As a parent, it’s wise to consider the reasons for and benefits of stem cell banking preservation these days, as it’s something that could be potentially lifesaving for your child or other members of your family in the future.
Here we examine just what cord blood banking is, as well as some of the biggest reasons to consider cord blood banking for your family:

- What it is: Cord blood banking is a system of banking a collected sample of a child’s umbilical cord blood directly after the baby is born, following the cutting of the umbilical cord. The actual banking is done using cryopreservation, or, cryogenic freezing methods, that maintain the vital functionality of the blood after it’s been processed in a number of ways in a laboratory.

- Uses: Cord blood has been shown to be potentially useful in a number of different ways so far. Perhaps most notably, the stem cells in cord blood have been used as effective treatments for different blood cancers, genetic diseases of the blood, and other cases requiring stem cell transplants. Lately, studies have also been in progress using blood stem cells in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes, while earlier stages of research are underway studying the efficacy of stem cells in treating stroke, and hearing loss as well.

Although there have not yet been human trials in these areas, animal studies have shown promise for stem cells from an umbilical cord being successfully used in cardiovascular repair, and other central nervous system-related problems as well. Also key to note are
the great strides being made in regenerative medicine, and the potential that preserved cord blood holds in relation to these strides.

- Private vs. Public: Although there are both public and private blood banks in operation in the United States, there are some big differences between the two. Public banks, which are less common as the high costs of such banks are harder to maintain, can’t assure a family that their samples will be banked or guarantee that they will have access to these samples at a later date. As a privacy measure, most blood donated to a public bank cannot be permanently linked to a donor. Although all blood undergoes testing for viruses and other potentially harmful disorders, some disorders and viruses will not become apparent in the donor for years to come, at which time all identifying information has been destroyed. As far as private banks go, there are also a few concerns. The cost to both insurers and private parties in using these banks is usually relatively high. The ability to have access to samples in the future also often rests on the commercial viability of the banking enterprise, meaning that if the bank shuts down, you can potentially lose access to the samples you paid for and may need in the future. Private banks are however, at least often insured by the FDA and other regulatory boards, which ensure high standards and safe practices for effectively storing and using samples.

As a parent, taking the time to research banking options for your children is definitely worthwhile. With the future of stem cell
research being such a promising medical avenue, other great benefits could be right around the corner in addition to the already plentiful existing ones. Take the time to do the proper research, and
decide if cord blood banking is a good option for your loved ones.

Image: Blogs.babble.com

Oh, and you might want to find out a cure for aging because this infographic reports that “regardless of all of these risks, your probability of dying during a given year doubles every 8 years.” Let’s face it, no matter how health conscious we might be, we’ll keep on aging till the inevitable happens. Till then, I it still makes sense to keep the risk at a minimum and not hasten that day by living a healthy lifestyle and, as mentioned above, avoiding riskier activities.

I hope you enjoy the infographic from the online resource The Best Health Degrees as much as I did. Maybe it’ll even help you plan out your next vacation as you choose the things you want to try to do with your family or pals.

Source: Best Health Degrees

Depression can happen to anyone – male, female, young or old. In fact, about 26.2 percent of Americans from ages 18 and up can suffer from a mental disorder that can be diagnosable. That’s one in four adults. Depression can be diagnosed and if you know the symptoms of depression, you can identify if you or a loved one is suffering from it.

Here are some of the more common symptoms of depression.

Sleeping problems

A person suffering from depression will suddenly have difficulties with their sleeping habits. This can go to either extreme. There are those who will find it extremely difficult to sleep, while there are those who will find themselves sleeping all day. Another symptom would be to wake up in the middle of the night, every night.

Changes in weight

Depression can affect a person’s weight. Some will experience unexplained weight loss, while other will gain weight. It should be noted that there are some depression sufferers who will resort to food as a way of dealing with their depression.

Body aches

A common belief about depression is that it is a purely psychological disorder and that it won’t have any kind of physical manifestations. But this is entirely untrue. There are people who suffer from depression who do exhibit physical symptoms. This include feelings of nausea, a weakened immune system that manifests in persistent colds and flu, general aches in the body, and the worsening of existing conditions like arthritis.

Heightened emotionality

Depression sufferers are prone to become more emotional. They are more prone to anger and can be extremely irritable.

Problems with concentration

An inability to focus on the task at hand is another symptom of depression. A person who’s depressed will have problems dealing with tasks. They won’t care much about their responsibilities and this could lead to problems at work.

