TLDR;
Julie, a hospice nurse, shares a list of things she would and wouldn't do based on her experiences with death and trauma. She advises against excessive drinking, smoking/vaping, and riding ATVs or motorcycles. She emphasises the importance of regular medical check-ups, addressing unintentional weight loss, and developing flexibility and preparedness for end-of-life changes. She also strongly advises against guns, e-bikes/e-scooters, drinking and driving, and using your phone while driving. She stresses that avoiding these things doesn't mean you can't live a fun and fulfilling life.
- Avoid excessive drinking and smoking/vaping to protect your health.
- Prioritise regular medical check-ups and address any unexplained weight loss promptly.
- Develop flexibility and prepare for end-of-life changes.
- Never drink and drive or use your phone while driving.
Things I Wouldn't Do [0:08]
Julie starts by saying that she would not drink in excess. She highlights that daily drinking, even in moderation, has been clinically proven to be detrimental to health. She points out the liver's importance and the severe consequences of alcoholic liver disease, which she has witnessed firsthand. She reassures viewers that quitting drinking can allow the liver to regenerate if the damage isn't too advanced.
Smoking and Vaping [1:35]
Julie would not smoke or vape, explaining that these habits affect the entire cardiovascular system, not just the lungs. Even without developing lung diseases like emphysema or lung cancer, smokers and vapers risk cardiac issues, thinning of arteries and veins, and circulation problems. She acknowledges that while hospice care can provide comfort, the experience of struggling to breathe is unpleasant. Although she smoked in the past, she has since quit and advises others to do the same.
ATVs and Motorcycles [2:55]
Julie advises against riding ATVs, four-wheelers, or motorcycles, regardless of helmet use, based on her experience as a trauma ICU nurse. She has witnessed numerous accidents and deaths involving these vehicles, deeming them unsafe. She extends this caution to bicycling on roads, emphasising the importance of wearing a helmet. She counters the argument that avoiding these activities equates to a lack of fun, asserting that she enjoys life without them and that being present in the moment is more fulfilling than any thrill.
Things I Would Do [4:41]
Julie would go for yearly medical check-ups, including blood work, to stay informed about her health. She stresses the importance of not avoiding the doctor, even when feeling well, as regular check-ups can catch potential issues early. She would also seek medical attention immediately if she experienced unintentional weight loss, as this can be a sign of underlying cancers that are difficult to detect. She mentions that she might even pay out-of-pocket for a PET scan if she had unexplained weight loss and generalized fatigue.
Learning to Be Flexible [6:19]
Julie is actively working on learning to be flexible and okay with change, recognising that end-of-life often involves a loss of control. She is consciously practicing asking for help and adapting to uncomfortable situations, knowing that these skills will be essential if she faces a progressive illness. She is also working on not putting things off, as procrastination can lead to emergency situations and complications at the end of life. She practices making decisions and preparing for future needs in advance.
Other Things I Wouldn't Do [8:10]
Julie shares additional things she would avoid based on her experiences. She would avoid guns unless absolutely necessary for protection, and then only with strict safety measures. She would never ride e-bikes or e-scooters or allow her children to do so, due to the high risk of injuries. She would never drink and drive, recalling a tragic experience from her nursing student days. Finally, she acknowledges her struggle with using her phone while driving, sharing a mortician friend's advice to keep the phone out of reach. She reiterates that avoiding these things does not preclude a fun and fulfilled life.