MARCH/APRIL 2016
What You Need to Know
About Blood Donation
One hour of your time can
save three lives
by Jamie Lober, Staff Writer
Members of the community
rely on generous blood donors.
“Every two seconds someone in
the United States needs blood or
a blood product,” said Tracy Fox,
communications manager for
the blood services region at the
American Red Cross. “A lot [of
these donations] happen to be
platelets that are used by people
undergoing cancer treatments.
It is not just about helping the
obvious patients that you would
think of, with accidents, trauma
or surgeries that require blood
transfusions.”
All blood types are needed,
and almost anyone is eligible to
donate. According to the Kentucky Blood Center, donor eligibility requirements include being
in good health; weighing at least
110 pounds; being at least 16
years of age; and showing a photo
identification, such as a driver’s
license. People who meet certain
height and weight requirements
can donate whole blood every 56
days, which is about every two
months.
Knowing what to expect can
make the donating experience go
smoother. “We have well-trained
medical professionals that walk
you through the health history,
do a pre-physical, do the blood
11
draw and watch over the entire
procedure,” said Fox. You may
be asked about medications you
take, places you have traveled and
basic health questions about your
family background or different
medical conditions you may
have. The professional will make
sure you are in adequate shape to
participate.
“One of the tests we do is
checking your iron level because
we want to make sure [donating]
will not impact your body in a
negative way,” said Fox. Eating
dark, green, leafy vegetables or
having a steak a night or two before you donate can be beneficial.
Some people just give once,
while others make it a habit. “We
are fortunate to have some loyal
donors who come back time after
time,” said Fox. Many started
donating at a young age and continued to incorporate it into their
lifestyle. However, the National
Institutes of Health says there is a
drop-off in the number of people
over age 66 who donate blood
despite the fact there are no rules
or guidelines suggesting seniors
cannot make donations.
There are some tips and tricks
to having a positive donation
experience. If you are afraid of
needles, let someone know.
“Make sure you are hydrated
and drinking lots of fluids,” Fox
said. “If you normally eat breakfast, eat it before you come in
and donate. After the donation,
you go to the refreshment area to
get water, cookies and goodies to
make sure you are feeling good.”
When you consider the effect
you are having, it is quite amazing. “So many people have been
touched by the need for blood,”
said Fox. “There is a big urgent
need now for donors, specifically
for type O negative, which is the
universal blood type that can be
transfused to anyone.”
Donating blood is not a big
commitment. “It is just an hour
of your time, and that simple act
can save up to three lives,” said
Fox. “It is an easy way to have a
good feeling, knowing that you
have helped somebody else. ”
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