12 Things to Think About Before Deciding About Organ Donation By Hal Stevens

We are, rightfully so, a species which is very much focused on living. We look at each day as a new opportunity. Our eyes are always set on tomorrow. So, the idea of the end of our lives is, of course, not one on which we want to dwell.

However, ultimately, all lives end. The death of a loved one is a difficult and painful time. Equally difficult is the thought of our own mortality. It's not something that we forward thinking people wish to consider.

Still, death doesn't necessarily have to be an end. A trying and painful time can yield some positive things. One way of making a lasting gift out of death is to consider organ donation.

This is the removal of the tissues of the human body from a person who has recently died, or from a living donor, for the purpose of transplanting. Post death, organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to surgery, and all incisions are closed at the conclusion of the surgery.

Organ donation need not affect common funerary practices. In most cases, simple, effective steps can be taken to provide a traditional funeral and even a viewing or visitation should this be desired.

This is not just for the young. People of all ages may designate themselves to be organ and tissue donors after their death whether from an illness or an accident.

Of course, we know that donations of some organs can be made from living donors. The best example of this is kidney donation. However, overall, donations from dead donors far outweigh donations by living ones.

My purpose is to inform you about this process by clearly spelling out the process of becoming an organ donor and allow you to think of reasons why you may or may not wish to be one.

Before we begin, take a moment to consider the following questions.

1. Have I ever considered being an organ donor?

2. Am I presently a designated organ donor?

3. Does my religion or faith have any thoughts, restrictions or guidelines considering this?

4. How does my family feel about this subject?

5. If I were to be a donor, what would I want to donate?

6. Do I have any fears or concerns regarding this? If so, what?

7. What rumors or myths have I heard about this?

8. Am I aware of any close family members that are organ donors? If so, who? Am I considered the next of kin or do I have any responsibility for these people?

9. Do I know which organs and tissues can and cannot be donated?

10. Do I know anyone who is on a waiting list for an organ transplant? How has that experience affected me?

11. Have I ever discussed donation with my physician?

12. Do I know my legal rights concerning organ donation?

Organ donation is a topic which carries many opinions. It is a religious, philosophical, psychological, ethical and legal issue. The laws of different countries allow either the potential organ donor to consent or dissent to the donation during his or her life time, or allow the potential donor's relatives to consent or dissent. Due to cultural issues and different legislative possibilities, the number of donations per million people varies substantially in different countries.

Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.

Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.

To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com

Countless Benefits of Organ Donation By Hal Stevens

Families of individuals who decide to donate their organs often find that it helps them through their grieving process. They receive great comfort from the knowledge that something positive came from the death of their loved one.

For recipients of donated organs, organ transplants offer a second chance at life, enabling both them and their families to maintain a higher quality of life. Even the hope that there is a possible matching organ donor available can make a huge difference in the life of someone that is suffering from a serious illness.

In the United States, the waiting list is quoted to be about 96,522 people long for kidney donations, but only about one third of those patients are hopeful of ever receiving a donated organ.

Different organs have different waiting times and success rates because demand is significantly different for various organs. Alarmingly, three quarters of patients in need of an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney, and as such kidneys have much longer waiting times.

As an example, I'll point out that at the Oregon Health and Science
University, the average patient who ultimately received an organ waited only three weeks for a heart and three months for a pancreas or liver - but 476 days for a kidney, because demand for kidneys substantially outstrips supply.

All statistics indicate that there is a huge shortage of available organs of all types (including tissues) that could potentially save or drastically improve an ailing person's life.

Approaches to addressing this shortage include:

• Donor registries and "primary consent" laws, to remove the burden of the donation decision from the legal next-of-kin.

• Financial incentives for signing up to be a donor.

• A "dissent solution" (or way of "opting-out") in which a potential donor or his/her relatives must take specific action to be excluded from organ donation, rather than specific action to be included.

• Social incentive programs, wherein members sign a legal agreement to direct their organs first to other members who are on the transplant waiting list.

With increasing regularity, many hospitals employ organ network representatives who routinely screen patient records to identify potential donors in advance of their deaths. In some cases, organ-procurement representatives will request screening tests or organ-preserving drugs (such as anti-hypertension drugs) to keep potential donors' organs viable until their suitability for transplants can be determined and family consent (if needed) can be obtained.

