Do you donate blood?

Every year millions of people die due to lack of blood, because it is said that every three seconds someone needs blood. This proves the importance of blood donation. There are lots of myths about blood donation like a vegetarian can't donate blood as their blood does not have enough iron. But these kinds of myths are not true. Anyone up to the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood. But remember if you are pregnant or breast feeding you can't give blood, you need it for yourself and your baby, lol!

You must know there are many advantages of blood donation, let's check out..

• Due to blood donation the count of blood cells decreases in our body, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells in order to replenish the loss. This helps to stimulate the production of new blood cells and refreshes the system.
• Blood donation is an excellent way to get rid of excess iron accumulated in our body due to its overconsumption. Excessive of iron causes Hemochromitosis, a genetic disorder. This condition may lead to organ damage.
•  Blood donation helps to alleviate some major health problems like heart diseases. It has been observed that increase in blood iron level increases the chance of heart disease. Increases blood iron level favors this process of cholesterol oxidation and thus leads to heart disease. Regular blood donation helps especially males in loosing iron on regular basis. It helps in reducing the chance of heart attack to one third.

The majority of donated blood goes to people with cancer, as well as people who have suffered traumatic accidents, burns or who undergo surgery, as noted in the picture below and as seen on donate.com.au

All blood components have a short shelf life, creating the need for a constant blood supply. For example platelets - up to 5 days, red cells - 42 days, plasma - up to one year

Prepare yourself before donating blood:

• Drink plenty of water that helps keep your blood pressure up. Don't drink caffeinated drinks.
• Eat breakfast properly to keep your blood sugar up.
• Avoid fatty foods for twenty-four hours before you donate.
• Eat iron rich foods for 2 weeks before your appointment.
• Take a deep breath before the needle goes in or pinch yourself to create a distraction.
• Nervousness can also cause your blood pressure to drop and lead to dizziness. So just relax before donating.
• Drink some juice and eat a light snack with a high sugar content to get that blood sugar back up after the donation.
• Rest for a few minutes after donation.
• If you are not well after your donation, call someone to come pick you up. Don't drive.
• Eat a meal high in protein after your donation like beef, chicken or legumes.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and weight lifting.

Who should donate blood:

• Are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness at the time of donation
• Are aged between 16-70 years (in some states 16 & 17 year olds require parental/guardian consent)
• Weigh more than 45kg (16 & 17 year olds need to weigh more than 50kg)

Certain activities increase the chances of blood borne illnesses and those who have recently engaged in those activities may be prevented from donating blood for a period of time. But every time you give blood you have to fill out a questioner. Pregnant women cannot donate

It only takes about an hour out of your busy schedule and it may save a life. I am a donor are you?

(Sources: donate.com.au, sankalpindia.net, buzzle.com/articles/advantages-of-donating-blood.html , associatedcontent.com/article/164511/the_benefits_of_donating_blood.html?cat=5 )

(Image sources: topnews.in/usa/files/Donate.jpg, teenperspectives.com/wp-content/images/GiveBloodGiveLife.gif, full2faltu.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/redliquiddrop.jpg , donateblood.com.au/admin/file/content1/c3/BloodDrop_Jun08_LS_no%20source%20copy%20copy.gif)