Classic Blood Donor...That's ME!
Oct 01 '05
The Bottom Line If you are eligible to donate blood, please consider doing so, and most especially now in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita...your donation can and will make a difference!
I don't write on Epinions as much as I once did but when I do write, it is usually in the Pets Category. Every now and then I will stray from my pet reviews, and write in another area of interest. One of the subjects that I like to write about, and that I strongly believe in and support 100% is blood donation.
Now, for my review title (taken from our church bulletin blood donation reminder insert):
Clas-sic (noun): outstanding or typical example; something that is an outstanding or typical example of its kind
Classic Blood Donors: outstanding because of their consistent gifts of life by scheduling regular blood donations; 100% authentic because they are committed to repeatedly saving lives in their community.
I would like to stress one very important fact before I begin my review, and that is:
You CANNOT get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood!!!
What are the requirements for donating blood? They are but a few:
*Be at least 17 years old
*Weigh at least 110 pounds
*Be in good general health
*Feel good on the donation day
Is the blood donation process a long one? Not really. The initial screening process (in our area the "question and answer" part is now computerized and quicker) probably takes about 15-20 minutes. The total time involved, from the time that your screening process begins until the time that you are ready to leave, is around 30-45 minutes. That's not a lot of one's personal time to give to help save someone's life (most likely a total stranger)...think about it.
Before donating blood, you should:
*Know the names (and doses) of all medicines that you are taking, and why you are taking them
*If possible, try to eat a well-balanced meal and increase your fluid intake before donating
Now the screening process actually begins with a technician taking your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. Assuming these are all within normal ranges, the next step is to test your hemoglobin/hematocrit. This involves a quick finger stick...it really is quite painless, I promise! This test just determines that you have enough red blood cells to donate safely, and to not deplete your own red blood cell supply.
The next step is the question and answer part. As I mentioned earlier, ours is now computerized, and only takes a few moments to complete. Upon completion, a technician will go over some of your answers with you that involve your health, medications, and travel outside of the United States.
If you are eligible to donate:
*A technician, wearing disposable gloves, will cleanse your arm with an antiseptic (let him/her know ahead of time if you are allergic to iodine)
*A new, sterile, single use, disposable needle will be used to draw your blood
Again, PLEASE KNOW and REMEMBER:
You CANNOT get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood!!!
After donating blood, you should:
*Make your next meal a good one
*Drink more fluids than usual for the next 4 hours
*Do not lift heavy objects for at least 2-4 hours
*Do not do strenuous activities for at least 2-4 hours
*If you smoke, wait at least 30 minutes before doing so
*Leave the bandage on your donation site on for about 2 hours, and then you can remove it
*Take it easy, and try to take good care of yourself
There is a possibility that you may experience some side effects, both during and after, blood donation and these are:
*Dizziness or faintness
*Upset stomach
*A bruise, redness, or pain at the site where the needle was inserted
*Pain due to a nerve irritation by the needle
I personally consider the above possible side effects to be very minimal when one considers the overall good that he/she has done by donating blood to help others.
You should call your blood center after donating if:
*You become ill
*You develop a fever, cold, sore throat, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms within 48 hours...be prepared to tell them your symptoms and when they began
*You think that your blood might not be suitable for a patient
*You are diagnosed with West Nile Virus, or develop the symptoms within 14 days...these symptoms include a headache in conjunction with fever above 101 degrees
How often can you safely donate blood? The answer is every 8 weeks (56 days). Our church schedules regular blood drives, and this is where and when I donate most often. If you are interested in having a blood drive at your church, office, school, etc., just call your local blood center and they will be very happy to schedule one for you.
Did you know that:
*Blood transfusions are needed every 2 seconds
*Only 5% of the public donates blood
*A person might be eligible to donate blood even if he/she is on blood pressure medication or is a diabetic
*You can donate whole blood every 56 days
*50 units of blood are needed for an automobile accident
*20 units of platelets are needed for burn injuries
*29 units of blood and 120 units of platelets are needed for a bone marrow transplant
*6 units of blood and 6 units of platelets are needed for heart surgery
I intentionally used bold print, instead of italics, to list the information that I got from other sources (pamphlets, fact sheets, etc.), as I wanted to get my facts/points across as strongly as I possibly could.
I apologize for the length of this review, but I so wanted to get across the facts, as well as to emphasize the importance, of donating blood. Now, more than ever, blood is desperately needed, as many blood centers are inoperable due to the two most recent hurricanes, and there is a shortage of blood.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please just consider the possibility of being a blood donor, and "giving the gift of life." Your donation will make a difference in someone else's life.
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Epinions.com ID:
PalmerLD
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Member: Margaret
Location: The Pelican State
Reviews written: 154
Trusted by: 50 members
About Me:
First grandchild (beautiful baby boy) born 10/11/06. Will be "out-of-pocket" for awhile...
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