LIVING WILLS

Experts agree most people should have a Living Will. While the advice given in this FLORIDA TODAY article would apply to most people, cryonicists should give some special thought to at what point to discontinue "life sustaining treatment," and although being an organ donor is a noble action, removing some or all of your organs would make the job of resuscitation a little harder. Check your Drivers License to see if you are one. I checked mine, and sure enough I am! I don't know how it happened, but now I have to go to the Licensing Bureau to have it removed. Also, CI advises members to have signed copies of "UNIFORM ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT 1987" uniform donor form, (preferably laminated) available to give to anyone responsible for your care.

Talk to your doctor about your wishes and values concerning end-of-life care. What would make life not worth living for you? Ask your doctor to note your views on your chart. Give a family member or trusted friend the legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unable. Talk to that person about your values and wishes. Consider a living will. If you do, be as specific as possible. You might include information about whether you want life sustaining treatment; types of treatment you would or would not want and under what conditions; preferences about artificial nutrition and hydration; what if any pain control medication you want and under what circumstances; and whether you want to be an organ donor. Consider using a standardized living will that addresses some of the basic questions such as the popular "Five Wishes" document produced by the nonprofit Aging with Dignity.

(Available for $5 each at www.agingwithdignity.org)

Update your living will if you are diagnosed with a serious or terminal disease to address the medical situations that are most common to people with your condition. Talk with your doctor about what to expect. Talk to family members about your general wishes to minimize disputes if decisions must be made for you. Keep your living will in an accessible, easy-to-find spot. Tell your family where to find the document. Give copies to your doctor, family members likely to be involved in decision-making, hospitals that might treat you, and your lawyer.