new stuff I'm learning about living, dying, what matters most - Sun, Sep 23 2018

I hadn't realized how quickly my father's mind was fading until one morning a few years ago when he asked me why he was taking only six medications per day. “What will I take on the seventh day?” he wanted to know. My mother, who had…

Jeff Cohn A lovely perspective piece- and the final conversation between elderly husband and wife is very touching.

I was mesmerized by Patrick when we first met. Not only was he strong, handsome, successful, and funny, he also had the biggest heart — having spent his life being of service to others. He inspired me to be the best version of…

Jeff Cohn The title says it all- the conversations (it's hopefully not just one) help ensure the care is aligned with the patient's preferences and priorities- and they help those left behind feel closure and some sense of comfort amidst their loss

Author Affiliations Article Information American Geriatrics Society, New York, New York JAMA Cardiol. Published online September 19, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2018.2906 Some years before my mom died, I found myself sitting with her in a quiet…

Jeff Cohn Good perspective, though 'What matters to you?' is not an easy question for many to answer. Instead of tackling it head on, go at it tangentially (like 'what activities bring you the most pleasure?') and from there discuss what seem like underlying values

W ith age comes wisdom  — and the burden of tremendous health challenges. Aging impacts sensory, motor, and cognitive function, lowering the overall quality of life. So much so that many scientists now say that the leading risk…

Jeff Cohn This is scary to me- we already have 'medicalized' death- now we're going to do that with aging?

Screening for atrial fibrillation in healthy people just doesn't make sense…

Jeff Cohn This is aligned with concerns I raised earlier this week about false positives- or making findings with unknown impact seem like their signs of pathology

Americans have long construed drugs of abuse as choices. Poor choices that can cost users their lives, to be sure, but choices nonetheless. But what if drugs of abuse are more like predators atop a nationwide ecosystem of potential prey? Or like…

Jeff Cohn Shines a light on the view that the ravages of drug abuse represent a manifestation of the 'disease of despair' associated with living a life without prospects for fulfillment/purpose

Below are two exercise programs designed by a leading exercise scientists who specializes in strength training. One is a workout plan that you can do at home. The other requires a gym. Chose the plan that best fits your routine and give it a try:…

Jeff Cohn I'm in!

The Washington Post – David Silverberg – Sep 21, 6:02 AM

When you have a tour guide as engaging as Eric Idle, you'll gladly go wherever he takes you. The writer and comedian best known as a member of the British sketch troupe Monty Python has curated an intimate journey of what it was like to be a writer…

Jeff Cohn Well kids, here's one thing you can put on your list to buy Dad for Chanukah- can't wait to read this one..