Questions About Death

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I tend to focus on medical advances and lifestyle issues that can have a direct impact in my reports and, as a result, I don't talk about death that often. But, if you think about it, death is a subject we should address more often.

Certainly there are many issues that need to be discussed, but it is "convenient" to ignore them. The growing field of palliative care has grown out of this need.

Today I want to ask some questions that everyone should think about and discuss with their family and physician. If there was a choice, would you prefer to die at home or in a hospital? Can a loved one describe how you would like to be treated in the event of a terminal illness? Is there someone you trust who you have appointed to be an advocate on your behalf when the time is near? And, do you have a living will?

Simple questions with answers that require a great deal of thought but could be some of the most important answers you have ever given.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor