When it comes to preventing or treating disease, stem cell research has led to major breakthroughs in the medical field. Parents who have young children can take advantage of cord blood banking, a type of stem cell technology that could effectively treat dozens of illnesses that may be acquired at any stage of life. Blood that is extracted from umbilical cords of pregnant women can be used as a legitimate source of stem cells.
When properly manipulated and activated, the blood cells could then differentiate into specific types of cells that would be typically be damaged by degenerative diseases. Decades after a baby is born, its umbilical blood can be utilized in treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Cord blood cells are stored safely in laboratory environments that are precisely controlled in regards to temperature, humidity and other conditions.
Traveling Health Concerns
When traveling to other countries, it’s important to keep up with the latest health advisories. Children are particularly vulnerable to viral diseases that are common in Asia, Central America, South America and Africa. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention provides a thorough list of vaccinations that people should have before traveling abroad. For example, Tanzania is home to one of the most popular safaris in Africa. Tourists visiting this country might be exposed to Yellow Fever or Malaria, two diseases that are carried by mosquitoes that are native to Africa. The CDC also alerts travelers about any recent epidemics that pose major threats to people of all ages especially to young kids and the elderly. For example, various strains of bird flu often break out in southeast Asia each year. Similarly, the tropical jungle settings of Central America and the Amazon are notorious for having insects that carry dozens of strains of diseases. Tourists should ideally wear long sleeve shirts and pants when visiting any nations that are home to disease-carrying insects.
Protection Against Wild Animals
When it comes to interacting with wildlife, the natural curiosity of kids can sometimes lead to some serious health problems. Children should be taught to stay away from common and seemingly harmless wild animals such as squirrels, raccoon, groundhogs and fox. It’s also unsafe to handle stray cats and dogs that could be easily mistaken for cute domesticated pets. Kids should not be encouraged to feed or attract any animals that might be roaming around the local park or a home’s backyard. Wild animals could carry rabies, which is typically transmitted through a bite. The feces, urine, saliva and other fluids of animals might carry plenty of other diseases that can easily infect humans. For instance, stray dogs could carry Lyme Disease, which may require months of treatment and recovery in humans. Other common Zootonic illnesses or diseases include E. Coli and Salmonella outbreaks. The Brucella bacteria also makes a quick transition between animals and humans. The bottom line is that kids are at a high risk of contracting health problems from animals.
Originally posted on December 9, 2014 @ 10:20 am
