Umbilical cord blood holds beneficial stem cells

Dear Doctors: My fiance and I plan to have kids someday. I was wondering if it would be beneficial to keep our babies’ umbilical cords, which would be full of stem cells. We would like to know how that works and if there are already uses for cord blood. Can it help with Type 1 diabetes?

Friend’s shady business sours relationship

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think one of my friends might be working for a pyramid scheme. I can’t be sure, but he basically plays the role of a financial adviser and “helps” people invest their money. When they turn a profit, he gets a percentage. The more they invest, the more he gets paid.

DO JUST ONE THING

• The shocking statistic that humans – on average – have enough microplastics in our bodies to make a small spoon is motivation enough to do anything to avoid ingesting them. Here’s tip No. 1 of seven this week to help reduce your microplastic consumption: Vacuum on a regular basis in your home.

Parent weighs summer abroad for daughter

DEAR HARRIETTE: Our daughter wants to go away for a study-abroad program this summer. She is in high school, and her only real experience being away from home is the occasional sleepover and sometimes spending a week with her grandparents. Yes, my husband and I are very protective of her.

From eye doctor to stand-up comedian

The bad thing about living in a new place is that I don’t know anyone. The good thing about living in a new place is that I meet new people.Jade is one of the new people I have met while spending time in Mexico. Jade used to be an eye doctor.

Realtor friend seems unworthy of hype

DEAR HARRIETTE: I bought property a few years ago. I’m not happy about how my realtor operated during that initial transaction, but I kept working with her. She has now asked me to share her details on my personal social pages to help her get more business.

Mom wants to help daughter with autism

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am the mother of a wonderful, bright and kindhearted 10-year-old daughter who is autistic.She is creative and has a deep passion for animals and art, but she struggles with social interactions.

Research continues on long COVID treatment

Dear Doctors: Has there been any progress in figuring out how to treat long COVID? I have been dealing with the symptoms for two years, and my doctor seems to have given up. Is anyone even doing research anymore? I feel as though we are being forgotten.

Sibling worried sister has wrong priorities

DEAR HARRIETTE: My youngest sister is in the process of applying and being accepted to colleges – for the second time.

Physical activity slows Alzheimer’s disease

Dear Doctors: What do you know about a study that says aerobics might be good for slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease? I’ve read that being active helps your memory, but how would it affect an actual disease?