If you thought the only souvenirs from childbirth were baby pictures and tiny socks, times have changed. Turns out, the real treasure might be something most parents never even glance at before it is thrown away: the placenta and umbilical cord. Doctors are now calling placenta banking “biological insurance”, and the idea is picking up pace.

Your Baby’s Placenta Is More Than Just Leftovers

For centuries, the placenta has been treated as medical waste. But according to Dr. D.B. Usha Rajinikanthan, Senior Consultant in Gynaecology and IVF at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, this organ is brimming with stem cells that could be life-saving later on.

“Placenta and cord blood contain stem cells that can repair or replace damaged tissue. Collecting them at birth is safe and painless, but once discarded, that opportunity is lost forever,” she says.

These tiny cells are essentially the body’s master builders, with the potential to transform into different blood and immune cells. Which means what is usually thrown in a bin could actually hold a family’s medical safety net.

Why Stem Cells Are a Big Deal

Stem cells from the placenta are not just versatile; they are generous. Dr. Rajinikanthan explains that they have already been used to treat more than 80 diseases worldwide, including leukaemia, certain immune deficiencies and metabolic disorders. “Research is expanding into conditions like heart repair, brain injury and even diabetes,” she adds.

Placental stem cells are “younger” and more flexible, making them easier to match with siblings and relatives. In simple terms, the baby, siblings, parents and even grandparents may stand to benefit. It is not just your child’s resource; it is potentially a family heirloom.

Placenta Preservation: A Health Insurance

If we insure our cars and houses against accidents, why not our health? Placenta banking works on that philosophy. “It is a one-time investment in future health security. Families may never need it, but having stored stem cells gives enormous peace of mind,” says Dr. Rajinikanthan. She emphasises, though, that choosing an accredited stem cell bank that follows quality standards is essential.

How Does Amniotic Membrane Help?

Beyond the cord blood, there is another underrated star, the amniotic membrane. Dr. A. Jaishree Gajaraj, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, explains that the amnion has been saving lives for over a century. “The first use dates back to 1910 when it was applied as a skin graft to promote healing. Today, it is used in ophthalmology for dry eyes, as well as for burns and diabetic ulcers,” she says.

In other words, this part of the placenta is not just a wrapper for your baby; it is a medical toolkit waiting to be tapped.

The Science Behind the Promise

Stem cell science has moved leaps and bounds in recent decades. According to Dr. Gajaraj, the umbilical cord blood and tissue have already been used successfully in bone marrow transplants for children with leukaemia and other bone marrow disorders. But the real buzz is around their future potential.

“These pluripotent cells are being researched for regenerating organs like the pancreas, liver, lungs and even the spinal cord. While still experimental, the promise is extraordinary,” she explains.

She adds that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from cord tissue, are showing the greatest promise in regenerative therapies. “Foetal MSCs from cord tissue expand better, are less likely to trigger immune rejection, and have higher therapeutic potential than their maternal counterparts,” says Dr. Gajaraj. Simply put, storing placenta and cord tissue maximises the number and types of cells available for future therapies.

But What About Delayed Cord Clamping?

Some parents worry that opting for placenta banking might compromise delayed cord clamping, the practice of waiting a few minutes before cutting the cord to allow extra blood flow to the baby. Dr. Gajaraj reassures that this is not the case. “Delayed clamping does not reduce the yield of mesenchymal stem cells. Parents can safely choose both practices,” she says.

A Gift From Your Newborn to the Whole Family

Placenta banking is not a crystal ball or a cure-all. It does not guarantee immunity against every illness. But as both doctors point out, it offers a shot at future treatments that could transform outcomes in life-threatening conditions

In a heartbreaking incident, an infant was removed from the mother, just a mere hour after giving birth after she underwent “parenting competence” tests, despite the new law banning the test.

As the Guardian reports, Ivana Nikoline Brønlund was told she was "not Greenlandic enough" for the new law to apply to her. The social affairs minister for Denmark, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, has since expressed concern and is asking the municipality to explain its actions, stating that the law on these tests is "clear."

