What can you do to help someone who just received devastating health news? Perhaps their physician just told them that they had cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or another such illness.

Murfreesboro First Presbyterian Pastor John Hinkle has some powerful suggestions.

You may be surprised when you hear Rev. Dr. Hinkle say, "Don't give advice--instead LISTEN!"

He also reminds you to help the spouse (or caregiver). In fact, he tells the spouse, "You need to take care of yourself FIRST. Your loved-one will get care.

A study was done at Duke University, that shows the odds of the caregiver (spouse) dying first were greater than for the person receiving the care, especially in geriatric cases.