Organ Donation: 3 Truths and a Lie #HAWMC

Day 16 (April 16) – Misinformation

Tell us 3 things that are true about you, your condition, or your Health Activism. Tell us 1 lie. Will we be able to tell the difference?

Bonus points – share your 3 + 1 as a poll on FB. Share the results!

Its amazing how misinformed so many people are.  Most people are shocked by what the myths and truths are when it comes to organ donation.  I love being able to correct them and help them see the truth.  So I was really excited when I saw this prompt.

I put up a poll on FB, doe's that make up for my missing post yesterday?  Oh you didn't notice...never mind then!  Moving on.  So the poll.  Here is what I asked.

3 truths and a lie. Can you spot the myth?

	Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions.	+2
	The organ donor’s family is never charged for donating	+2
	You may not be healthy enough to be an organ donor	+3
	There’s no defined cutoff age for donating organs.	+1

So which one is the myth?  #3.  Lets recap

Most religions believe that organ donation is a gift and a very great thing to do.  I did read that the Shinto think that "injuring" a dead body is a crime and it is very hard to get consent for donation.  And was also told that there are other African religions who believe that the body must stay whole to make it to the afterlife.  But most are all for it and say it is an individuals decision.

There is NEVER a cost to the donors family for donating.  The donors family and insurance is only accountable for charges before death.  There is no charge for donating!

There are very few conditions that will disqualify you from being an organ donor.  But that call is to be left to the doctors.  I know my liver is in no condition to be donated, but what about the rest of my organs.  And then there is all so your eyes and tissue that might be OK to donate.  Don't take yourself out of the game yet?

Its not a question of being to old or young.  Its a question of how healthy the organ is.  I have read stories of Organ donors in their 80's.  To their children who are in their 50's.  There is not a cut off date any where that says you must be under this age to donate.

So, keep those organs healthy.  And be sure to register with your state as an organ donor.   Much love and thank you to those that took the time to vote!!