ESTATE PLANNING, Executor Planning, Family Planning, Preparedness
TAKING THE TABOO OUT OF DEATH
Taking the Taboo out of Death, can be serious or descriptive. You just never know what you might come across. Because Why? Because it is a topic that everyone avoids, everyone pretends life is actually different than it really is. Why? Because we think we are invincible- we are superman – we don’t want to think about the WHAT IF?
“Taboo has a lot of hidden meanings. We’re going to leave that up to your imagination”. Jeff Gaulton
“TABOO, those things that must not be spoken or discussed . Says who?”, Tina Ginn
But, after our interview with Tom Morton this week, you will gain a new prospective on planning, and thinking about yourself and others you love in your life. Why not? Because we find it very difficult to talk about these scary topics that no one wants to elaborate on. We sweep it under the rug, so to speak and hope it will just go away. But ~ I’ll tell you it’s definitely not going away any time soon!
During Covid 19 has been quite a different story when it comes to death. The loss of a loved one, the loss of a friend, during Covid 19 – the Pandemic has changed how we look at death forever!
What has changed? The way we find space for the dead, in burials. As well as the way we want to stay by their side during the painful dying process, whether at home or in the hospital. We haven’t been able to be with the dying in the hospital during 2020-2021 which has changed so many things with families. Where will the dying be put after, sometimes that isn’t even a choice depending on the country that you are living in. In India as the photo above shows the real picture of death during Covid 19. Thank you to the Guardian for this visualization! We will never be able to unsee the photos of the dying during these years.
DYING STEPS THAT HAVE CHANGED
1- The way we are able to sit beside and comfort the dying one of the family
2- The choices we have for after death. Normally cremation, or burial. But depending on what country has the availability for burial. In some countries the country is burying in a big field side-by-side one another. Some bodies have been stored in shipping truck containers while staying refrigerated because of the lack of space in morgues.
3- Finding a spot for your loved one in a cemetery or scattering remains in a private space.
4- Arranging a Celebration of Life or a Funeral- now with this step – this has changed so much in 2020 and 2021. Will we ever arrange this funeral? So many have decided to wait until friends and family can attend. But the big question is will they actually still arrange to have this funeral or celebration of Life? That’s the problem. If we don’t grieve, if we don’t lay your family member down to rest with a ceremony this will eventually cause many other issues for those grieving in the future. The lack of closure the lack of grieving with this process will have lasting effects on our mental health. It will change the grief that we are experiencing to what others in the past have been able to process during this ritual.
We really need to start Taking the Taboo out of Death. So we can experience it, we can appreciate it, we can bless the moment, we can talk about it freely to make decisions. We can make plans, we can get organized to prepare for death before it’s too late.
That’s where Your Backup Plan App comes into play! We are able to make decisions, while we are alive and not sick or disabled or in a coma. We are able to make decisions about the What if? We are able to discuss the topics with our loved ones, so that they are also aware of the different things we want or even if we feel we need them. But if you don’t others will be making all of the decisions for you. And that may not be the most favorable choices in your mind. Perhaps all of these decisions that need to be made quickly will be in fact made for you by others. Is that what you would like? Maybe even a government employee or a friend or foe. Is that what you want?
In our Emerging Blueprint program that will be launched soon, we will be able to lead you by the hand with various worksheets, and webinars to make all of the choices, those decisions before it’s too late. To be able to make those decisions while you are healthy, and happy. You will find that you will make different decisions than if you are sick and dying. It’s very difficult to get any pertinent information out of a dying one, because they are sincerely not going to die. That’s where their head is at during that point.
So, guys let’s start looking at death differently, more open in discussing your wishes, your wants and your dreams with others. Let’s not wait for others to have to make those decisions for you.
Enjoy our Podcast Show on Taking the Taboo out of Death with Tom Morton, in beautiful Scotland!
ESTATE PLANNING, Sickness
YOU CAN’T CATCH CANCER BUT YOU CAN BEAT IT!
“Every day is a chance to change your Life”
Our Podcast this week, is an exceptional story about beating Stage 4 Cancer and turning your health around with Elaine Gibson, creator of Renewed Living Inc.
