athletes, the clinic physicians and athletic trainers will be on the sidelines during practices and games. Rockwood providers also serve Eastern Washington University football and basketball teams and several Greater Spokane League and Eastern Washington high school teams, the clinic said.

KMC offers aquatic exercise sessions

Kootenai Medical Center is offering three levels of water exercise, depending on the participant’s ability, at its Terrill Aquatic Center.

“Water supports joints and lessens stress on them to encourage free movement, providing mild resistance to help build muscle strength,” said Gina VanVoorhis, KMC certified pool instructor.

To register for the $5 sessions, or $48 for 12 sessions, call (208) 666-2235.