My first blood donation
August 15, 2018
Last May,
our company hosted a blood donation drive. I always dreamed of donating
blood because I want to feel the fulfillment of saving lives but was
unfortunate that I don’t have so much opportunity to have one.
Since this
is my first time, I was so nervous when I entered the room. I thought I was not
prepared to do it that day but everything went smoothly.
Before the
actual donation, they asked me to fill out a form first then I was interviewed.
Then my weight, blood pressure, heart beat and lungs sound were checked too.
They also done hemoglobin test and blood typing. (B+ pa rin naman yung blood
type ko. hehehe). Then the actual donation begins.
So sad that I was not able to take a single pic of my first blood donation😞 Eto lang proof ko:
So if you're planning to do it also, here the advantages in donating blood besides the feeling of fulfillment of
being able to help other people.
Benefits
of Blood Donation (Source: http://nbts.gov.jm/benefits-of-donating-blood/)
1. Improves Heart Health
Donating
blood improves your overall cardiovascular health. Increased level of iron in
the blood raises the chance of heart disease. Regularly donating blood helps
males in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood. This can reduce
the chance of heart attack by 88%. Additionally, regular blood donation can
lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as stroke by 33%.
2. Enhances the production
of new blood cells
When
blood is withdrawn, the donor’s body immediately begins to replenish the lost
blood. New cells are produced by marrow within 48 hours of donation, and all of
the red blood cells the donor loses during donation are completely replaced
within one to two months. Therefore, donating blood helps to stimulate the
production of new blood cells. This process of replenishment can help your body
stay healthy and work more efficiently.
3. Burns Calories
Donating
blood on a regular basis can also improve fitness. Donating one pint of blood
(450 ml) burns 650 calories in donor’s body.
4. Reduces Cancer risk
Give
blood to help lower your risk of cancer. According to the Miller-Keystone Blood
Center, consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risks of cancers,
including liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancers. Risk levels drop in
correlation with how often participants donate blood.
5. Free Health Screening
Done
In
addition to all of these benefits, a donor receives a free prior health
screening plus a mini blood test. There will be an HB level test, as well as a
blood pressure and body check. Blood is also tested for some major diseases and
the donor is immediately informed in strict confidentiality if any of these
tests show positive results.
Before
donating blood, you should:
- Have enough rest and sleep;
- Have taken a light meal;
- Drink plenty of fluid;
- Not have any alcohol intake 24 hours before blood donation;
- Not have intake any medication/maintenance; and
- Be in a good healthy condition.
- Rest for about 5 to 10 minutes;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Apply pressure on the punctured site; and
- Avoid strenuous activities
After donating blood, you should:
If you
want to be a hero and save lives, you can donate at the nearest Red Cross blood
service facility in your area, check here – www.redcross.org.ph/get-involved/give-blood/blood-service-facilities
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