Blood donation is a human duty that allows us to give back what we take from the planet. It helps us in undertaking the noblest task, that of saving the lives of others. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you set out to donate blood.
“Your blood can give life to someone”
Dos:
Any healthy person who is aged between 18-60 years with minimum weight 50 kilograms can donate blood. You must be in good health at the time you donate. Have plenty of fluids the night before and the morning of the day you plan to donate. Have a good night sleep of between 7-8 hours the night before your donation. Stay hydrated and calm and make sure that your diet contains carbohydrate-rich meals, green vegetables, etc. The donors should have a platelet count of 100,000. The haemoglobin count for males should be between 13-14 and 11-12 for female.
Don’ts:
Avoid vigorous exercise and stay away from getting body tattoos or piercing from unhygienic surroundings. You cannot donate blood if you have a cold, flu or any other infection. In India, most people above 45 years take some kind of medication. There will be screening before donation. People, who are HIV positive, have hepatitis B and C, have high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer cannot donate blood. Those who’ve consumed alcohol within 24 hours of the time duration cannot donate blood. It is not advisable for women to donate blood while breastfeeding or menstruating. They should make sure their haemoglobin levels are up to the mark if they wish to donate.
Benefits of blood
donation:
Blood donation is one of the most significant contributions of human beings. It is not harmful and the donor can regenerate the cells within two days. It poses no threats to the human body. If you donate blood, you reduce the risk of cancer and hemochromatosis. It helps in reducing the risk of damage to the liver or pancreas and also in reducing obesity. Blood donation is a safe procedure. A person can donate blood once every three months. There is nothing to be afraid of.