In this heartfelt episode of The CHC Podcast: Congenital Heart Conversations, hosts Anna Jaworski and Annie Ulchak, both deeply connected to the congenital heart defect community, delve into the sensitive topic of end-of-life care. Joined by expert panelists, including pre-planning specialist Rosa Hernandez, mental health professional Dr. Michael Groat, and palliative care nurse Maureen Groden, they explore misconceptions about hospice care, the psychological and emotional aspects of end-of-life discussions, and the importance of normalizing conversations about death. Personal stories, practical advice, and a focus on honest communication provide listeners with valuable insights into navigating these challenging times.

Maureen Groden's book is entitled, When a Loved One is Dying: Conversations about Care, Connection, and Coping. Available at Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:17 Meet the Hosts and Co-Producer

01:04 Introducing Today's Guests

03:34 Misconceptions About Hospice Care

06:14 Psychological Perspectives on Hospice

09:32 Palliative Care for Children

17:59 Communicating with Children About Death

22:19 Balancing Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Needs

24:30 Changing Society's Approach to Death

31:46 Navigating Uncertainty with Congenital Heart Defects

35:05 Small Acts of Kindness

35:49 Learning from Life's Experiences

36:04 Hope and Quality of Life

36:34 Acknowledging Life's Realities

37:26 Panelists' Closing Remarks

38:09 Heartwarming Stories and Resources

39:01 End of Life Care Discussion

39:50 Importance of Acceptance and Preparation

40:59 Personal Experiences with End of Life

44:34 Role of Medical Professionals

53:08 Children and End of Life Conversations

58:37 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

01:04:37 Upcoming Changes and Farewell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 10th episode of season three of The CHC Podcast: Congenital Heart Conversations, host Anna Jaworski and co-host Ayrton Beatty discuss the importance of understanding CPR and sudden cardiac arrest.

Guests Ben Weisbuch, a survivor of 135 sudden cardiac arrests and founder of the Heart Hope Foundation, and Dr. John Rogers, a cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm disorders and advocate for CPR and AED education, join them.

The episode explores Ben's astonishing survival story, the genetic discovery linked to his condition, the latest advances in prevention and treatment, and the critical role of community awareness and education in saving lives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.