Healthcare

In recent years, a growing number of parents have been making the crucial decision of going for cord blood storage. With the development of advanced methods for biologic storage, it is a more convenient option than waiting for a cord blood donor. Moreover, there will be no issues with compatibility and fewer instances of graft rejection if it becomes necessary to use cord blood in the future for treating many health conditions.

What is cord blood?

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the detached umbilical cord after the birth of a baby. This blood contains stem cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Of all these cells, the stem cells can replicate, differentiate, and develop into other types of cells. That makes them invaluable in the cell therapies for many advanced medical treatments for various serious diseases.

Harvesting stem cells from the cord blood is a more straightforward and non-invasive procedure than the painful procedure of extracting them from an adult’s bone marrow. Additionally, since these stem cells are younger, they can replicate for an extended period.

Why should you store cord blood?

You should store cord blood to safeguard against diseases or health conditions that your child could suffer as they grow older. Cord blood storage may be especially crucial if your child has or is likely to acquire a hereditary condition. It could be a potentially life-saving measure since the doctors could use the stored cord blood in therapies to treat their disorder.

Even if there is no treatment for the condition currently, there is a strong possibility it will be available in the future. Medical researchers have been making great strides in research and clinical trials and already using cord blood to treat cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cerebral palsy, autism, and many other health conditions. They are likely to discover many new uses for cord blood in medical treatments in the coming years.

It is essential to keep in mind, though, that your child can only use their cord blood for any treatment they might undergo. Due to innate organic differences, other cord blood will not be compatible with them, and the chances of bodily rejection will be high.

How do you store cord blood?

You can store cord blood at -196°C in a cryogenic freezer in special umbilical cord banks. At this temperature, the cells become metabolically inactive and can remain in a suspended state practically forever. Depending on your requirements, you can store the umbilical cord blood for a year, more than ten years, or for a lifetime. Many cord bank companies offer different cord blood storage options or allow for storage option customization to suit the needs of their customers.

The cost of storing cord blood can vary, with some companies offering affordable cord blood bank rates of $19.99/month. According to what suits your budget, you can make a monthly, yearly, or make a lifetime payment.

What is the procedure for storing cord blood?

After deciding to go for cord blood storage, you can contact the cord bank company for a blood collection kit. You can give it to the medical team assisting with the birth of your child. As soon as the baby is born, the doctor or the nurse will use the blood collection kit to collect the cord blood from the umbilical cord. The cord bank company will send a courier to pick up the sample and take it to their nearest laboratories for processing. The laboratory will process it and have it ready for storage within 24 hours.

The cord bank will use advanced liquid nitrogen cryopreservation methods to preserve the umbilical cord blood. They will send you a report of the cord blood cell analysis from the laboratory, detailing the amount of blood in the sample, the exact cell count, and the viability of the cells. They will also provide you with a unique number of the bank that will store your sample, so you will have no trouble locating it when you need it in the future. When you need to use the cord blood, the bank will thaw it from the frozen state, and the cells will become active again.

Cord blood banking is a procedure of harvesting, freezing, and saving cord blood for future use. Cord blood, conjointly termed umbilical cord blood, remains in the umbilical duct and placenta after the birth of a baby. Apart from containing all additives of ordinary blood like red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, it consists of hematopoietic stem cells. These cells can save many lives. This blood is not required for the baby just after birth but can be beneficial in the future. So if your delivery is soon, consider donating your cord blood to the best cord blood banks near you.

How does cord blood banking give greater peace of mind to families?

Earlier, the placenta and umbilical duct were considered waste. But as the phenomenal benefits of cord blood get discovered, its banking is being promoted. We have discussed some pros that show how cord blood banking can offer you complete peace of mind.

Life Saver

Cord blood banking provides a remedy for illnesses such as anemia, leukemia, immunity disorders, and certain cancers. This process stores the stem cells believed to morph into all kinds of blood cells. There are fewer chances anyone related to the family of the baby will reject cord blood. The most beneficial aspect of cord blood banking is that since doctors collect this blood from a newborn, it is free from any infection.

• Readily Available

Cord blood is a more primitive source of hematopoietic stem cells, compared to bone marrow and peripheral blood. Doctors believe that once collected parents can store it indefinitely in a reputed cord blood bank. According to statistics, 1 in every 217 people may need stem cells once in their lifetime due to treatment. You can use the somatic cells of your baby anytime if your baby, his/her sibling, or the parents fall ill suddenly.