These are just some of the symptoms of depression you should look out for. If you think a person you know needs help with depression, contact a health professional and ask for advice on how to handle the situation.

Candidates for breast liposuction are from all types of women. Some women may have more fat from glandular tissue from the breast itself. This procedure will produce a small version of the breasts of a woman who had liposuction done on their breast before.

The overall shape of the breasts will be the same shape as they were before liposuction, only smaller. The removal of fatty tissue from your breast does not take away the chance to be able to breastfeed. There is little to no pain or trouble from choosing to do this type of reduction, compared to the full breast reductions.

As any medical procedure costs money, you will be surprised on breast
liposuction cost. You should check prices from different practices so that you know the price is competitive. In addition, you need to be sure and make sure that the doctor doing the liposuction is licensed.

Breast liposuction price is very good right now, especially because the need and want from the consumers is very high, and the procedure is used more then the breast reduction use to. That the liposuction will keep your breasts the same shape, and form, that alone has many advantages.

The advantages of having this done, is more than expected. As you will be able to go to work sooner, the healing process is quick, the breast keeps shape, as well, you do not have to pay the price of a full reduction, and fewer postoperative complications.

Nonnutritive sweeteners (sometimes called artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes) may seem like the sweet solution to people struggling with diabetes or weight loss problems. But how healthy are these chemicals, and are there natural sweeteners that can deliver similar benefits but at a reduced risk to your health?

 What are nonnutritive sweeteners?

Nonnutritive sweeteners are considered food additives, and are regulated by the FDA. Some of the more well-known ones are saccharin, sucralose (such as Splenda), and aspartame (such as Nutrasweet). These are found in many diet drinks, low-carb and reduced-sugar products.

While the FDA has cleared nonnutritive sweeteners for public consumption, there are concerns of their long-term effects on health—specifically the link to cancer. While the National Cancer Institute  explains that studies were not enough to establish them as a carcinogen, but enthusiasts of organic living says it took the government decades to declare the health risks of tobacco. Health forums like livestrong.com also caution against side effects like nausea and digestive problems.

Nonnutritive and natural sweeteners

The public receives very confusing messages about nonnutritive sweeteners, so it’s not surprising that many have decided to take the more cautious route of using natural sweeteners instead. One of the most popular natural sweeteners in the market tod ay is Stevia sweetener. Stevia is a plant found in South and North America that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, but has no carbohydrates and no effect on blood sugar. Native tribes have extensively used it. They incorporate it in their teas and and in their medicines to mask any unpleasant tastes.  You can find both commercially available stevia powder  and liquid stevia.

We have to realize though that people feel like they will never truly be able to achieve a healthier lifestyle not just because they are negative, but because there are real barriers to reaching this goal. The problem though is getting people to realize that these barriers are surmountable and can slowly be overcome.

A big mistake people often make when aiming to achieve a healthier lifestyle is trying to turn things around overnight. They set unrealistic goals for themselves, and so set themselves up for disappointment once they realize that reaching those goals is something that is more difficult than they anticipated.

This is why I believe that a good way to achieve a healthier lifestyle is by doing things slowly. Instead of going for an entire lifestyle overhaul, which you can bet will be more stress than most people can handle, it is better to just choose one simple habit to undo or to form that will affect your life for the better. For example, instead of doing an entire diet overhaul, why not just take fried foods of your diet? You can also tackle it another way by eating more healthy stuff, like fruits, instead of removing something from your diet. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything and be more likely to succeed in your “mini goals”. You will find that in time, removing fried foods from your diet will slowly make it easier for you to make better food choices, or that eating more fruits will leave you fuller and less likely to binge on unhealthy food.

As the number of your “small successes” grow the more you’ll feel empowered to start taking bigger steps that will lead to a real and lasting lifestyle change. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut, and do what you can today.

Image via MakingGoodSoftware

According to a review of 67 studies done by scientists at the Copenhagen University, called the Cochrane Collaboration, certain vitamins, specifically beta-carotene and Vitamins A and E, may shorten your life. In fact, BBC reports that “the researchers linked vitamin A supplements to a 16% increased risk of dying, beta-carotene to a 7% increased risk and vitamin E to a 4% increased risk.”

