Therapeutic touch is based on ancient healing practices. The goal of the technique is to help people relax, relieve their pain, and help them heal faster. Therapeutic touch is thought to promote healing through restoring harmony to a person's energy fields. Therapeutic touch is used in many settings, including hospice...

Caring for a dying loved one can be a rewarding but difficult experience. Let the person you're caring for do as much as they can. Also try to take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it. It's important to talk openly with your loved...

Discusses decisions related to care near the end of life. Discusses choosing where to get care and what kind you want. Covers who will make decisions if you can't. Info on advance directives and need for durable power of attorney.

When your child has a serious illness, the time may come when a cure isn't possible or when treatment to help your child live longer isn't working. You'll work with your child's doctor to create a care plan that will give your child the best...

The end of life may be months, weeks, days, or hours. It is a time when many decisions about treatment and care are made for people with cancer. It is important for families and health care providers to talk openly with the person about their end-of-life plans and know their wishes ahead of time. This will make it...

Provides links to how-to information on special health concerns of seniors. Includes healthy aging, sexuality, hearing loss, osteoporosis, and walking for fitness. Also covers writing an advance directive.

Despite progress in developing treatments that have improved life expectancies for patients with advanced-stage cancer, the American Cancer Society estimates that 618,120 Americans will die of cancer in 2025.[ 1] People with cancer die under various circumstances. A report of the Dartmouth Atlas Project analyzed...

Several physical and emotional changes occur as death nears. Here are some things you can expect. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to cope with what is happening. Emotional and spiritual changes As death nears, you may feel like being social...

Guides through decision to stop kidney dialysis for kidney failure. Covers key factors in decision. Covers benefits and risks. Discusses what happens after dialysis is stopped. Offers interactive tool to help you make your decision.

An ICD is always checking your heart for a life-threatening, rapid heart rhythm. The ICD may try to slow the rhythm back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm doesn't stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart. This...