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Stem Cells, Animal
Protection and Self-Conflict!
I really want to be young, fit and healthy. The
latest research reports reveal that stem cells can
be extracted from your own blood called
hematopoietic stem cells. Thus bypassing the moral
debate about using umbilical cords or fetal blood,
your own personal stem cells are a primary focus
for scientists and profit-minded corporations, too.
The latest thrust in research is the anti-aging
effect of reducing IGF and insulin function in
mouse models with multiple mutations. According to
the Jackson Laboratory, the fine work of Professor
David E. Harrison and others could eventually delay
endocrine-driven aging, as well as contribute to
the discovery of genetic and physiological causes
of age related diseases.
As I await these miracles
of research, I am a bit haunted by the mention of
thousands of mice experiments that are apparently
necessary to discover the secrets of stem cells.
Conflicted by my animal protection instincts, I
also want to be in line for anti-aging protocols.
Stem cells may help me to live longer and stronger.
But, must something suffer in order for me to have
a better, longer life?
I struggle with the
decision to become a vegetarian because my early
training portrayed a healthy dinner as a steak and
potato with a big glass of milk. Now, I suspect
that a raw salad is what my body really thrives
on. What is clear to me is that I want to stop
wearing dead animal bodies - even though Vogue,
Bazaar and other magazines flaunt photographs of
beautiful women draped in death skins. This attempt
to make me spend hundreds and thousands of dollars
on the business of slaughter of even more beautiful
animals, fails and repulses me. I resent the
magazines and designers for looking the other way.
No matter how elegantly crafted a shoe or jacket
may appear, I know the soft underbelly of a lamb
belongs on the lamb. The fur and feathers are the
creatures, not mine.
I may not stop animal
research with my articles but I can control my own
purchases. Perhaps, the tide of violence to each
other and to innocent animals will someday be
outlawed and enforced. What a nice thought that no
man, woman, child or animal needs to suffer at the
hands of profit, greed or stupidity because of me.
I ask myself what cost to be fashionable, young and
lean am I willing to pay? And, how about
you?
©2008, Molly
Barrow
* * *
Dr. Molly
Barrow holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is
the author of the new book, Matchlines:
A revolutionary New Way of looking at relationships
and making the right choices in
love. Shre your thoughts
with her at www.drmollybarrow.com/w2/index.php?page=contact
Molly is an authority on relationship and
psychological topics, a member of the American
Psychological Association and a licensed mental
health counselor. Dr. Molly has appeared as an
expert on NBC, PBS, KTLA, and in O Magazine,
Psychology Today, Newsday, MSN.com, Match.com,
Women's Health and Women's World. Take the new
relationship compatibility test, Match Lines
Systems for Successful Relationships for Singles,
Couples and Business at www.DrMollyBarrow.com.
Molly has a radio program, Your Relationship
Answers at www.blogtalkradio.com/drmollybarrow
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