This does not mean, however, that you should stop taking your vitamin supplements altogether. However, as the researchers themselves warn, you should “exercise caution in the use of high doses of purified supplements of vitamins, including antioxidant vitamins, and minerals.” Instead of relying on vitamin supplements alone to provide the anti-oxidants and minerals you need, it is still best to eat a balanced and healthy diet rich in natural vitamins and minerals.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the study has merely established a correlation between mortality and the said vitamins. There are plenty of other factors that might have come into play that is the actual direct cause for the increased mortality. So when reading of studies like these, it is best to exercise your judgement as correlation does not always imply causation.

Still, I personally prefer getting my vitamins from natural sources like carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes (for beta-carotene), liver (Vitamin A), and nuts and green leafy vegetables (for Vitamin E). I do take Calcium supplements though since I need more than I can take in as a nursing mom, but other than that just try to eat right.

Image via Way To Enliven

In my last post I emphasized the importance of good mental health, encouraging everyone to take stock of your present situation and do what’s necessary to preserve your mental well being. Taking care of your mental well being does not always necessarily mean having to go to a shrink for help, though in some cases it really is needed or simply better. It’s also not entirely about getting a mind reset, although learning to think positively is paramount to good mental health. What people often do not realize is just how much taking care of your physical health can help your mental state. After all, being sick (and sickly) will surely affect you mentally. Small steps like the ones listed below might seem trivial, but can help you a long way in achieving a healthier and happier life:

• Eat right – Yes, we all know the (physical) health benefits of eating right, but I’m also sure you’ve heard that some food can help you get out of a rut. If you’re feeling down, eat some dark chocolate to help lift your mood. If your nerves are frayed, drink some chamomile tea. These may sound like some old wives tales, but the food you eat really do matter since they react chemically with your body. Research on the specific kind of food that might help you get through your day. Eat right not just for your body, but also for your peace of mind.
• Get moving – I’m not even referring to an all out exercise regimen. If you’re stuck, just get moving. You can stretch, take a walk, do some chores, or even just dance. The point is to get your blood pumping leaving you feeling energized and better able to cope with mental stressors.
• Use water – Whether you opt to take a shower, dive into the pool, drink a glass of water, or listen to some water soundtrack, you will find that just getting close to water in some way will probably help you calm down and refresh you mentally. I have no idea why this is, but it just is.
• Prettify yourself – This isn’t just for women or for vain people. No matter how much we may say that true beauty is more than just outward appearance, the fact remains that we generally feel a little better about ourselves when we look our best. You don’t have to compete with anyone. The point here is to be clean, presentable, and dress up in a way that will make you feel empowered.

Image via Wallaeart

Good mental health is not just being free of mental illnesses that would require you to see a doctor. Instead, you can look at it as having the “ability to enjoy life, and create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.” In short, it is important because it is a prerequisite to being able to live your life to the fullest.

Just because you are an achiever doesn’t mean that you have sound mental health. Indeed, we only need look at the number of famous people in history who have taken their lives or lived their lives in a destructive cycle to know that it isn’t about success. It also doesn’t necessarily follow that being in a good physical condition will result in good mental health, although we know that being fit does help. So if this is the case, how then do you escape the clutches of psychological problems that may be haunting you? How do you stay mentally fit?

I may be no medical practitioner but I truly believe that it starts with educating yourself. While it is true that people with severe psychological problems and mental illnesses may not be able to deal with it on their own and need professional help, the rest of the population can take care of their mental health by developing habits that will slowly build your resilience, just like a body builder does to get muscles. But to be able to develop what those habits are, you first need to figure out what they are, the techniques you can use, and which of those apply to you. You need to educate yourself.

Feeling down today? Don’t brush it away. Get to the root of things and start taking care of your mental health.

Image via Your Basic Lefty

In the womb human embryos have a prenatal tail but as the embryo develops into a fetus the tail is absorbed by the growing body. But this didn’t happen to Oram and he now has a tail 13 inches long. Despite this Oram has refused any operation to have it removed saying he wouldn’t be the same person without it.

Oram lives in West Bengal and  was born on the date known as Rama Navami, which is the birthday of Hindu King Rama. Because of this Oram is regarded by many as an incarnation of the ape like Hindu deity Hanuman. Thousands of people queue up each day to seek blessings from him. In a corner of the courtyard of his home, Oram has set up a small Hanuman temple, where he receives offerings on Ram Navami, which he later offers to the deity.

The monkey god Hanuman

“I was born on Ram Navami (birthday of Lord Ram).” he says. “People have a lot of faith in me – they get cured of severe ailments when they touch my tail. I believe I can do a lot of good to those who come to me with devotion,”

The author writes for The Freaky, a site that posts weird news and strange medical stories from around the world.