• Simple procedure

The process of banking cord blood is pain-free for both the baby and the mother. Whether your baby is born naturally or via C-section, you can save the cord blood in both cases. First of all, the epithelial duct blood samples will get checked for any infection. Blood is collected immediately when the cord gets detached from the mother and the baby. There is no necessity to do any additional surgery for this. Then, the banked blood is processed using various processing agents. Lastly, it is slowly lowered to a precise temperature and preserved.

• More research on cord blood

Scientists believe that there are still many undiscovered benefits of cord blood and require studies for the same. Research for pairing the stem cell storage services with genetic and genomic testing services is underway. Cord blood banks are becoming centers of stem cell storage. Clinical trials to use cord blood for treating heart diseases and diabetes are also underway.

• Benefits to your family

If you donate your baby’s cord blood to a public bank, it will be accessible to anyone in need. But, if you choose a private bank for banking, they will reserve this blood only for your family. Your baby or someone from your family might need a somatic cell transplant in the future. Finding a stem cell match from the public database is tough. In most cases, our bodies reject the stem cells of somebody not in our blood relation. Genetically related stem cells are an ideal match in such situations. Your baby’s stem cells can be a 75% perfect match for transplant to siblings and a 100% match for the parents.

A massive complication after a somatic cell transplant is GVHD. GVHD stands for graft-versus-host-disease, and it attacks the body after transplant. A patient will suffer from GVHD or not depends on the relationship that the donor and receiver share. According to the National Institute of Health, there are 65% to 55% fewer chances of getting GVHD if the donor is in blood relation to the receiver.

Liquid kratom is a stronger form of kratom in other forms. It is also sold as liquid kratom shots or tinctures. Liquid kratom can be mixed with other additives too; though some brands sell it in its purest form.

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is found in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar. It has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine in these countries. Kratom is also found in some areas of the Pacific Rim.

What is Liquid Kratom?

Liquid kratom is extracted using kratom leaves or powder. It is highly-concentrated in form. It is often made using lab equipments. Commercial liquid kratom is gaining popularity as it is convenient to buy it rather than preparing the extract at home using leaves or powder. It is simply easier to buy liquid kratom and use it instantly.

It can be expensive than some other variants of kratom. But since it is concentrated in form, a little of it goes a long way; making it economical to use in the long run. For those who find pure kratom taste rather strong, it is helpful to use liquid kratom mixed with other flavors.

Some manufacturers pay special attention to preserve all the alkoids present in kratom while converting it into a liquid form. They adopt methods that enable them to make really potent liquid extracts. Such a form of liquid kratom is known as full-spectrum liquid kratom.

Forms of Liquid Kratom

Liquid kratom shots, tinctures, and extract are different types of the substance available easily.

Shots – Liquid kratom is blended with water to make shots. Other ingredients may be added to it to make the shots more flavorsome.

Tincture – It is made by soaking kratom in a solution of water and alcohol. Preservatives may also be added to it. The soaking solution is stored inside an airtight container for a few weeks until kratom is fully absorbed within the water-alcohol mixture. The container is kept in a shaded and dark place. Solid particles are removed from it and the remaining solution is packed inside a bottle with a dropper.

Liquid extract – It is made by boiling kratom powder or leaves to extract natural alkoids. The boiled liquid is filtered to remove solid particles inside it. It is further boiled until the extract is obtained. Depending on the manufacturer, it can undergo multiple filtration steps. Some manufacturers add flavors or other substances to the liquid extract.

Liquid Kratom Potency

The higher the number of alkoids presents in liquid kratom; the greater is its potency. It is often reflected on the packaging as 2x, 10x, or 50x. These figures mean that per millimeter of kratom liquid contains 2g, 10g, or 50g of the substance. It makes it easier to buy the right product as not everyone wants liquid kratom with very high potency.

