According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation was the disposition of choice in about 27% of all deaths in the United States in the year 2001. It is projected that the percentage will rise to about 39% in 2010 and 47% in 2025. These figures represent the United States as a whole; individual states may have lower or higher rates of cremation. (Source: Cremation Association of North America)

Most funerals in North America conclude with earth burial, which is burying the remains contained in a casket into the ground. Purchases made for this option generally include a casket, a vault, a cemetery plot, and a headstone or grave marker. Another choice is cremation. People choose cremation for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, personal preference, religious beliefs, changing family surroundings, and traditions. See similar questions...

Concerns about cremation often come about through misunderstandings and misinformation. When death of a loved one occurs, the family needs and generally wants the time to gather, to experience the support of one another, their faith and the community. Unfortunately, many believe that cremation eliminates all these healthy, supportive opportunities. Cremation is simply the final physical step, just as burial is a final step. See similar questions...

The family may choose from a full selection of urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urns may be placed in a columbarium, which is a building or structure where single niche space or family units may be selected. Niches are recessed compartments enclosed by either glass protecting the engraved urn or ornamental fronts upon which the name and dates are featured. See similar questions...

Yes. You may designate on your donation form that the ashes are to be returned to the family by listing the name, address and telephone number of the person to receive them. The ashes will be returned in an urn suitable for burial or entombment. See similar questions...

Many choose to bury the ashes in their container in a family cemetery plot. Some cemeteries require an urn vault for burial. The urn also may be placed in a niche within a columbarium, mausoleum, or church. A small engraved plaque may be ordered for the urn, grave, or niche. Some people want the cremated remains scattered. This may be done in a special cemetery garden, at sea, or at some other place of special significance. See similar questions...

Answer: Oahu Cemetery carefully identifies each person before cremation. Families may request to view the placement of the deceased into the chamber if they need further assurance. See similar questions...

Yes. Because for some patients the need for treatment is urgent, or the patient feels this is the treatment method of choice, many decide to move forward with the treatment and pay for the procedure out of pocket. You must first contact your health plan and get a formal denial of pre-authorization of MRgFUS. See similar questions...

Disposition is the re-selling of surplus artwork from corporate art collections. art4business' Disposition Collection is organized on a bidding basis, offering potential savings. See similar questions...

A - All complaints are prioritized and responded to based on the perceived severity. "A" complaints are generally responded to within 1.5 days and "B" complaints are generally responded to within 25 days. Other complaints are responded to as time and resources allow. Also see BIS Complaint Disposition Codes (pdf- 23kb). See similar questions...

Cremation is the process where the body is totally incinerated by intense heat and flame. All substances are consumed and vaporized except bone fragments and any noncombustible materials. The bone fragments may be further pulverized after cooling. These remains weigh anywhere from 4 to 10 pounds. See similar questions...