It wasn't until Terri Schiavo's end-of-life experience made national headlines that many Americans even heard of health-care proxies. Schiavo collapsed in her home from an apparent heart attack in 1990. She lived in a persistent vegetative state for the next 15 years, kept alive by artificial means. Her husband, Michael, and her parents wound up in a bitter, protracted court battle when Michael sought to have Terri's feeding tube removed, ending her life.

Terri never completed a medical proxy, a simple form that would have instructed others - most importantly, her husband and family members - on whether she wanted her life prolonged through feeding tubes, respirators, and other medical technology if a catastrophic event occurred. The form would have clarified her specific requests and legally empowered her proxy to make that decision on her behalf.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield released the results of a survey last month that asked Upstate and Western New Yorkers from Albany to Buffalo about their end of life attitudes and planning. Four hundred people from each of five regions across the state responded to the survey.

The findings showed that attitudes don't always add up to actions. Nearly nine out of 10 adults - 88 percent - said having a health-care proxy was very important. But only 42 percent have actually designated a proxy and completed the form.

About 18 percent of respondents said that completing the form wasn't necessary. Among the reasons given: some felt they were too young and in good health, so the form wasn't needed. Others said they didn't like thinking about it.

Age was the most significant factor in determining who had proxies. Only 11 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 24 had completed the form, compared to 67 percent of middle age and senior adults.

And women were much more likely to complete proxies than men.

Experts recommend that every adult should designate a health-care proxy, and a copy of the form should be given to both the designated proxy and the individual's family physician.