Health

Is Ukrainian Surrogacy Safe With Russian Troops on the Border?

How One International Surrogacy Agency Is Ensuring Ukrainian Surrogacy is Safe and Remains So. News over the last weeks has been full of concern and speculation over why the Russians have amassed some 100,000 to 150,000 troops on the border with Ukraine. While the purpose of these troops is not clear, speculation has ranged from using this show of force to gain concessions from NATO to an all-out invasion of Ukraine.

While it might seem like an uncertain time to begin your journey and start a family through Ukrainian surrogacy, one international surrogacy agency in Ukraine has ensured that all will be well.

Why Ukraine is an attractive destination for surrogacy

Driven by substantially lower costs due to the difference in economies, strong legal protections for biological parents, and some of the finest world-class medical facilities and professionals; Ukraine has become a hot spot for surrogacy.

The cost of surrogacy is a fraction of that in the US, and guaranteed live birth programs with unlimited transfers and IVF cycles are available to ensure success.

Surrogacy agencies and clinics working with surrogacy in Ukraine differ substantially. Delivering Dreams International Surrogacy Agency based in New Jersey, USA, Kyiv and Lviv, Ukraine stands apart as a nontraditional agency offering American financial and legal security and standards at Ukrainian prices. It protects biological parents without any conflict of interest.

How Delivering Dreams International Surrogacy Agency ensures surrogacy in Ukraine is safe now and will be, no matter what Russia does:

Independent agency not tied to any clinic or location

Most agencies are owned by clinics. They can only work with that one clinic. This limits them to one physical location. Delivering Dreams works with multiple select medical facilities, clinics and maternity hospitals throughout Ukraine.

Easy relocation of surrogates and medical treatments within Ukraine

Because of the agency’s unique independence, there is no commitment or attachment to any clinic. The goal is always the health and welfare of the surrogates and the children they carry. If there was to be some additional conflict with Russia, Delivering Dreams founder Susan Kibler states. “We would immediately move surrogates to an area of safety under the care of another of our certified medical facilities to ensure their safety and the safety of the biological parents’ children.”

Quality of life and mental state is so important for surrogates during pregnancy to ensure a healthy child, as is moral support and personal assistance when they are tired. When a surrogate moves, that support moves with them so as to minimize any trauma of moving. Usually, that means their family accompanies them. This would be the case should a surrogate need to move to another city and clinic.

This also applies to the relocation of your biological material: sperm, embryos or eggs that are cryopreserved. Many couples ship material to Ukraine so that they don’t have to take the time off from work or face Covid restrictions for travelling. This can also speed up the surrogacy process. Delivering Dreams facilitates shipping from all over the world making this an easy process.

Financial and legal security for biological parents – no matter what

With Delivering Dreams International Surrogacy Agency major surrogacy expenses are capped. If they exceed what is in the contract, the agency pays the difference. Therefore, couples are shielded from any additional costs associated with a surrogate pregnancy. There is no additional cost if surrogates need to change doctors, clinics, or even cities for safety.

With contracts in English under US law, couples working with the agency have a secure legal jurisdiction.

Independence brings another advantage. Since Delivering Dreams is not owned by any medical facility, the agency only works for the good of biological parents, their surrogates and children. Safety is the highest concern over all else.

Women holding and looking at her godson at hospital baby stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Active in Ukraine since early 90’s = experience and problem-solving

With American leadership, Delivering Dreams understands requirements towards the quality of care and security for couples’ surrogates and biological children.

Founder Susan Kibler is not at all new to Ukraine. She has worked in Ukraine since the early ’90s. Delivering Dreams has been creating families for couples internationally through two revolutions, one change of government and Covid. This deep on the ground experience helps get things done right on time and mitigate risks.

Extensive clinic screening and approval process with annual reevaluations

Not just any facilities approved. The medical clinics and maternity hospitals must meet international standards for medical care, equipment, technology, biomaterial handling and facilities. They must meet all ethical and procedural requirements of the best medical facilities in the world. Doctors, embryologists, and fertility specialists must also be premier in their field.

Even after such a rigorous process, Delivering Dreams International Surrogacy Agency oversees every appointment and visit for surrogates and donors — from day one through all stages of testing till the birth of the child. Only in this way, there is always objective oversight as if the biological parents were actually there. Daily monitoring of surrogates ensures that any potential concerns are addressed early and successfully.

Closely connected with local and international organizations and governments

No matter what happens, close relationships with international organizations and governments and those structures in Ukraine are essential to understand and judge an evolving situation. It allows a more profound knowledge of the situation and the best ways to respond.

As of writing the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv and emergency services have assured that no citizens would be abandoned without the help they need. Even given an absolute worst-case scenario, the Embassy promised that “necessary services would be provided by a Canadian Embassy in another country.” The US Embassy in Kyiv stressed that they “had no crystal ball and could not predict what actions would be taken.” However, they too assured all citizens that they would never be abandoned without their assistance.

Surrogates and donors are not from dangerous areas

No surrogates or donors for surrogacy programs have ever come from any of the contested/occupied areas such as Lugansk and Donetsk. This is also true of Crimea. They must have a safe and stress-free living environment, which is undoubtedly not possible near any area of conflict.

Preemptive contingency planning

With experience, independence, smart pre-planning, and flexibility Delivering Dreams ensure that surrogacy in Ukraine is a safe and successful opportunity for couples that can not carry a child.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP