Stem cells are the basic cell units which can differentiate into any type of cell. It is the core unit (blank cells) from which all cells in the body develops and has significant potential in treating certain degenerative diseases. The umbilical cord and placenta are rich in stems cells which can be collected and stored for future use.
This has become a popular option for parents who want to offer their child a better chance of treating certain diseases which may benefit from stem cell therapy. Additionally, it may also offer the siblings and parents other therapeutic options in the event of certain diseases.
Chest pain is considered as any pain felt between the collarbone (clavicle) and lower border of the ribcage. This includes pain emanating from the thoracic (chest) cavity and upper abdomen. Chest pain is often a cause for concern because it may indicate some disease of the heart, however, other important organs lie in the area which should also be considered in a case of chest pain.
Stem cells are the most basic type of cell in the human body which has the potential to become any type of cell depending on genetic and hormonal stimulation. Some of their unique properties, apart from the ability to become any type of cell (pluripotency) is that stems cells have an unlimited potential to divide into other stem cells.
The medical potential of stem cell therapy is limitless considering that most chronic diseases occur either as a dysfunction or damage of a certain type of cells, or groups of cells to make tissues. In these instances, transplants were the only chance of long term survival but in degenerative conditions involving the nerves, this was not possible.
There are many ethical issues about using embryonic stem cells for this type of therapy or the danger of these stem cells becoming cancerous.
Ultraviolet therapy has been widely used for psoriasis for almost a century. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is beneficial for psoriasis but the treatment should be managed by a medical doctor as the risk for skin cancer in the long term is always a consideration. In countries with limited facilities, patients still resort to sunlight exposure but modern techniques with UVB lamps are a better and safer option.
Psoralens and PUVA therapy are often used as a phototherapeutic (light therapy) option for patients with psoriasis. These treatments should be managed by a dermatologist with the appropriate equipment and facilities. Here a special chemical known as psoralen is exposed to UVA and it helps ease the skin thickening which is a characteristic feature of psoriasis.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomilieusis and is a popular form of refractive surgery where a laser is used to reshape the cornea. In a person who has vision problems, like short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, the shape of the eye, cornea and even the lens play a part in incorrectly focusing images onto the retina – this is the area at the back of the eye, where the light is transferred into nerve signals and comprehended by the brain. LASIK works to correct this by reshaping the cornea.
This allows a person who undergoes LASIK to stop using eye glasses (spectacles) or contact lens. The cosmetic appeal of LASIK is obvious but it is not an essential procedure. You can do without LASIK and continue using your glasses or contact lens.
Continue reading
What is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy, sometimes referred to as a gastroscopy, is a procedure whereby a device known as an endoscope is inserted through the mouth to examine the interior of a the gastrointestinal tract (throat, food pipe, stomach and small intestine). This provides high definition video images in real time and any abnormalities in the gut can be identified and small samples of diseased tissue can be taken if necessary (biopsy).
Types of Endoscopy
There are three types of endoscopy, all of which perform a similar function.