Why Did The Greenlandic Authorities Remove Ivana’s Baby?

The tests, known as FKU, were made illegal for people with Greenlandic backgrounds in May. However, Brønlund, 18, who was born in Greenland to Greenlandic parents, was subjected to a test that began in April and was completed in June, after the law had already taken effect. She was told three weeks before giving birth that her baby would be removed from her care.

Brønlund said she was told her baby was removed because of trauma she suffered from her adoptive father. She says she has only seen her daughter, Aviaja-Luuna, once for a supervised hour, during which she was not allowed to comfort or change her. Brønlund's appeals will be heard on September 16.

This case has sparked protests in Greenland and other cities, with campaigners arguing that it is wrong to punish someone for trauma they are not responsible for. Another similar case involving a Greenlandic mother, Keira Alexandra Kronvold, has also drawn global attention after her baby was removed by Danish authorities.

What Are The Controversial “FKU Test” Danish Parenting Tests?

The FKU, or "parenting competency test," was used by Danish authorities to decide if parents were fit to raise their children. The test was supposed to protect kids, but many believed it was used to unfairly remove Greenlandic children from their homes.

The test used Western ideas of what makes a good parent and was given in Danish. It ignored important parts of Greenlandic life, like their language and culture. Because of this, many Greenlandic parents were misunderstood, and their children were taken away.

Greenlandic children have been a large and unfair part of Denmark's child welfare system. Around 5-7% of Greenlandic children in Denmark were taken from their homes, compared to just 1% of Danish children. Activists believe the FKU test contributed to this big difference.

Why Is the FKU Test Controversial?

Cultural Bias

The test was based on Danish and Western ideas of parenting. It often misunderstood traditional Greenlandic values, like communal childcare and different ways of communicating. This led to parents being judged unfairly.

Unfair Impact

The test had a hugely unfair effect on Greenlandic families. Cases like that of Keira Alexandra Kronvold, whose baby was removed just hours after birth, caused public outrage and protests. These events brought up painful memories of times when families were split up and people were forced to change their culture.

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights groups, including the United Nations, criticized the test for its serious cultural biases. They said the test went against international agreements that require Denmark to protect the cultural identity of Indigenous people.

The Danish government has now promised to make future parental reports more culturally sensitive. However, for families like Keira's, who lost their children because of this test, the change comes too late.

Continued Oppression Of Greenlandic Indigenous Women

While the FKU test is shocking, it is far from being the only case of oppression forced upon them from history. On Wednesday, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland officially apologized for the forced contraception of Greenlandic Inuit women and girls decades ago. This was a dark chapter in their shared history, and both countries admitted their role in the mistreatment.

Between the 1960s and mid-1970s, Danish health authorities fitted as many as 4,500 women and girls in Greenland with intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancies. Many of these women, including teenagers, were not fully informed about the procedure and did not give their consent. This was allegedly done to control the rapid population growth in Greenland at the time.

Last year, nearly 150 of these women sued the Danish government, claiming that their human rights were violated.

How Has The Greenland And Denmark Officials Responded To The Lawsuit?

The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, formally apologized on behalf of Denmark, stating that while the past cannot be changed, they can take responsibility. She said the apology also covers other systematic discrimination against Greenlanders.

Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also acknowledged his country's role and said they plan to offer compensation to the victims. He described the situation as leaving "deep imprints on lives, families and communities."

Although the apology was welcomed and accepted as a big step, but it is noted that the lawsuit is still pending. The apology is seen as a start to repairing the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953 and is now a self-governing entity within the Danish realm. This event is a reminder that the effects of past colonial policies, such as the forced separation of families and forced contraception, still impact people today.

You’ve spent months watching the numbers on the scale drop, your clothes fit better, and your energy levels rise. You’ve been consistent with your diet, committed to your workouts, and for many, Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication has been a game-changer. But then life happens—you run out of medication, face insurance hurdles, or decide to stop for other reasons. Abruptly, a question that perhaps had felt far away returns with great haste: how soon will the weight come back?

