linky dinks #11

There's lots of things I'd like to be posting right now but I'm very short on time. So, for now, more linky dinks....I'm also way behind on answering emails....

"... you can't separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. "
Hugh Jackman addresses U.N. Summit On Climate Change

food timeline - what have humans been eating all these years?
http://www.foodtimeline.org/

did you hear that?
For many years I have woken up (once a week or so) to the sound of a very loud noise in my head and until yesterday I had no idea this phenomenon had a name:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding_head_syndrome

my body i give to thee
As mentioned previously, I've been working on updates of our last will and testaments. Part of this process is organizing our wishes regarding disposal of our bodies. (By 'our', I mean Manley and Me.) This brings us to the topic of organ and tissue donation and/or donation of the entire body for medical research. Or not.

I've always felt very strongly that organ and tissue donation is a no-brainer. Punny! I have no hesitations about donating any parts of my dead body that can benefit the life of another. I'm always interested to hear from people who do not consent to organ donation because I can't think of any reason not to. Some people have told me that they hesitate due to religious reasons but according to what I've been reading, there are few religions in the world that forbid it. Most accept or encourage it. Others just don't want to think about it at all. But regardless, if you are not a willing donor, I'd like to hear why. No battle intended: I'm just curious.

I used to reject the idea of becoming a medical school cadaver until I listened to a radio show where medical professors and students discussed their experiences with them. The respect and reverence for this gift (the body) and what they could learn from it had me changing the 'no' to a 'yes' on the donor card. I think my body is far more valuable put to use in part or whole than it ever could be when just cremated or buried.

However, you can't do both. You either donate your body for transplants of organs and tissue, or you can donate your body for medical research (arranged with coronor's office at time of death). The same body won't be used for both.

In Ontario, Canada, if you want to say YES to donating organs and tissue, you register your YES with OHIP (our public health insurance plan). You have to fill in a consent form and send it in. You can change your decision any time. The little donor card in your wallet is no longer sufficient, though is a good indicator for relatives who may have to make an urgent decision. You still have to register a YES. If your answer is NO, you don't register.

Here's the info site for Ontario:
giftoflife.on.ca

religious & cultural views on organ and body donation
religious views

downloadable YES form for Ontario residents
pdf registration form for Ontario residents

I can't imagine that I've said anything that will change someone's NO to a YES (and I hope I haven't changed any YESes to NOs!), but perhaps if you've never dealt with the subject, you'll at least start thinking about it. I know some people put it off simply because they don't want to think about death. In my case, it feels more like thinking about life. Separately we are mortal. Collectively, we go on forever.