Week 37: Do this for those who love you

NEWS. Officials at the World Health Organization expressed disappointment last week over recent findings that, despite enormous efforts the global death rate remains at 100 percent. Death, a metabolic affliction causing shutdown of all life functions, has long been considered humanity’s number one health concern. The condition has no cure.

“The inability of scientists to address and solve this issue is nothing less than a scandal,” says consumer advocate Mirabelle Bryce-Norton, “people have no idea what havoc a full-blown case of death can cause among family and friends. I do, and believe me, it’s not pretty. Everyone is affected: especially when the departed leaves no instructions for the funeral and such.”

Locally, grief counsellor Gustavo Castaneda is calling for legislation to encourage Canadians to make advanced care decisions and discuss them with family and friends. “This includes appointing someone to make medical decisions in case you’re unable to speak for yourself (Representation Agreement), also someone to handle financial matters while you’re unable to do so yourself (Power to Attorney-POA).”

Legal experts are reminding everyone — especially those who may one day succumb to the inevitable — to freely discuss end-of-life wishes with family and friends and to consider organs to benefit others. “And do it without delay,” adds K. H. Waldmeister, provincial family court judge, “not next week or ‘when I get around to it’.”

Does THIS ring your bell? If you have instructions in place, are they up to date? If you don’t (yet), what are you waiting for?

• Eye donation
• Organ transplant (www.transplant.bc.ca/)
• Planning for incapacity and end-of-of life care
• Power of Attorney and Representation Agreement