Cord blood is the blood from the placenta and umbilical cord of a healthy newborn. The blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells and can be used to treat various diseases. These cells can morph into any type of blood cells in the body. They can form red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Traditionally, cord blood was considered medical waste. However, the last few decades have seen tremendous benefits of cord blood transplantation. It can be a powerful aid in the fight against diseases like cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell anemia.
Let us discuss cord blood transplantation and learn how it is a life-saver technique.
Cord blood transplantation
Cord blood contains a reservoir of potential lifesaving stem cells. The blood is collected, processed, and cryogenically frozen to be used for future medical emergencies. Cord blood is one of the three sources of stem cell transplantation. The other two are bone marrow and peripheral blood.
Cancer treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiation can severely impact the blood-forming cells in the marrow. Also, it can deteriorate the immune system of the body. Cord blood transplantation can be extremely beneficial in such a case.
Cord blood transplantation can take one of the two forms- Autologous transplant and Allogeneic transplant.
1. Autologous transplants
Autologous transplants use a person’s own stem cells for transplantation. For this to happen, you need to store the cord blood of your newborn right at the time of birth with a reliable stem cell bank. A private cord blood bank can store the stem cells of your child and make them available at the time of transplant.
Cord blood banking prices for private banks include one-time registration charges and annual fees until the blood is used. It can cause a financial strain if you haven’t taken cost into account beforehand.
However, with an affordable cord blood bank at $19.99/month, you can store the stem cells of your child without disrupting your budget.
2. Allogeneic transplants
Allogeneic transplants use the stem cells from a matching donor. These donors can be related or unrelated to the patient requiring a cord blood transplantation.
Siblings and family members have a better chance of being potential donors for stem cells. Hence, if you have a sick child or another family member who can benefit from stem cell transplantation, we strongly recommend storing the cord blood of your child with a private bank. In such a case, high Cord blood banking prices will bring greater benefits in the fight against diseases like cancer.
Why is cord blood a better alternative compared to other sources of stem cells?
1. For stem cell transplantation, a marrow donor has to be closely matched to the recipient. However, in the case of cord blood transplantation, partial matches can also be a suitable source for transplant. People with mixed ethnicity and uncommon tissue types could find it a preferable alternative over other sources of stem cells.
2. The cord blood bank ensures the viability of cord blood of your child for future transplantation. It also makes all the arrangements to make the stem cell available at the time and place of transplantation. Hence storing the cord blood of your child with a private bank can be very convenient.
3. Another issue related to cord blood transplantation is when the immune cells identify stem cells as foreign objects. In such a case, the immune system starts targeting your body. The issue is referred to as graft-versus-host disease. Cord blood transplantation has a lesser risk and severity of such complications.
4. Cord blood transplantation can help in treating 80 rare diseases, and there is potential for even more. Scientists and researchers are learning new ways to use cord blood as a therapeutic and regenerative medication. Some of the rare diseases that can benefit from cord blood transplantation include leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and various types of cancer.
Hence, cord blood transplantation is a life-saver technique and one of the pivotal landmarks in modern medicine.
IV treatment is a widely used treatment method that has numerous benefits. The term stands for intravenous, where ‘intro means within and ‘venous’ means through the veins. Hence, IV therapy refers to a medical treatment where the fluids, nutrients, and medications are administered through the veins of a patient.
IV treatment is one of the fastest ways to provide relief to ailing patients. It bypasses the digestive system of a patient and delivers medication or nutrients to the bloodstream of the patient directly.
Hence, IV therapy can help in emergency situations. It is also suitable for patients where the digestive system is not working properly. Apart from disease treatment, IV therapy can also be used for hydration and beauty benefits.
IV injections and IV infusions are two types of IV treatment. Both the treatments are extremely popular. However, there are many differences between the two.
Let us learn more about IV injection and IV infusion to understand the differences between the two treatment methods.