For those who have been dependent on these injectable weight loss medications, the concept of "Ozempic rebound" may be daunting. It's not about the pounds; it's about restored confidence, preserving improvements in health, and coping with the emotional rollercoaster associated with weight fluctuation. Knowing what occurs in your body when you discontinue these medications—and how you can preserve your gains—may be the difference between frustration and long-term success.

Injectable anti-obesity medications such as semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) have transformed the treatment of obesity. According to clinical trials, these medications can cause patients to lose 15% to 20% of their body weight on average, in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health, and kidney function. But when you discontinue them, will the weight come back, and if so, how fast?

GLP-1 agonists, the drugs that Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to, mimic an existing hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone notifies the brain to be full and satisfied and also slows down the emptying of the stomach. The outcome is decreased hunger, smaller portions, and less desire to eat.

These medications reduce both the physical sensation of hunger and the mental ‘food noise’ that can drive overeating. They essentially recalibrate your body’s hunger signals while you’re on the medication.

The drugs also increase insulin response to food and reduce glucagon levels, helping regulate blood sugar. While taking GLP-1 agonists, the hunger hormone ghrelin is often suppressed, making it easier to maintain caloric restriction without feeling deprived.

What to Expect When You Quit Ozempic?

After you stop using GLP-1 drugs, their hunger-suppressing effects will slowly fade within a few weeks. This can cause increased appetite and faster return of hunger after eating. Patients commonly report returning cravings, sometimes with a sudden intensity that feels like a rebound.

Studies underscore the threat of weight regain. In one study, those who discontinued taking semaglutide and ended lifestyle treatments regained approximately two-thirds of the weight lost within twelve months. The same was noted with tirzepatide, where more than half of the lost weight came back in twelve months.

Weight regain is variable and is influenced by lifestyle behaviors and metabolic changes. Physiology of the body is set up to resist weight loss, and that is why the rebound is so large if there isn't a plan in place.

Even in the absence of drugs, weight rebound is a universal experience. Any meaningful weight loss, regardless of whether it is induced by diet, exercise, surgery, or medication—sets in motion physiological changes like lowered metabolism and enhanced hunger hormones, making maintenance an essential phase.

Easy Methods to Reduce Weight Rebound

Although suspending meds such as Ozempic complicates weight retention, it's not impossible. Professionals suggest implementing organized lifestyle and dietary modifications during ongoing drug use, and these can maintain effects even after being stopped.

Eat a Plant-Forward, High-Fiber Diet

A high-fiber diet enhances satiety, discourages overeating, and maintains a healthy gut. Experts recommend consuming at least 20 to 25 grams of fiber per day from vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits. Plant-based eating also offers a good source of essential micronutrients and aids in controlling cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Protein consumption continues to be important, most especially for maintaining lean body mass. Focusing on plant-based protein foods such as beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa can also serve to control weight while lowering risks from excessive animal protein intake.

Stay Active

Exercise continues to be a weight-loss staple. A study has shown that even modest exercise, like two hours of exercise a week, can reduce weight regain after stopping GLP-1 drugs. Cardio exercises burn calories, and strength training maintains lean body muscle and enhances metabolism.

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is forgotten in weight control but is an important regulator of appetite. Sleep deprivation may stimulate hunger and diminish satiety, minimizing dietary success. Aim for seven to eight hours of good sleep at night, and create a regular sleep routine screen-free.

Long-Term Approaches to Maintain Results After Quitting Ozmepic

Apart from daily routines, long-term approaches are essential in avoiding rebound weight gain:

Monitor Progress: Use a food diary, measurements, or tracking apps to observe slight changes before they are noticeable.

Seek Support: Frequent visits to healthcare practitioners, support groups, friends, or family can ensure accountability.

