Giving baby the best start in life

From educational toys and baby-proofing to setting up a bank account to build funds for their future, there are many things we do to ensure our new bundle of joy has the best possible start in life.

But, arguably, one of the most important things new parents could do - which many don’t even realise is a possibility - is bank baby’s stem cells in case they need them in the future.

The cells, extracted from the umbilical cord after baby is born can be used years later to treat number of conditions from leukaemia to thalassemia.

Cells4Life is a British-based company which has a branch in Dubai Healthcare City. Doctor Ailish O’ Connell explains why it’s vital parents know about the service: “We’re at the stage now where education about stem cells is improving, we’re trying to raise awareness that this is something parents should consider. In America, in 20 states, it’s mandatory

that parents receive information so that they can make an informed decision. They’re given a full education about what stem cells are, how they can be used.”

As well as the existing ways stem cells can be used to help repair and restore cells, Dr O’Connell says new methods to use cells are continually being discovered.

She adds: “There’s huge potential for stem cells to be used in disorders outside the blood such as cardio-vascular diseases, type 1 diabetes, traumatic brain injury, arthritis, Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease. More than 3,000 clinical trials have been conducted to show the use and effectiveness of stem cells in treatment of all of these diseases. Stem cells are so primitive they can differentiate or change into other cells in the body.”