IV injection VS IV infusion
1. Process
IV injections help in injecting medication or fluid directly into the bloodstream of a patient. The health care provider uses a sterile needle and syringe to deliver the required doses into the patients’ veins. The needles are one-time-use needles and are discarded immediately after the treatment to avoid infection.
IV infusion also uses a needle to deliver fluids, nutrients, hydration, or medication into a person’s bloodstream. The sterile needle is used to guide a catheter into the person’s veins. The needle is removed while the plastic catheter remains.
An IV bag contains the required fluid and is suspended from a rod. the drip uses gravity to deliver the fluid. However, in some cases, the quantity of required fluid is administered through a regulator.
2. Duration
Another difference between the two methods is the duration of the treatment. IV injection takes only a few minutes. A trained professional guides the needle into your vein while you relax in a chair. Hence, you do not require much time for IV injection therapy.
IV infusion requires more time than IV injections. The IV infusion can take half an hour or even more than that depending on the purpose of treatment and amount of fluid or medication. You need to lie down in a hospital bed and in some cases, it may even require an overnight stay in the hospital.
3. Continuous monitoring
An IV injection needs to be administered continuously by a health care professional as the process only lasts for a few minutes. However, an IV infusion can be continuous or with intervals.
Hence, it may not require continuous monitoring by a health care professional. The professional may not even be present during the entire process. The regulator helps in modifying the quantity of fluids and medication in each time interval.
4. Uses
Before you look for IV injection or IV Infusion Near Me, it is essential to understand the various uses of the treatment. Both IV injection and IV infusion help in delivering useful medication quickly. However, Intravenous injections are much quicker than IV infusions. They only take a few minutes and can deliver the medication much faster.
However, in some cases, the patients need to be rehydrated. In such a case an IV infusion can help in delivering the required hydration into the body. Also, if the patient requires multiple injections for treatment of a chronic condition, an Infusion can be helpful. Both IV treatments can be used for patients where the oral medication is ineffective or impractical.
These are some of the differences between IV infusion and IV injection. Before you start searching for “IV infusion near me” you should assess your requirement and choose a service accordingly.
Cord Blood remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. This blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that can cure diseases like blood disorders, immune deficiencies, metabolic diseases, and certain types of cancer. These cells can convert into any blood cells and strengthen the immune system. Cord blood storage can help your child or any other family member develops any rare diseases in the future. You can also give the blood away in a public blood bank so that it can reach someone in need.
How is cord blood beneficial?
Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that can treat some of the uncommon diseases. The stem cells obtained from cord blood are medically more helpful than the stem cells obtained from other sources. The chances that your child will get affected by the uncommon diseases that require stem cells as a treatment is rare. However, millions of children are affected by such diseases worldwide.
Stem cells can also get donated via bone marrow. But this process is lengthy and complicated. The donor and the receiver must be a perfect genetic match for each other. Also, bone marrow transplants may not be successful in all cases. The receiver body might not accept stem cells through a bone marrow transplant. Receiving stem cells through cord blood is easier because lower levels of genetic matching are required. The chances of the patient’s body refusing to accept cord blood are also less. Cord blood gets stored in an affordable cord blood bank for $19.99/month, which makes it readily available for surgeries.
The process of collecting cord blood is simple. If you want to donate your cord blood, talk to your doctor after 28 weeks of pregnancy. All you will have to do is fill a consent form and undergo a screening test. The collection will get done after delivery. A professional will clamp and cut the umbilical cord, use a needle to draw blood, and place the placenta in a bag. It will be pain-free as well as safe for both mother and the baby. Whether you have a baby through C-section or normal delivery, it will hardly take 10 minutes in collecting the cord blood.
Many scientific studies are carried out on cord blood and placenta. Healthcare professionals believe that advancements in technology will reveal more benefits for cord blood. So, you must think about cord blood storage instead of throwing it away.