Elaine Gibson beat stage IV cancer without traditional protocols! Now she shares hard-won lessons so you too can lose weight, have more energy, create and renew optimum health. Recently, Elaine has been prominently featured during International Raw Food Day 2013, 2014, 12 Days of Raw Christmas, G O RAW! and Integrated Health Magazines.
In addition Elaine was cited as one of the 10 Most Inspirational Natural Cancer Survivors by Extreme Health Radio, Cure 2 Cancer Conference speaker and part of the important Quest for the Cures documentary series. This fall, Elaine was interviewed for the Cure to Cancer Conference Tele summit along with Dr. Brian Clement and Dr. Gabriel Cousens.
Today Elaine is a health coach, raw food educator, raw food chef, speaker, author, green technology specialist, workshop leader and, most important, grandmother. She is a Total green juiceaholic.
Today Elaine is a published author, sought-after motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, private health coach and creator of the Extraordinary Living Made Easy system.
Elaine’s passions are family, green juice, connecting with other passionate extraordinary women and making a difference in an unhealthy world where getting healthy doesn’t have to be difficult.
“Did you just chalk it up to getting older?
Well, I have news for you. The majority of health problems in the Western world are either caused or made worse by our daily diets. The food we get off the shelves is stuffed full of unnecessary additives to make it look better, smell more delicious, taste a certain way and last for months on end. All those additives and preservatives may serve a purpose , but they’re doing your body harm… and it’s all in the name of convenience. In fact, everything is geared towards convenience. Feeling down? Take this pill. Struggling to cope with work, home, family problems? Give everyone a pill, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and ignore the core of your being. Of course, it’s easy to grab a can, or box, or package of ready-to- eat food after a long and busy day. You’ve worked hard and you’re exhausted, you don’t have the energy to prepare a fresh, wholesome meal. The irony is, those food are sapping your energy – it’s a vicious cycle.” ~https://renewedlivinginc.com/extraordinary-living-made-easy/
Starting with the water we drink can be a start!
What Makes Alkaline Water Different?
“Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. That’s why you call it H2O. Water’s pH level determines how acidic it is and ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. That “seven” number is considered neutral or balanced between acidic and alkaline. If water is below 7 on the pH scale, it’s “acidic.” If it’s higher than 7, it’s “alkaline.”
EPA guidelines state that the pH of tap water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Still, tap water in the U.S. tends to fall below that — in the 4.3 to 5.3 range — depending on where you live.
Bottled water falls under different standards depending on whether it claims to be alkaline. Bottled alkaline water has a pH level above 7. In some cases, manufacturers use a special device to change the chemical makeup of the water. Other times, they add nutrients to the water to change its pH.”
For comparison, orange juice has a pH of 3.3 and black coffee is about a 5. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. But tap water in the U.S. tends to fall below that — in the 4.3 to 5.3 range — depending on where you live.” ~~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Checking the Health Claims
“Alkaline water enthusiasts claim that its increased hydrogen provides greater hydration than regular water, especially after a hard workout.
Fans of the stuff also say that regular drinking water with a pH below 7 creates too much acid in your blood and cells. They blame plain water’s low pH for all sorts of health problems, from osteoporosis to cancer.
Water that is more alkaline supposedly reduces acid in the bloodstream and:
- Improves metabolism
- Increases energy
- Slows aging
- Improves digestion
- Reduces bone loss
Backers of high-pH water say it also has the power to starve cancer cells.” ~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Can Alkaline Water Do All This?
“The health claims about alkaline water are more about sales than science. There isn’t much research to support them.
Also, your body, on its own, can keep your pH levels at an even keel. Your kidneys are your built-in filtration system. It’s their job to balance the acid levels in your body. If your blood gets too acidic, your body brings it down by breathing out more carbon dioxide.
Your stomach is the great equalizer. Your gastric juices — a combination of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid — neutralize everything you eat and drink. Basically, your stomach will re-acidify alkaline water before it can do anything the health claims promise.” ~~https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water#1
Alkaline water and cancer
“Alkaline water is said to help counteract the acid that’s found in your bloodstream. It’s thought that drinking water with a higher pH can increase your metabolism and improve your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.
Some theorize that this will starve any cancer cells found in your body because cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment.
Introducing something alkaline is said to slow or stop cancer growth by balancing your body’s pH levels.
In general, alkaline water may have a hydrating effect on your body. For some people, it might also improve symptoms related to stomach acid reflux.
