Free STHS health lecture series to launch with discussion of advance care planning
By STHS Communication Department
Would your loved ones know what you would want if you experienced a medical crisis?
That difficult but all-important question will be the central topic in St. Tammany Health System’s Health Check 365 initiative, a free community education and information series being launched July 30 in partnership with the St. Tammany Parish Library.
Presented by STHS Oncology Social Worker Colleen Hughes, the inaugural discussion – titled “Health Check 365: Advance Care Planning” – will take place online via Zoom on Thursday (July 30) beginning at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. No advance registration is required.
Advance care planning involves making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you’re facing a medical crisis. These are your decisions to make based on your personal values, preferences, and discussions with your loved ones.
"Having an advanced care plan in place to express your personal feelings regarding the type of care you do, and do not, want in the event of sudden and/or serious illness is very important," STHS Community Health Coordinator Anne Pablovich said. "Not only does this take responsibility and pressure away from yourself, children, or caregivers in making hard decisions, but has also been shown to improve quality of life for those with plans in place before needing to use it."
Among the items to be covered in the upcoming Health Check 365 session are:
- The types of life-sustaining treatments that are available.
- Deciding what types of treatment you would or would not want should you be diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
- Sharing your personal values with your loved ones.
- Completing advance directives to put into writing what types of treatment you would or would not want – and who you chose to speak for you – should you be unable to speak for yourself.
To attend, log in on the day of the event using the following:
Meeting link: https://stpl-us.zoom.us/j/94635853641?pwd=cXhMZDRtMkJVaG5qSXVQdldRdmpwdz09
Meeting ID: 946 3585 3641
Password: 569517