Take a Load Off Your Mind With Advance Directives for Medical Care

Have you still not done anything about formalizing an Advance Directive for your medical care? Thousands of people rushed to do it when the Terry Schiavo case mesmerized the nation. But now some years have passed, and we need another reminder to get it done.

This article is prompted by a very nice column by a former LPN, who goes by the name Kyana Belle in her column, urging people to create an Advance Directive for their care. She had brief stories to tell of the nightmarish, ugly situations that could have been averted with some well-thought-out planning ahead.

I might add that hospital staff is obligated to make available to you whatever forms are needed to create this Advance Directive. It need not cost you a thing unless you need to consult an attorney if you have multiple marriages, multiple families from those marriages, or no current spouse.

Kyana explains what a Do Not Resuscitate order really means, and explains the difference between that and a Living Will, plus she provides links for all you need. She has just three basic points to make:

1) A "Do Not Resuscitate," "DNR,"or "No Code" is ONLY an order that prevents attempts to restart your breathing and/or heart beat should either cease.

2) If you have not legally appointed someone to make decisions for you when you are unable to do so yourself, someone will be appointed for you according to your state laws.

3) It can NOT wait - get it done now!

Thank you Kyana! You rock! Readers may find the entire article here at: http://kyanabelle.newsvine.com/_news/2008/11/06/2080706-how-to-protect-your-rights-with-advance-directives?email=html&threadId=412008&commentId=4007241#c4007241 .