Click to play videoNew Delhi: Blood not only begets life, but can do a lot more too. Umbilical cord blood is the latest medical debate in many Indian states. Usually thrown away, this blood is claimed to be extremely rich in stem cells which can be used to both prevent and cure fatal genetic diseases.
Banking it for public or private use, ensures a biomedical resource for everyone.
According to CEO Cryobanks International India, Dr C V Nerikar, "It can be converted into different tissue types, into different cell types which can then help in treating different degenerative disorders."
Loyalists claim that cord transplants have lower side effects and lesser risk of contamination. Being more tolerant of tissue mismatch, the procedure is now being hailed superior to bone marrow transplants.
MD Cryobanks International India, Dr Mrinalini Chaturvedi says, "It is very easily available and the collection of the cord blood is painless, safe and non-invasive."
Experts believe that with India witnessing over 25 million child births annually, cord blood banking has tremendous potential.
However, while the private sector is very excited about this new development in medical science, the Government sector is very skeptical, calling it unethical and of negligible value.
Assistant Professor of Hematology, AIIMS, Dr Tulika Seth says, "The procedure is not approved by the American Academy of Paediatrics, as well as the Obstetrics and Gynaecological associations in US. Also, we are not very sure of the standardisation of the methods of collection as well as the storage of these units of blood."
And the price tag involved is also worrying them. However, the private sectors are trying to abate fears over price.
"You can start banking with as low as Rs 8,500. Saying that this technology is not effective or that it is not correct is a very pessimistic view of things. I think opposing camps are not thinking in terms of a medical revolution which is possible with this," says Dr Nerikar
Nonetheless, it seems as if the debate over the safety and usability of the cord blood banking system is going to continue for a while now.
Simple Drugs For The Heart
Cardiovascular disease is the top killer globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO estimates that 17.5 million people died from heart disease in 2005. A new study in Lancet now says targeting high-risk people using a multi-drug regimen and two blood pressure lowering medicines would prevent millions of deaths each year.
And the average cost of the treatment per person is slightly more than a dollar per year.
Are You SAD This Winter?
With the drop in mercury levels, many people may experience a mild bout of depression known as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. Low temperatures coupled with exposure to fog and decreased sunlight lead to a change in the entire rhythm of the body.
This is because of a decline in the secretion of a chemical called melatonin.
To help beat this lethargy, a morning walk is par for the course. And then eat right and hit the gym.
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