Letters to the editor November 5

November 5, 2009, 3:16 pm 0 Edit

A positive portrayal
It is rare to see Jews portrayed by the mass media without the usual negative stereotypes.
In light of that, it has been refreshing to see how the new television series, “Glee,” has developed two of its major roles, Rachel and Noah. These two Jewish characters have been portrayed in a realistic and mostly positive manner without the FOX-TV writers falling back upon hackneyed cliches.
Not only do I find this show to be quite enjoyable every Wednesday evening, but it is a nice bonus to not have to endure the traditionally unfavorable archetypes that our community has to deal with all too often.

Jeffrey Pollock
Squirrel Hill
Get educated on hospice care
As we celebrate National Hospice Month in November, we must also recognize the importance of our choices as we plan the final stages of life. This goes far beyond preparing a “nest egg.”
It’s never too early to make end-of-life choices, and that’s where hospice enters the picture. Hospice care provides quality, compassionate care for those with life-limiting illnesses, assuring comfort and dignity. The hospice team approach to care not only benefits the patients but their loved ones, with a continuum of care including emotional, spiritual, and educational support.
National Hospice Foundation research shows that 80 percent of Americans wish to die at home, but in reality, less than 25 percent do. That number does not need to be so low, considering that hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.
One of the most frequent comments we get from families is that they wish they had known about hospice sooner. Observe National Hospice Month by educating yourself and your family about hospice care. As you continue to make choices about your everyday life, choose to plan your end-of-life care. It will provide the ultimate peace of mind.

Rafael Sciullo
Pittsburgh

(The author is president and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care in Pittsburgh, past chair of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.)