• New Data Shows Which Groups Struggle to Find End-of-Life CareEnd-of-life care can be beneficial, but not always accessible to all

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    New Data Shows Which Groups Struggle to Find End-of-Life Care
    End-of-life care can be beneficial, but not always accessible to all



  • Suspended Burials in ChinaA fascinating and beautiful tradition that left coffins suspended on cliff sides

    Suspended Burials in China
    A fascinating and beautiful tradition that left coffins suspended on cliff sides

    There are countless unique and fascinating burial and death traditions across the world. But one that is especially intriguing — and quite beautiful — is the practice of suspended burials. This form of “burial” was practiced by the Bo people of Hemp Pond Valley in Southwest China’s Gongxian County over five centuries ago. Unfortunately, the Bo were…

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  • Lawmakers Push for Right-to-Try Bills Across the NationThese landmark decisions could change the face of healthcare for terminally ill patients

    Lawmakers Push for Right-to-Try Bills Across the Nation
    These landmark decisions could change the face of healthcare for terminally ill patients

    “Right-to-Try” bills are sweeping the nation in 2015,  as 24 states have already granted patients with life-threatening illnesses the right to seek out experimental treatments not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In October, California was on the cusp of adopting such a Right-to-Try bill. Proponents of the bill, titled Assembly Bill 159, expected…

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  • Monday Hearts for Madalene
    Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of love

    Remembering You During These Chilly December Days! It’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death. The project’s origins take us to 2005: the moment Page Hodel encountered Madalene Rodriguez and fell “instantly, dizzyingly in love…

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  • Hospice Photo Stories Offer Insight into Pan-Asian World of Palliative CareShort film 'After Cicely' inspires photo journals documenting hospice care across Asia

    Hospice Photo Stories Offer Insight into Pan-Asian World of Palliative Care
    Short film ‘After Cicely’ inspires photo journals documenting hospice care across Asia

    Inspired by British physician and founder of the modern hospice movement, Cicely Saunders (1918-2005), the short film After Cicely explores the incorporation of palliative care into medical practices across Asia. This film inspired several photo stories that document palliative care in Mongolia, Singapore, Bangladesh and Taiwan. About a decade ago, Mongolia had no palliative care…

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  • For Those Who Are Celebrating Hanukkah
    We wish you a most meaningful one!

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  • Our Weekly Tip: A Circle Meditation of Flowers and LoveGather around a special display for a unique DIY remembrance ceremony

    Our Weekly Tip: A Circle Meditation of Flowers and Love
    Gather around a special display for a unique DIY remembrance ceremony

    Our Tip of the Week: Gather family and friends in an intimate circle for an uplifting circle meditation remembrance ceremony. When hearts are heavy in sorrow, joining in silence and contemplation intensely bonds all present. Hearts unfold in a deep meditative state with the inner peace of flowing love. Chimes, bells, mantras or poetry readings…

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  • What is Collaborative Patient-Centered Care? (Interview)A primary care physician discusses the details of patient-centered care

    What is Collaborative Patient-Centered Care? (Interview)
    A primary care physician discusses the details of patient-centered care

    Today, SevenPonds spoke with Mercedes Grace Laurencin, M.D. M.P.H. about the interpersonal, social and psychological aspects of providing primary care as a physician. Her retainer medical practice, based in Santa Cruz, California, places special emphasis on accessibility issues for elderly and terminally ill patients, with a focus on holistic patient-centered care.  Juniper: Your academic career began…

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  • “How to Heal a Grieving Heart”A soothing book with a religious viewpoint

    “How to Heal a Grieving Heart”
    A soothing book with a religious viewpoint

     I confess I am not religious by nature, but I am open to what others embrace. Last month I was at a bookstore in Portland when I selected this book How To Heal A Grieving Heart by Doreen Virtue and James Van Praagh, in spite of its strong references to God. I was impressed by both…

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  • “At my age, flowers scare me.”
    – George Burns

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