Talking about death can be tricky. Here's how to start the conversation

NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is no stranger to talking about death.

As a palliative care doctor at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, she works with families of patients at the ends of their lives. Many are hesitant to talk about death before the fact since it means imagining a future without their loved one.

Talking about death is never easy, but doing so early can help families prepare. Here’s how to open the floor for an often tricky conversation.