This practice increases transplant efficiency, as potential donors who are unsuitable due to infection or other causes are removed from consideration before their deaths, and decreases the avoidable loss of organs. It may also benefit families indirectly, as the families of unsuitable donors are not approached to discuss organ donation.

It can be hard to think about what's going to happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs and tissue. But being an organ donor is a charitable and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver.

Understanding organ donation can make you feel better about your choice.

Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.

Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.

To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com

8 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Cemetery Spot By Hal Stevens

The first step in deciding which cemetery is best for your family is considering the location. Unless you're loved one has stated that he or she wishes to be buried in a particular place, you're likely going to want to choose a cemetery that is nearby for several reasons. First of all, you will most likely wish to visit the gravesite occasionally to pay your respects to your loved one or even feel a little closer to him or her. Secondly, you will probably want to make sure that the site is being maintained properly.

In some cases, the choice of cemetery location is often made by family preference. In other cases, there may be a cemetery in your area that is deemed "better" or more prestigious than another.

Always remember that life is ever-changing. You may move to another area or your family may go through other changes that effect where and how you live. So, while choosing a nearby cemetery is immediately practical, it should not be the final deciding factor.

The most important thing is to find a cemetery in your area that will accommodate your needs and wishes and will be willing to work with you honestly and economically.

Remember that the size and price of plots can vary from one cemetery to another. While in the process of deciding on a cemetery, make a trip to that cemetery in person. Preferably an initial visit should be made without a sales representative. This will give you an opportunity to not only view available plots, but also see how existing plots are maintained, what sorts of marker options are allowed and to get a sense of the scale and overall lay-out of the cemetery.

Some cemeteries have Web sites. Many of these sites allow you to view available plots online. This can be a very handy tool. Other sites also offer maps of the cemeteries online. If so, print out a map. This will not only guide you in making your way through an unfamiliar cemetery, but gives you an chance to make notes about areas that seem desirable to you.

When choosing your burial plot's location, be sure to compare the prices of the different burial plot options. The prices of these plots may be found online or you may have been given a price list by a sales representative. If you've already met with a cemetery representative, it's still a good idea to look around on your own.

In selecting a location, here are a few things to remember:

1. A small or more "prestigious" cemetery may be more expensive and may require that you purchase your plot far in advance.

2. Practicality is more important than a great view.

3. Keep in mind the needs and abilities of family members that may wish to visit the gravesite. If an elderly spouse or friend wishes to visit the site, is the plot high on the hill the best choice?

4. If the cemetery seems run-down or in ill repair, you should probably consider an alternative?

5. Expensive doesn't equal quality.

6. Consider that your family's circumstances may change.

7. How does the cemetery feel to you? Does it feel peaceful? Does it feel cluttered or chaotic?

8. If you're choosing a plot for someone else, how would he or she feel about the location?

Look around at the cemetery as a whole. Is it well kept? Are there mausoleums? What kind are they? Is there a columbarium? Is there an urn garden? Remember, in most cases, above ground burial, cremation plots or niches are often the more economical choice.

Furthermore, as you are considering your location, also think about the rest of your family. Purchasing a plot for you in advance is an excellent way to save money. The same applies to purchasing a plot for the whole family or for a spouse.

Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.

Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.

To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com

7 Reasons to Re-evaluate Purchasing Cemetery Property By Hal Stevens

In considering funeral planning as a whole, burial is often among the most significant costs and, in most cases, the most expensive part of the funeral. If it is your wish, the expressed instruction of your deceased loved one, or an important religious or philosophical belief to pursue burial in the earth, when considering the cost of cemetery property, you should also factor in not only the associated costs of burial, but other funeral costs that you will also be making.

Despite the cost, cemetery interment remains very popular and is the most common funeral practice. In large part, this is due to the fact that many people prefer to adhere to the traditions that they know. There's a lot of comfort to be found in rituals and traditions. Another reason for the continued popularity of interment is the fact that many religions and cultures still forbid or caution against cremation or other forms of disposition.

