Medical Technology Avenue

Reader's Digest is no stranger to me. This is because RD is considered as the most widely-read magazine in Asia. Plus, the topics being discussed are informative.

For that reason, Reader's Digest is always on top of my what-to-do list. Their November 2009 issue was a very interesting and enthralling one. They have featured the benefits of storing blood from the umbilical cord. As you know it, umbilical cord is rich in stem cells. Yes, it is the same umbilical cord which is considered as hospital waste. Stem cells can save you, a family member or your baby in the future.

Research showed that cord blood stem cell may be able to treat Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes. Apart from that, it may also treat diseases of the heart and spine.

So, if you are pregnant and want to save the blood from the umbilical cord when you give birth, then you must consult your doctor about it. Who knows? That blood may save someone's life.

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jian-hua_qiao_md/3954771834/sizes/l/

Other topics of interest:

Skin Safety Campaign
Memorizing The Cranial Nerves
Assessing Consciousness
Fruits And Vegetables For Treating Different Diseases Like Prostate Cancer And Diabetes

Vasectomy Reversal—Wanting To Have More Babies?

It was through a program (that I forgot) in Velvet sky-cable channel that I learned about the real reason of Bernie Mac's death. According to the report, Bernie Mac died from pneumonia. But he also suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects any organ in the body. Patients with the said disease are susceptible to pneumonia.

Red bumps on the face, shins and arms are common symptoms of sarcoidosis. If you experience shortness of breath and have been coughing without remission, then you might be suffering from such disease since those are first symptoms of sarcoidosis. The only way to find out is to consult your physician.

Unfortunately, the cause of sarcoidosis is not known yet to the medical community, ergo, no known method to prevent the disease from occurring. Although the cause is still unknown, this disease can be treated. There are treatments available to keep the lungs working, as well as the other affected organs in the body.

As for Bernie Mac, he, surely, brought sarcoidosis awareness to the public.