Dosage

The dosage of liquid kratom will differ for individuals. For beginners, it is recommended to start with small quantities of the substance. Depending on how your body reacts to it, you can slowly increase or reduce the quantity.
It is not advisable to use it in excess. You can consult with the manufacturers or sellers of liquid kratom, or an herbal specialist to identify the right dose per day. It is not recommend for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Uses and Benefits

Liquid kratom can help you raise your energy levels. It is useful in reducing pain and increasing appetite. Its pain-relieving property is one of the main reasons for the popularity of kratom. In its liquid form, it reaches the blood stream quickly and reduces pain. Those who suffer from chronic pain can benefit from the use of liquid kratom. But to avoid drug interactions, it is best to use it after consulting your doctor.

Using kratom can also improve sexual function. It is often used as a sedative. Those who suffer from insomnia can benefit from using kratom in any from including liquid extract.

When used in low doses, it acts as a stimulant. It can keep you awake and your energy levels high. It promotes a feeling of relaxation and helps to manage stress. Its use can lower blood pressure.

Stem Cells Banks

Every newborn’s stem cells that stay in the cord blood and the mesenchymal stem cells that one can find in the cord tissue have got immense potential to save human lives. Stem cells have the intrinsic to replicate themselves as precise, secure, and authentic cell groups. Thus stem cells are highly significant, as far as the modern medical field is concerned. That said, the storage of the stem cell is equally vital as the process of obtaining the same. However, it is highly significant that you must go for a professionally-managed stem cell bank from the available options of stem cells banks for storing the stem cells of your baby. Such perfect storing is vital to maintain the effective nature of the stored stem cells intact. The medical scientists hold the opinion that the stem cells will serve as an effective medicine for curing the various damages that occur to the internal organs of the human body. According to them, this treatment method will be handy for curing diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Stem cells banks must be capable of performing the entailed different processes related to stem cell banking such as the collection, processing, and storing up of the stem cells intact, for using the same for future therapeutic purposes. However, one must make sure to select a perfect bank for storing the cord blood of the newborn, and there are some practical factors that one must consider while selecting a stem bank from the available bunch of stem cells banks. That said, only when some conditions such as the health condition of the patient, etc., are favorable, medical practitioners will use the stem cells.

Factors to be Considered While Choosing a Stem Cell Bank

Reliability: The reliability of the stem cell bank management is of prime importance. There must be qualified and experienced management personnel. You can also check the official recognitions such as AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), & CAP (College of American Pathologists). The stem cell bank must have a global vision and network with superb and commendable experience in automated stem cell banking, as well as storage technology. It must have earned a high reputation as regards the storage procedures for future usage.

Experience: You must ensure the competency of the management before choosing a specific stem cell bank. Experience counts a lot, and hence you must opt for an experienced company that has professional management. If a bank has two decades of experience in this field, then, of course, you can deem it as an established and reliable stem cell bank. If a stem cell bank has nearly 110,000 clients that include both private and public clients, then it is a dependable stem cell bank. The top management personnel must be highly qualified and experienced as regards the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and stem cell banking industry and must have track records of success in the same.

Lab Facility: The Company must own a high-tech laboratory and must have a safe location. Remember, some companies will be outsourcing these functions to outside labs, and hence, the possibility of damage will be more. The location where lab stays must have both natural and man-made protections from the possible natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, fire, etc.

Company’s Stability: Yet another significant matter to consider while selecting stem cells banks is the financial capacity of the company. The company must be stable financially; this is vital to run the stem cell bank as it should be. Remember, only when the bank is maintained with scientific preciseness, the stored stem cells will remain usable for the future purpose.

Pricing: The next significant point to ponder is the pricing factor. It must not be excessive. There may be companies that charge exorbitant prices for storing the stem cells, claiming that the entailed processes are complicated and need more finance for keeping the same safe. You must compare the facilities provided and charges of different stem cell banks before selecting one. You must pick a bank that will preserve the stem cell of your kid with utmost carefulness at an affordable price tag.