Benefits of Private cord blood storage
The chances of your baby suffering from a disorder that requires cord blood as a treatment are rare. However, if someone from your family has genetic or immune system disorders, you must approach a private blood bank. The parents will own the blood, and it can get used for your child or family member’s treatment only. Using these services is expensive. So invest if you think someone in your family can benefit from it.
Benefits of Public cord blood storage
Millions of people across the globe suffer from genetic disorders. The cord blood of the body can be beneficial for many such people. Public banks use cord blood for allogeneic transplants. It means that the stem cells can treat a condition in a person other than the donor. Genetic matching of the blood is done with the receiver. When there is a similarity between their cells, we call it a good match, and a transplant can get done. The authorities store the cord blood in freezers and so it is readily available in cases of emergencies.
Public donation should be preferred over private donation because there is a rare chance of this blood getting used for a family member. A public donation makes the blood available for anyone in need. Public banks do not take any charges for cord blood storage, however, you should submit minimal collection fees. In other words, the blood thrown away after the delivery of a newborn can save many lives.
Genetics, weather with low humidity, over-showering in hot water, and harsh personal products can all contribute toward dry skin issues. If you have dry skin, keeping it well-moisturized should be a priority and part of your daily skincare regimen. It can make a significant difference to your complexion and to your general well-being. You will be less likely to suffer from commonly occurring dry skin problems, such as flaky, itchy, scaly, rough, and cracked skin. Additionally, moisturizing can make fine lines and wrinkles less visible. How do you choose good moisturizers for dry skin, though?
Tips for choosing the best moisturizer for your dry skin
When it comes to choosing good moisturizers for dry skin, it is essential to consider the following:
Compatibility of the moisturizer with your skin type
Even if a moisturizer is specifically formulated for dry skin, it may not necessarily be right for your skin type. The only way to find a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin is to try out several products from reputable brands. It is advisable, though, to always do a patch test before using any new products to avoid adverse skin reactions. You should especially do this if you suffer from acne or a chronic skin condition like eczema.
If a product has been found to be safe to use and makes your skin soft and supple, it is obviously the right one for you.
Ingredients in the moisturizer
Always read the ingredients list before purchasing a moisturizer. Dry skin requires oil-based moisturizers with lactic acid, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or sorbitol. These humectants draw water from the dermis to the epidermis, exfoliate dead skin cells, and enable atmospheric moisture to condition the skin. You also want the moisturizer to contain occlusives like lanolin, petrolatum, or dimethicone to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated. It is also good if the moisturizers contain emollients like coconut oil, mineral oil, or jojoba oil to treat skin cracks and smooth and soften your skin.
If you have sensitive skin that is susceptible to irritation, inflammation, itching, or rashes, look for moisturizers that carry a hypoallergenic label and have soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe. Avoid products with fragrances or botanicals like lavender, lime, citrus oil, rose oil, or peppermint oil. These can act as skin allergens and lead to skin flare-ups.
Ease of moisturizer application
Good moisturizers for dry skin ought to be easy to apply and quick to be absorbed into the skin, without leaving any greasy residue. However, if your skin is cracked, you may want to consider moisturizers with petroleum jelly. They remain on the skin longer, reduce water loss from its surface, and soften the skin.
Tips for applying moisturizers
You may be able to get maximum benefits from good moisturizers for dry skin by following these tips:
• Avoid showering with hot water as it can evaporate the skin moisture. Also, keep your showers short, no more than five to ten minutes.
• Use a gentle bar soap that will not strip away natural skin oils and make the skin dry and prone to eczema, contact dermatitis, and various other skin issues.
• Pat your skin with a cotton towel and apply the moisturizer right afterward. That can help to replenish the natural skin oil washed away with the shower and avoid the resultant dry skin effect.
• Massage the moisturizer into your skin with the tips of your fingers in gentle, circular motions. Leave it for the skin to absorb. For moisturizers like petroleum jelly, consider applying them before bed and leaving overnight. That can give them enough time to get absorbed in your skin.