However, in a body with normal function, alkaline water will not cause a significant change, if any, in your body’s overall acid-base balance measured in the bloodstream.” ~ https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/alkaline-water-cancer#connection
“Despite the lack of proven scientific research, proponents of alkaline water still believe in its proposed health benefits. These include:
- anti-aging properties (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
- colon-cleansing properties
- immune system support
- hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties
- weight loss
- cancer resistance
They also argue that soft drinks, which are notoriously acidic, have very positive ORPs leading to many health problems, while properly ionized and alkalinized waters have highly negative ORPs. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has a slightly negative ORP.” ~ https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks#benefits
15 Best High-Alkaline Foods
“Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis is essential to good health. Including more alkaline foods in your diet increase the alkaline content in the blood, which decreases the acid content. A more alkaline blood pH helps protect healthy cells and balance essential mineral levels. Alkaline diets protect bone density and muscle mass, lowering the risk of chronic pain and inflammation and improving immune function. Many high-alkaline foods are a delicious contribution to a healthy body.” ~ https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-best-high-alkaline-foods/15/
1. Cucumbers
“Cucumbers are a high-alkaline vegetable that helps regulate blood pressure and plays a role in the structure of connective tissue within the body, including the muscles. Cucumbers are also a mild diuretic and can ease bloating or swelling. Their antioxidant qualities make them great for removing toxins from the body. Cucumbers are also high in B vitamins.
2. Seeded Watermelon
Seeded watermelon is an excellent alkaline-forming food. This melon has high fiber and water content, which lets it flush acids out of the body. Incorporating seeded watermelon into the diet not only increases fiber intake but also helps balance alkaline content. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene and contains plenty of arginine, magnesium, and potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure.
3. Avocado
In addition to balancing pH, this creamy fruit contains antioxidants that do wonders for the skin. Essential antioxidants make avocados a powerful, nutrient-dense food. They are also high in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce cardiovascular disease and balance blood sugar and offer plenty of potassium, which reduces blood pressure.
4. Cayenne Peppers
Another surprising high-alkaline food is cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is one of the most alkalizing foods, filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammation benefits. This combination makes them handy for fighting off toxins. Cayenne aids in digestion and metabolic function and has mood-boosting properties thanks to its ability to increase endorphins in the body.
5. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers can enhance almost any meal raw, grilled, or roasted. The veggie is packed with antioxidants that decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation, and is rich in vitamins C, A, and E and fiber. Some people have adverse reactions to peppers due to the lectins in the skin and seeds, but peeling and removing the seeds help to remove some of the inflammatory proteins.
6. Spinach
Spinach is easy to find and easier to use. This incredibly alkaline leafy green is high in vitamins K, A, C, as well as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Spinach is also rich in chlorophyll, which can decrease inflammation and increase the quality of red blood cells. Adding spinach to meals will help ensure balance in the body’s mineral content.
7. Kale
Kale has a wealth of alkalizing benefits including those now-familiar essential antioxidants, which can improve the digestive system and help rid the body of acidity and toxins. Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods and is high in vitamins A and C. It’s also one of the best sources of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. As such, however, it is not recommended for people taking blood thinners.
8. Bananas
Bananas act as a natural antacid, producing mucus that coats the lining of the stomach. This versatile fruit is rich in calcium and can help balance blood sugar. Eating a banana before bed may improve sleep because they contain the amino acid tryptophan. They also aid in relaxation thanks to the muscle-relaxing qualities of potassium and magnesium.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is an all-around healthy vegetable. In particular, the cruciferous veggie is a must when it comes to increasing alkalinity. Broccoli helps inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, supports the digestive system, and improves detoxification processes in the body. Like many healthy vegetables, it contains antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation in the body.
10. Celery
Not only is celery alkaline, but it is also high in water and has lots of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium also help rid the body of excess fluids. Celery is also very high in fiber, which can reduce constipation and aid weight loss.
11. Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are a bounty of alkalizing foods full of micronutrients known for remarkable health benefits. Their multiple varieties carry different nutritional profiles, but each type contains high levels of the trace element iodine. Sea vegetables also yield a generous harvest of essential amino acids and antioxidants such as phenols and tannins. Despite their salty flavor, kelp, dulse, kombu, and other edible sea plants are rather low in sodium and calories.