As per studies, almost 44% of people experience irritation and ache of sensitive sciatic nerve at any age in their lifetime. With its extended presence in human body, travelling from lower spine through the pelvis, buttocks, each upper hip, knee and feet, irritation of the nerve typically encompass stretched area making life horrible. In all your daily activities, like sitting, standing, walking, twisting, bending, or even while coughing, sneezing, or laughing, the burning feel of sciatica is the most common experience reported by victims who obtain sciatica pain management in McAllen services.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica Pain

 Persistent pain typically in one side of leg, knee, and buttock (sometime both sides);

 Unbearable tingling feel while sitting, walking, bending or walking;

 Pain extending from buttock to leg can be explained alike burning, scratchy, or scorching;

 Sharp pain cause difficulty walking and lead to exhaustion, numbness and weakness;

 Radiating pain down the leg all along the foot and toes;

When You Should Contact Sciatica Pain Management

If you come across one or more symptoms stated above with pinching nerve, you might be suffering from sciatic paining nerve. Undeniably, among all treatment measures to address sciatic pain, the vast majorly look for services offered by sciatica pain Management in McAllen experts. Keep in mind that only a proficient physical therapist can help you alleviate the maddening sensation of sciatica, restore mobility, and better your everyday life. Some of their management procedures include

Physical Therapy Management

Prepared with knowledge pool of PTs, sciatica pain management in McAllen educate you a combination of aerobic methods incorporating strengthening, stretching, and low intensity exercises apart from offering you deep tissue massage.

• Deep tissue massage

The kneading procedure involves putting direct pressure as well as rubbing of the soft tissues including tendons, muscles and ligaments comes in the route of sciatic nerve and its peripheral branches. An expert physical therapist targets release of chronic tension of the muscles and with an effective deep tissue massage, patients can get extensive relaxation and relief from sciatica pain through routine massage as per necessity.

Three Key Aerobics to Get Rid of Sciatica Pain

As you get involved in regular practices, you can recuperate the issue and diminish the possible episodes of pain attacks.

• Strengthening exercises

You will be taught on a series of back and abdominal exercise with a view to strengthen all supporting ligaments, muscles, and tendons linked to spinal column. Apart from the lower back, the aerobics reinforce buttock, hip, leg, and abdominal muscles. Strengthening the core muscles offer greater pain relief since they back the spine, assisting in movements, twisting spine and bending body posture.

• Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises are ideally designed to nourish muscles and ligaments cause tenderness as they become inflexible, tensed, and tight. The program include three stretching movements including the pelvis to the knee toward the backward, hands to keens extending one arm to grip opposite leg and vice-versa, apart from plank body posturing on the hands and toes. Commonly, humans do not need stretching these muscles in their daily life, whereas with stretching exercises, one can be highly benefited to reduce sciatica pain.

• Low-impact aerobics

Some of the of low-impact aerobics include walking, climbing steps and swimming that encourages blood flow, relax muscles and unwind stress that create a superior curative setting.

Aside from aerobics, sciatica pain management in McAllen undergo procedures like Heat and Cold, TENS, Ultrasound and other methodologies considering the acuteness of sciatic issue of patients and their individual needs.

Pain Reliever Medications

Many people use prescription medications as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, oral steroids and pain balms for relieving sciatica pain. However, use of such medications is extremely harmful and can cause various health problems. Notably, none of them can give long-term relief, which can be effectively addressed by sciatic pain management in McAllen without having any sort of side effect.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Different from pain oral steroid, an epidural steroid injection can be administered by a specialist health practitioner in managing inflammation and severity of sciatica. It is injected directly into the sciatic nerve that causes pain. The injection may not be effective for everyone and can provide short-term relief depending on one’s acuteness.

The herbaceous Ginseng root is popular for a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Among the different varieties, the American Ginseng is widely known and recognized. There are many interesting facts associated with this herbal remedy. Here are 6 less-known ones.

1. Not all ginseng is American

American ginseng is just one among the varieties of the ginseng root. The more popular oriental varieties include the Chinese and the red Korean ones, which are known to be warming and more stimulating. The easiest way to identify the authenticity of the product is by checking the label. American ginseng goes by the botanical name Panax quinquefolius while the others are known by Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng) or Nepal Ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng).

2. It is the root of the American ginseng that is used

The American ginseng is a perennial herbaceous plant that produces a stalk every year from a fleshy root. The plant is about 10 to 20 inches tall, and usually has three or four compound leaves that branch out from the stalk. The size of the plant and the number of leaves generally increase with age. However, it is the root of the plant that is the most prized object. The fleshy root is dried, and often ground into a state that can be consumed.