• Be mindful of the weather when moisturizing your skin. In the winter months, the air is drier and your skin will require more hydration. Depending on your skin’s requirements, you may need to moisturize it three or four times a day.
• Your age may also influence the amount of moisturizing your skin will require. As you grow older, your skin tends to lose moisture more and develop fine lines and wrinkles. Good moisturizers for dry skin can remedy this to an extent by keeping your skin well-conditioned, giving it a soft, luminous, and youthful appearance.
Pediatrics is a health specialization that deals with the medical care and treatment of children from birth to 18 years of age. The medical professionals, who treat children, are known as pediatricians. They have to complete four years of medical college and three years of residency. Additionally, they must fulfill the licensing requirements of their state to practice their profession. Many pediatricians also get a voluntary certification that they regularly renew to get continuous professional education and keep up with developments in the pediatrics field.
If you are looking for a Jacksonville pediatrics clinic to provide primary care for your child, you should research the clinics in your area well before you register your child. Among the different things you need to consider for selecting the right clinic, the foremost are the treatments available there. You want to make sure that the clinic can provide the specific medical care that your child requires.
Various Treatments Offered in Pediatrics
Many clinics provide a list of their services on their websites. So, it is a simple matter to browse through the site and check what they offer. If the list does not include your child’s condition, you can call up the staff or the pediatrician and inquire if they can provide the necessary care. They may be able to accommodate you, or they may suggest a nearby pediatrics specialist who can.
Let us look at some of the treatments that infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teens can receive in a Jacksonville pediatrics clinic:
• Wellness check-ups
• Vision and hearing exams
• Diagnostic tests for health issues
• Illness and chronic condition treatments
• Lab testing
• Stitches and medication administration
• IV fluid administration
• Vaccination administration
• Injuries and burns treatment
• Fractures and dislocations treatment
• Overnight observation
• Respiratory and BMI monitoring
• Prescriptions for antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications
• Evaluations for physical, mental, and behavioral development
• Appropriate healthcare advice for patients and parents
• Recommendations for specialists for further treatment
Some pediatrics clinics may have pediatricians who specialize in areas like:
• Adolescent medicine
• Critical care
• Developmental behavior
• Oncology,
• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Neonatal care
• Perinatal care
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Child abuse
The Jacksonville pediatrics clinic should also offer emergency care for of falls, injuries, high fevers, and other conditions that might occur overnight. It is advisable to ask if the clinic accepts same-day or last-minute appointments for emergencies. Some clinics may offer these services only for patients registered with them. You should also ask the pediatrician if they do phone or video consultations for more minor issues. Additionally, you should inquire if they can accept your insurance coverage.
How to choose a pediatrician
Along calling or visiting the pediatrician to get the necessary information about their services, you can check online patient testimonials, reviews, and ratings. If your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances also take their children to the pediatrician, you can also ask them about their experiences with them. It can give you a clear idea about what to expect if you register their child with them. You can also take your child to the pediatrician’s office and observe how they behave toward them and how comfortable your child appears with them.
Some of the things you should look for in a pediatrician are:
• Polite, friendly, and kind attitude
• Calm and tolerant behavior
• Competent and knowledgeable
• Positive and supportive
• Approachable and easy to talk
• Ready to listen to parental concerns
• Able to calm and comfort children
• Agreeable to answer questions
• Willing to explain medical details
• Open-minded about alternative treatments
It is likely that you may retain their services until your child grows up. That is why it is crucial to find a pediatrician with whom you can get along.
When to See a Pediatrician
Parents of infants may have to take their children to the pediatrics clinic quite frequently. The general recommendation is to get wellness checks done at least seven times in the baby’s first year. Young children may benefit from getting check-ups every three or six months. Adolescents and teens can go at least once a year.
If your child has a very high fever or a fever accompanies by seizures, breathlessness, pain, or confusion, you should call 911 and take your child to the emergency room.