The benefits of burial are largely societal, psychological and spiritual.
For many, the idea of a traditional grave with a headstone is a soothing thought for a variety of reasons.

To begin with, humans have been burying their dead for centuries.
There's a rhythm in the tradition of it. For some, many generations before them have been buried, and therefore, that's what they want and expect upon their passing. Many cultures take great pride in visiting the graves of their beloved deceased. Visiting the grave becomes a ritual and plays a large part in many holidays and festivals.

1. Why am I considering burial?

2. If I practice a particular faith or religion, what are its views on burial?

3. Can I afford the cost of a plot and the additional associated costs?

4. Is there available cemetery space in my community?

5. For what reasons would I consider an alternative to traditional burial?

6. What other types of disposition would I consider?

7. What are my family's thoughts on the subject?

Since everything we do after the death of a loved one is ultimately for the comfort of the living, it's undeniable that there's comfort in the tradition of interment. A headstone becomes symbolic of the person that has been lost. Whether immediately following the burial, months or even years afterwards, the gravesite often serves as a place for the survivors to go to feel close to their deceased loved one, to offer a prayer or a thought, to meditate on life's triumphs and joys, to remember the past, to continue to grieve or simply symbolically or spiritually commune with the departed.

For others still, burial is symbolic of position in life.
The grave site becomes as much of an identifier as the kind of car that the individual drove or the size of the home in which they lived.

Many, also, find peace in an idea of permanence. For them, a grave becomes their permanent mark upon the earth. Regardless of any comfort that can be found in the belief of some religions of an eternal afterlife, some people do worry that they will be continued to be remembered on this earth after they have died. The grave becomes the symbol of that permanent, "I was here."

Hal Stevens owns the Cemetery Spot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the Cemetery Spot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the Cemetery Spot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.

Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.

To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com

7 Key Facts and Figures About Organ Donation By Hal Stevens

Tissue donation is a more common option for people wishing to be donors, as there are very few medical reasons (other than having a communicable disease, such as HIV or hepatitis) a person would not be eligible to donate tissue.
Corneas or whole eyes, bone, skin, saphenous and femoral veins, and heart valves are tissues that can be transplanted. Great care is taken in the removal of tissues to ensure acceptable presentation of the body for funeral purposes. Generally, donation will not delay funeral arrangements, and tissue donation does not interfere with an open casket funeral for the donor.

1. If you'd like to donate your heart or other organs when you die, be sure to tell members of your family. In some states, you can state your wishes on the back of your driver's license. You may also contact an organ donation organization to ask for more information.

2. Families of donors don't have to pay for removing their loved one's organs.

3. At least 42 states and the District of Columbia have "required request" laws. That means hospitals must have policies and procedures to tell families about organ donation.

4. All hospitals must have policies and procedures that identify potential donors. Hospitals with Medicare and Medicaid programs must also notify an organ procurement organization (OPO) of potential donors.

5. An OPO is a member in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS maintains computerized data on potential recipients and donors. UNOS also has a Web site, www.unos.org. It has statistics on waiting times and transplant results. Patients can use it to compare hospitals in their area.

6. The family of a possible donor makes the final decision. If they haven't been asked to donate and they'd like to, they should ask the doctor or nurse. If the family decides not to donate, the organs won't be removed.

7. Most donors give multiple organs. For example, the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and lungs might be taken from one donor. The hospital staff person in charge of identifying donors will find out if the organs are suitable for transplant. Then this person works with the OPO representative to coordinate the distribution of organs.

Heart Donation Guidelines:
Donor hearts are given based on the donor's blood type and body weight, and the potential recipient's blood type, body weight, severity of illness and geographic location. Seriously ill patients at a nearby transplant center have priority.

A suitable donor is a young to middle-aged person who's been declared brain dead based on standard criteria and whose heart still works well. All donors are screened to make sure the hepatitis
B and C and human immunodeficiency (AIDS-producing) viruses aren't present.

A heart can be disconnected from a person's circulation for about four hours and still work properly. Thus time is critical. When the heart is removed, the transplant team puts it in a special cold solution to keep it alive (even though it's not beating). Then it's rushed to the hospital where the recipient is located.

Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.

Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.

To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com