12. Almonds
Almonds are more alkaline than other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, and cashews, according to the proponents of the alkaline diet. Almonds also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect the heart. They are rich in protein, antioxidant vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Clinical studies show that almond phytonutrients can reduce insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. The nut’s biocompounds also help improve the blood lipid profile. The nut’s high fiber content contributes to feelings of satiety, making them a tasty, nutrient-dense snack option for controlling the appetite and managing weight when consumed in small quantities.
13. Basil
Aromatic basil can enhance the flavor and alkalinity of many dishes. Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine practices include this long-revered herb to relieve a host of gastrointestinal and kidney ailments. Eugenol and other biocompounds are thought to help reduce blood glucose levels, fight inflammation, boost immunity, and treat mood and cognitive conditions, as well.
14. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables can make hearty, alkalizing additions to the diet. Radishes and beets carry nitrates that increase nitric oxide, a molecule integral to many cardiovascular functions. Carrots provide more than 300% of the recommended daily requirement of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps protect vision, enhance skin, and fight cancer-causing compounds. Root vegetables supply plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber, which can boost the health of gut microbiota.
15. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are high in citric and ascorbic acids. Although they are acidic, these fruits generate alkaline by-products and fans of the alkaline diet suggest they are alkaline. Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are rich sources of vitamin C and supply generous amounts of vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They also contain flavonoids that may help fight neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer.” ~ https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-best-high-alkaline-foods/15/
If that isn’t a little “food” for thought I’m not sure what is!! Check out the possibilities, and Elaine’s story of passion and love for everyone to improve their health and their well being through Alkalinity! You can improve your health, and your recovery from diseases! Because you can’t catch Cancer, you can only Beat it!
Elaine Gibson
Speaker/Author/Mentor, Renewed Living
| 703-622-6885 | elaine@renewedlivinginc.com |
| www.renewedlivinginc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainegibson/ https://twitter.com/renewedliving4u https://www.youtube.com/renewedliving4u |
ESTATE PLANNING, Preparedness
WHAT ABOUT ANY FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS AND PLANNING?
Not really something to think about now is it? Funeral arrangements and planning are major decisions to make early than later.
Funeral arrangements, pre-arrangements, cemeteries, cremation, burial, a plot, a mausoleum, a crypt, and columbarium, so many decisions but have we given it any thought or for that matter made any decisions for ourselves and our family?
Funeral stuff is not easy to talk about, and it’s definitely not what we wake up in the morning and say, “I need to go to the funeral home and make my arrangements today.” If you are reading this, then you were meant to hear it. Maybe it will even give you the inspiration to give some of these questions some thought and then you can make some of your decisions.
But, it’s what you do with those decisions is this blog all about.
Have you considered what you personally want to have for yourself and your partner? Have you thought about your parents, and what they would want to have. Because you will be the one involved with all of those! Whether you like it or not.
SUPPORT:
There will be different degrees where you will get involved in other family member’s funeral arrangements. Sometimes your involvement might be, to be there emotionally for everyone, to help with transportation, to help with sorting out what clothing they would wear, help out with food and meals, support with paperwork, and supporting for phoning and contacting family & friends. Even if it was for a hug, can we actually still do that during Covid 19?? Consideration for this Pandemic has shifted the way that things are done for burial and celebrations. So check in your area about the choices available.
DOING YOUR RESEARCH
It’s a good idea to do some research on what options there are for you and your family before anything happens. Please look at all of the options in your area, review your City cemeteries, and any private facilities. Look at the differences for all of them. Some might look really old and well used, which might not be for you and your family. Some might be beautiful, new, and renovated but maybe too big or not cozy enough. So, it’s what you feel you like, what you feel most comfortable with. What vibes do you get, how organized they are and how well versed and compassionate the employees are. Remember you can see things differently when you aren’t under pressure or frustrated, depressed or sad in your most difficult times. So, it’s a good time to interview them, look at their facility, and see what options they have for burial and cremation.