Manage Stress: Metabolic alterations and emotional eating can result from chronic stress. Mindfulness, exercise, or therapy can reduce its effect.

Address Underlying Conditions: Illnesses such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome can hinder weight control. Resolving these medical conditions could enhance long-term success.

These strategies applied while still taking GLP-1 drugs can carry forward momentum, making it easier to adjust after treatment discontinuation.

Should You Stop Ozempic?

Whether to discontinue GLP-1 medications is extremely personal. Some patients stop because of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Others encounter financial or insurance issues.

Obesity is a chronic illness linked with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Interruption of therapy without a formal plan may result in substantial weight regain and return of related health hazards.

Even when patients must or opt to discontinue drugs, it's important to collaborate with healthcare professionals to regulate diet, exercise, and habits. You may also resume the drug later if clinically indicated.

GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are potent agents for obesity treatment, but stopping them usually results in partial or complete regain of lost weight. The rate and extent of weight regain are determined by several factors such as lifestyle, associated medical conditions, and metabolic changes.

The best prevention strategy for rebound is proactive: eat a high-fiber, nutrient-dense diet, exercise regularly, sleep well, and seek support. Weight loss drugs are not a solution for life, but when used with long-term lifestyle modifications, they can provide long-term health advantages and allow patients to continue progress even after treatment ends

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland with a big responsibility in the male reproductive system, yet most men barely give it a second thought until trouble begins. A recent survey from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital revealed that 80 per cent of Americans are unaware that early prostate cancer rarely announces itself with obvious signs. Instead, it tends to lurk quietly, detectable only through routine screening.

Prostate cancer begins when abnormal cells start multiplying in the prostate, a small gland nestled just under the bladder. It is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States, affecting over 300,000 adults each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The tricky part is that early-stage prostate cancer is usually symptom-free. That means unless men get regular screenings, the disease can go unnoticed for years.

Dr Edmund Folefac, medical oncologist at the OSUCCC – James, stresses the importance of check-ups: “Because prostate cancer tends to progress slowly, if caught early, it is very treatable.”

When things do not seem connected

While many assume cancer would come with obvious pain or warning bells, prostate cancer often manifests in ways that seem unusual or unrelated. More than half of survey respondents did not know that sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction, can be linked to prostate issues. Interestingly, it is often partners who spot these changes first and push their loved ones toward the doctor.

Other early warning signs, when they do appear, may include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Trouble starting to urinate
• Frequent night-time bathroom trips

None of these automatically mean cancer, but they are worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

What happens when it spreads

When prostate cancer advances, the story changes. Symptoms can grow more disruptive and far-reaching. Men may experience:

• Back or bone pain
• Fatigue that doesn’t lift with rest
• Unexplained weight loss
• Incontinence or urine leakage
• Weakness in the arms or legs

Who is most at risk?

While every man faces some risk as he ages, certain factors push the odds higher:

• Age: Most cases develop after 50
• Race: In the U.S., Black men not only face higher risk but also tend to develop faster-growing or more advanced cancers.
• Family history: If a father, brother, or grandfather was diagnosed, the chances increase significantly.
• Inherited DNA changes: Mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer, also raise prostate cancer risk.
• Obesity: Heavier men may experience more aggressive forms of the disease.
• Smoking: Some research links smoking with higher chances of recurrence and spread.

A tale of awareness gaps

The OSUCCC – James survey revealed some interesting differences across groups. Black adults were more likely than white adults to recognise unusual symptoms like fatigue and weight loss, yet fewer of them knew that early prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all. This knowledge gap is significant because awareness directly influences whether men seek timely medical help.

Why prevention beats panic

The message is that you should not wait for strange signs to appear. Regular prostate screenings, including blood tests like PSA (prostate-specific antigen), can detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

Prostate cancer is common, often quiet in its beginnings, and very beatable if detected early. But too many men skip screenings or dismiss subtle changes, assuming they are just part of ageing. The real warning here is not just the disease itself but the silence around it.