Instagram lit up when the late actor Luke Perry’s daughter posted about her father’s unconventional burial choice. News outlets around the globe covered the now infamous “mushroom burial suit.” Here is what @lemonperry said on Instagram about her dad’s ecologically-friendly end-of-life decision: Continue reading What a Weird Way to be Buried?
As a public service, we wanted to take this week’s blog post to shine a spotlight on a national observance that could very well save your life or the life of someone you love. Did you know that August is National Medic Awareness Month? Although we don’t usually enter the picture while medic alerts matter, sadly, we manage the remains of people who wore their associated accessory to no avail or failed to do so, to sad result. Continue reading National Medic Awareness Month
Science fiction movies perpetuate the belief that, one day, everyone’s bodies will be frozen when we die, so they can one day be restored. While the concept has not yet caught on en masse, the process of cryonics exists, and remains an option for the well-endowed. One of the most popular organizations, the Cryonics Institute, offers freezing for members who pay a one-time fee of $1,250 plus $28,000 for cryopreservation. This is a steal, compared to the $200,000 that Arizona-based cryonic company, Alcor charges for essentially the same process.
Avoiding DeathThe fundamental goal of cryonics is to give people a second chance at life. With the experimental goal to extend human lifespans and improve quality of life through applied technology, the process involves cooling a legally deceased person as quickly as possible, often with liquid nitrogen, to a temperature where physical decay essentially stops. All this with the goal of preserving tissue, organs and especially the brain – including associated memories and personality, as perfectly as possible.
The process, called Vitrification (not freezing), preserves biological structure. Adding high concentrations of chemicals called cryoprotectants to cells permits tissue to be cooled to very low temperatures with little or no ice formation. The state of the absence of ice formation at temperatures below -120°C is called vitrification. It is now possible to physically vitrify organs as large as the human brain, achieving excellent structural preservation without freezing.
With advances in biology, medicine, computers, nanotechnology and more, science may be able to meet the challenge of reviving patients to restore health, vitality and, possibly, even youth. Essentially, the concept is to “buy time” until technology catches up and can fully repair and restore the human body. Cryonicists believe this future is not only possible, but highly probable and many have decided to spend a small fortune for the chance at a renewed life in the future. Patients currently cryopreserved include people from all walks of life.
Since 1967, facilities have cryopreserved one hundred people. What’s more, one thousand people have made legal and financial arrangements for cryonics through one of several organizations. The process is best when it begins within moments of cardiac arrest. Workers artificially restore blood circulation and breathing. They also administer a series of medications to protect the brain from the side effects of lack of oxygen. Rapid cooling also begins, which further protects the brain. The goal is to keep the brain alive for as long as possible.
Do not have access to tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars to have your body frozen? If not, don’t despair. We have lots of affordable options for burial and/or cremation. Give us a call (626) 335-0615 or drop by our Glendora showroom. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.
Funerals Around the WorldLiving in Southern California, it’s easy to start to start to think that local traditions are universal. While some people who live in other states and countries share our traditions, not all do. A host of unique traditions exist relative to the way people around the world honor the dead.
When someone in New Orleans, Louisiana dies, boisterous jazz musicians dressed in colorful garb parade down city streets. The tradition blends those in Africa and France, this joyful while simultaneously sorrowful dance of joy and grief comforts mourners who follow a veritable marching band. Typically, the band begins with a sorrowful dirge and then shifts to a more upbeat tone after mourners bury the body. Commonly observed in the city center, not every Louisianan mourns in this manner.
In the Buddhist tradition, people in Mongolia and Tibet share the belief that spirits transmigrate after death. That is, their souls move on while the body becomes an empty vessel. To aid in their loved ones’ return to the earth, mourners chop the bodies of loved ones into pieces and place them on a mountaintop to expose the shell to the elements, including vultures. As barbaric as this sounds, 80 percent of Tibetans chose to observe the practice, often referred to as a Sky Burial.
With different traditions celebrated in various parts of the country, the Benguet of Northwestern Philippines blindfold their dead and place them next to the main entrance of the houses. Their Tinguian neighbors dress bodies in their best clothes, seating them on a chair and placing a lit cigarette in their lips. The Caviteño, who live near Manila, bury their dead in a hollowed-out tree trunk. When someone falls ill, they select their entombment tree. Meanwhile, the Apayo, who live in the north, bury their dead under the kitchen.
Due to limited space for burial in South Korea, funeral directors have creatively come up with a way to dispose of the deceased. In many cases, Korean cremate and press deceased bodies into jewelry-like beads. The colorful beads, stored in a jar, take up little room.
The New York Times reports that Balinese cremation ceremonies are where the Balinese “have their greatest fun,” In 2008, the island saw one of its most lavish cremations ever as the head of the royal family was burned along with 68 commoners. Thousands of volunteers gathered to carry a giant bamboo platform, an enormous wooden bull and a wooden dragon. After a long procession, the leader’s body was eventually placed inside the bull and burned as a dragon stood witness. In the Balinese tradition, cremation releases the soul. This frees it to inhabit a new body — and is considered a sacred duty. 
Our cooperative effort with Sacred Heart Chapel in Covina and Azusa roots tie us to the community. We work out of our showroom/office location in Glendora. Planning a variety of funeral, burial and cremation ceremonies, we serve the San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, LA Basin and beyond. Helping families honor their loved ones in unique ways, we love helping celebrate unique lives. For example, we have officiated at funerals with themes as varied as sports, treasured keepsakes, game-playing, theatrical, ocean-centered, star-focused, and many more! In 2017 and beyond, we can help you plan absolutely any type of ceremony you want. The sky’s the limit!
Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.
Local West Nile VictimsCarried by mosquitos and birds, West Nile Virus is a dangerous infection. It can claim the lives of anyone who has a weak immune system, such as the elderly and children. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to protect against it. August and September are the busiest months for the disease. Already this year, at least six people have died in California due to West Nile Virus. At Foothill Funeral & Cremation Service, in the last two weeks alone, we have worked with three such families. One was an Arcadia resident, another was from Azusa, and the third, lived in West Covina.
Our hearts go out to families across Southern California who have been impacted by this illness. And, as a service to our clients and friends, we want to offer some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites.
Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Look for repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-methane-diol, which provide long-lasting protection.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
tires, and birdbaths.If, despite your best efforts, you suspect you might have West Nile, immediately schedule an appointment with your doctor or head to the Emergency Room.
We would love to help you at your time of need or in the future. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. We would love to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.
