There are two types of cord blood banks. Firstly there are family banks, which store umbilical cord for one's own family use. Secondly, there are public donor banks, which store umbilical cord blood for unrelated or non-family use - which is public use. Every parent has option of saving their baby's cord blood for their family use, while only a small number of people may be able to donate their baby's cord blood stem cells.

Cord Blood Stem Cells

There are three sources of stem cells: bone marrow, peripheral blood (that is blood that circulates through body) and umbilical cord blood. Cord blood stem cells, however, are different from other types of stem cells. By freezing these cells, any aging or damage to these cells is prevented, that usually occurs later in life. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are also more proliferate than adult stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Anabolic Steroids. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or by injection. In U.S., this group of performance-enhancing drugs is generally available only by prescription. Anabolic steroids are particularly dangerous for adolescents because their bones are still developing. The drugs can damage heart, kidney and liver.Signs in males include increased acne and male-pattern baldness. If a girl takes anabolic steroids she may develop male characteristics such as deep voice or dark facial hair. The more dangerous physical conditions, such as liver tumors, increased blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, won't be visible. Also, effects on a teen's future fertility are unknown. Teens who take anabolic steroids may have angry outbursts known as "'roid rage". They may seem unusually moody and experience depression when they stop using drugs. Other signs of steroid use are paranoia, hallucination and psychosis.

These are just known benefits and side effects of these performance enhancing drugs. There likely are many other, very bad, side effects still to be discovered. If you are seriously considering using one or another (or more) of these drugs you should do so only under a doctor's guidance. And my personal advice in this regard is: get at least two doctors to agree to your need. Need, not simple desire.

Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice” endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using any vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.

If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author does not bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

Reference includes Author's personal experience and memory, previously published stories and USA Today Sports Weekly (drug statistics provided by Mayo Clinic) for June 8-14, 2005. Check this edition for additional and very frightening information on High School steroid use.

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.