Wednesday, January 16, 2013

All For The Health Of The Children

In Canada we take pride in our multicultural nationalities, instilled familial values, and our universal health care system. The health care system (despite its wait-time problems) is lauded around the world as a shining example of a system beneficial for people and families. In a world where unexpected illnesses can infect the health of children, a system that is prepared to nourish children’s health is of utmost importance.
 However, as medical advancements continue making breakthroughs, doctors are finding creative new ways to potentially improve treatements for the world's scariest conditions such as leukemia, heart disease, MS, and even other forms of cancer.
 
 One breakthrough that has become a popular method in the medical community is using the umbilical cord blood from a baby’s birth.
 

Cord blood is the blood left behind in the umbilical cord after a baby is born that was once considered afterbirth throwaway, but scientists have discovered cord blood is actually a rich, viable source of stem cells. These stem cells have the ability over time to develop into disease fighting immune cells that potentially could improve your child’s condition if ever infected by one of the conditions listed above. As parents you have the option to bank your baby's cord blood with a registered cord blood storage specialist that will store the cord blood, and provide it for you at any point that it may be required.
The benefits of stored cord blood is that unlike bone marrow transplants that require finding suitable donors, cord blood is a perfect genetic match for your child and can be transplanted into the blood whenever necessary. Due to familial relations and genetic matches, another member of the family is likely to benefit from stored cord blood as well. In essence, cord blood serves as an insurance card that you can play whenever the time is right for such a move.
Children are the future and anything that can be done to prepare your children for the future is one of the most loving decisions you can make as a parent. If you are an expecting parent, ask your doctor for more information about cord blood so you can make an informed decision that is best for your family.
 
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post.