Now, a City facility might have in your area, different regulations or rules for what products, services or plot availability they offer. City facilities have different rules that those private facilities usually so it’s a good idea to look at that with eyes wide open. Some City burial plots have major rules that you shouldn’t pass by. Burial plots can sometimes allow stacked burial, or over each other burial. That might not be something that you would want for yourself with a stranger. Some City properties allow to dig up the sites after 99 years and re-use the plots. They also will have certain regulations around the headstones, some allow very little or flat, some allow different sizes and heights. Often also referred as Marker or Monument. If you were more interested in cremation, you will have to review what is available around purchasing an Urn either for burial, or for a niche, for travelling, or for sitting on a shelf. There are limitations in some areas to check first.
CREMATION VS BURIAL
For some cultures or religions, burial is the only option. And for many it’s a pure and innocent decision for burial or cremation based on your own personal feelings.
I guess the most expensive version based purely on cost is the burial in land. Because land and property is the most expensive version of the choices it would be useful to review these options beforehand and not during. You definitely don’t want to make any harsh decisions during difficult times. Some say it’s great to invest in the burial plots on land because it always increases. So I guess, that’s has to be part of your own investment decisions. Maybe, just maybe there’s some truth to it, because I have never run across burial plots that haven’t increased every few years.
Can you sell your burial plot? That’s a good question because every location is different with their rules, and it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss because it will form part of your contract. You may not be able to sell it if it is stipulated in your contract. So that would be something to consider to make your decision because you may move locations, or not want to get buried after all, or move countries.
So with burial, there will be the cost of the plot, usually land of some kind. There would be stipulations on how many in that plot are allowed. You can sometimes buy your own estate, that can fit up to 6-10 family members either in caskets, or urns. You can also have your own personal Mausoleum Estate built in some locations as well that can fit up to 6-12 family members and it will only be for those that you have allowed to be buried in your own location.
When you use a a Crypt, it is a space in a wall for a casket, then sealed and covered by a stone of some sort and a name plaque.
Cremation can be buried in a burial plot, or in a niche in a wall, a columbarium, or in a mausoleum, scattered somewhere of your choice, or kept by your side or someones’ mantel or shelf! Not all locations have a crematorium so you will have to check on what is available near you, or near the area of your choice.
COSTS
There are certain rules about scattering remains in public places, so you should always be concerned and follow regulations in all public areas for deciding to scatter any remains. Especially in parks and beaches etc. Always get permission first for any private locations as well. If you would like to dump the mixed of cremation remains into a resting place that is above ground area for body remains, usually found at a cemetery called an Ossuary.
And remember, one of my clients had scattered her cremation remains in their city in British Columbia, where it was important to them as a couple. By the edge of a small man-made lake that they used to walk to, and sit at together. He decided to scatter her remains there by the bench after she had passed. He followed her service by taking off to Europe for 6-8 months and returned to find out that the lake was gone and they had started construction of large apartment buildings at that location. So remember it’s important to know where you are putting the remains if it means something to you.
You can decide on funeral services, such as pickup of the body, and embalming. If you have the body stay at a funeral home for any length of time, that will also be billable. Things that are extra, are jewellery that you might want made with cremation remains, artwork, or ornaments. A presentation for a celebration, a church or parish service, a dinner or tea/coffee luncheon and service. Along with the service would be, the cost of flowers, location that you choose, food and drinks, cards, photos and slide shows. Also extra is the service at the burial or inurnment.
Having family meetings with each other, also helps with some of these decisions that you need to make or that you will need to make for others close to you. So it’s a good decision to have the “conversation”. What do you want? What do you want for a celebration? What do you want for the burial, or cremation afterwards? Remember, to consider do you think that anyone would visit the burial plot or cemetery years later? Would the family members like a memorial keepsake such as jewelry, a tree, an ornament or photograph? You can also have a diamond made by taking a little bit of the cremation remains and sending it off to have a diamond of your choice made!
Please remember that by having some of these arrangements pre-made will make your family life easier at the time it’s necessary. Because it is difficult to make all of those decisions and know that you made the right ones for them. So if you can pre-arrange before you or your family member has passed away, you will be able to secure your funeral plan cost for any increases, you will also have made all of your decisions so that the family doesn’t have to make any and also that you can pay monthly for the cost over a period of time if that is easier for the budget!
So remember, you also have to think that if you make any pre-arrangements where will you have it written down, so that the family members know what you have. At the time when it is needed, most often the family doesn’t know that you pre-paid for the funeral. So in YOUR BACKUP PLAN APP, you would be able to list all the details so that the family know where it is located when they need it the most!
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