Not long after my post on death and dying in early May, the AMA had a media release on death education in schools (see attachment below).

 It was bought to my attention with the comment “ they must have read your blog”.   It seems to me that the school curriculum is already too overcrowded with topics that could be covered more appropriately outside of school.  Is it ironic that doctors, who are committed to prolonging life should be advocating  a greater understanding of dying? 

It strikes me as potentially counterproductive to have children comfortable with discussing death while their parents seem very reluctant to do so among themselves.   In my circle of family, friends and conversational acquaintances, I can only nominate one, maybe two, who appear relaxed in sharing their thoughts on this topic.

Maybe the AMA should concentrate on advocating funding for the development of adult education classes on death and dying.  Once suitable material has been put together, the Government could encourage attendance at these classes.    As those attending pass on this newly acquired knowledge with resultant diminished fearful attitude to their children, our society will surely be a less stressful environment to grow up in.    

On the assumption that a balance between the positives and negatives of dying could be provided in these courses, maybe it could lead to a reduction in society’s medical costs as patients decide to end treatment when they are happy to die rather than persevere with expensive treatment until their last breath.   I am led to believe that a very high percentage of a person’s lifetime medical costs are spent during the last ten years of their life.   Any savings could be directed to other areas of medicine that are regularly calling out for more funding.

The reduced emotional stress that comes from less fear can only be an extra bonus for our society.