I have dedicated my career, running into decades, to understanding health, diseases and the cause of death in various circumstances, including medicolegal (forensic) cases, and I'm still amazed at how much there is to know about these subjects. Sometimes, it is difficult to make sense of the dynamics of health and diseases. However, in my experience across different regions of the world through the opportunity of working with the living, the dead and their families and communities, I have come to realise that Life is a continuum in repeating phases of health, diseases and death.
The book, The Dead is Not dead, is an original work which sets out to discuss an uncomfortable subject, a topic that is not often considered an icebreaker in any meeting or social gathering. It is a discourse about the Dead and issues around handling their bodies in a dignified manner and respectful interaction with their families. There is the awkwardness usually elicited whenever “death” or “the Dead” becomes a subject for discussion. It is so much that people even find it difficult to conceive the reality of their mortality and that it is only a matter of when – and not if – death will occur.
Only very few people in the world wouldn't have experienced the demise of a family member, friend, loved one, or neighbour. Everyone has had such an experience. We are inundated daily with media reports of deaths in different contexts and circumstances. In a way, we have witnessed death and the Dead. One of the challenges is being able to talk about the deceased in a manner that is not laden with technicalities and sentiments. Therefore, this book presents the topic in a straightforward narrative, as much as feasible, which will be understandable to the lay public. At the same time, it provides some valuable insights for professionals in forensic medicine and science and the related fields, concerned institutions and authorities on some of the complexities of moving parts inherent in the management of the Dead, especially about the needs of their families, friends and communities.
In addition, the relevant authorities, institutions and practitioners could reflect some more upon the relevance and implication of their actions, inactions and responsibilities in managing the Dead, especially in tragic circumstances/emergencies, and how their actions may impact the families of the deceased, their communities and the general public. It is never over following death because "The Dead is Not dead!".
Meanwhile, you can click the highlighted text and order the book online. Your copies will be dispatched to any part of the world through UPS courier. The Dead is Not dead is our shared responsibility to the biphasic nature of holistic care and dignity and is a tribute to everyone who has experienced the death of a loved one and to practitioners, institutions and authorities who handle issues related to the dead, their families and communities.