3. A valuable ginseng root takes time to grow

Though perennial, American ginseng is slow growing plants. The seeds take 18 months to germinate. The wilder varieties take six to eight years to develop a valuable root. They do not grow in the open or spaces where other herbaceous plants tend to compete with them. Due its long maturing and growing time, ginseng commands a high price, and also is subject to over collecting. As a result, many states have laws in place to protect the plant legally. This includes regulation in the type of the ginseng that can be sold, its maturity, collection time, replanting, and so on.

4. The taste for American Ginseng is attained

The American ginseng herb, like the other varieties, has a bitter taste that is often not liked by many. However, this taste can be acquired through continuous use or consumption. People of North America tend to consume capsule and pills of the ginseng herb, in order to hide the taste. Asians, however use it in direct preparations like tea, candy, chewable tablets, soups etc., which carry the distinct taste of the ginseng. Some of them even resort to chewing the root directly in order to maintain their body, and to derive maximum health benefits.

5. American Ginseng has ‘cooling’ properties

Traditional Chinese medicine considers American ginseng a Yin-tonic with cooling, and non-stimulating properties. The root has been found to contain higher levels of ginsenosides Rb1, which has a sedative effect on the central nervous system, than other species such as the Korean ginseng. As a result, this herb is able to provide strengthening and immune-enhancing effects without overstimulating, thus being beneficial to people who are troubled by stress, mental stimulation, or those suffer from hot conditions like excess nervous energy, high blood pressure, ulcers etc. It is a suitable choice for in fast-paced and energetic lifestyles that benefit from calming herbs. It is also ideal for young and middle-aged people.

6. American ginseng has mild therapeutic actions and can be consumed in many forms

The therapeutic properties of American ginseng being mild and non-stimulating, this herb can be incorporated into daily meals or routine with little trouble. Those who do not find the taste repelling can consume the dried root as powder or by preparing a beverage such as tea or soup from it. The ginsenosides in the herb are best extracted by simmering the root in water for 45 minutes or longer. The miraculous herb can also be consumed in tincture, capsule, or pill form.

The root of the American ginseng resembles the shape of the human body, and hence it is believed to be an elixir that offers many health benefits in one. It is also considered to be potion that promotes well-being and longevity.

There is a very well know recovery method for sports related injuries known as: RICE.

• REST – Rest is extremely important to protect the injured muscle, tendon, ligament or other tissue from further injury. If you are injured, stop the physical activity and protect the injured part from further damage.  Try and avoid putting weight on the injured area.  Resting the injured area is important to promote healing.

• ICE – When you are icing your injury, the most effective and convenient method is by using a cold therapy machine.  This is an extremely effective way to direct cold to the injured tissue. Traditional ice packs only provide a “Static” form of cold therapy, meaning there is no flow or movement.  Cold therapy unit provides a dynamic, or constant flow of cold therapy, allowing for better heat transfer.  The most efficient heat transfer happens between the greatest differences of temperatures and when you have a high rate of cold water flow over the injured area.  Dynamic cold therapy, provides a more consistent therapeutic temperature, thus accelerating the healing process and reducing pain, swelling, and the need for pain control medications.  Ice therapy machine provides short-term pain relief and also limits swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area.   A good rule is to apply cold compresses for 15 minutes and then leave them off long enough for the skin to re-warm.

• COMPRESSION – Compression helps reduce swelling, which can delay healing.  You can also get pain relief from compression. Wrapping an ACE bandage around to injury is a simple way to obtain the benefits of compression therapy.

• ELEVATION – Elevating your injury helps control swelling. It’s the most effective when the injured area is raised above the level of your heart. For example, if you injure a knee, lay down with your leg propped on one or two pillows.

After 48 hours RICE therapy, stop compression and try to move the injured area.  If, your symptoms are not better, seek further medical advice.

But if it works, you can follow these steps:

• Gentle stretching exercises can be done after all the swelling has subsided. Try to slowly work the entire range of motion of the injured joint or muscle, but be careful not to force a stretch, or you risk re-injury to the area. Keep in mind that stretching should never cause pain.

Sometimes an injury can just heal on its own by just resting it, but sometimes it takes months and endless physical therapy to get back in the game.  If you have suffered an injury that does not require medical treatment, like a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, getting immediate medical treatment can prevent future complications and help the injury heal faster.

If you think you have suffered a serious injury, make sure to seek out the opinion of a medical professional. There are many causes of sport injuries. Poor training, inadequate warm-up, lack of conditioning can all contribute to injuries.