When most people donate blood it is because they want to help others, and through blood donation this one act could go a long way in helping to save a life. Blood donation is an important aspect of our lives that we never really pay a lot of attention to, until the day comes that you or a loved one needs lifesaving blood.
Sunday 14 June marks World Blood Donor Day, perhaps now would be a good time to start the act of the act of giving blood. A tiny discomfort from a pin prick felt today could mean saving the life of three people. Also, donating blood is not as terrifying as one would imagine it to be, it’s safe and only takes approximately 30 minutes of your day.
The theme of this year’s campaign, “Thank you for saving my life”, focuses on thanking donors who save lives through their blood donations whilst strongly encouraging more people to become regular blood donors. If you are in good health, be it young or old and have never donated – donate and make your mark.
Do you know enough?
It’s important to know what you are getting involved in ahead of becoming a blood donor. Knowing your blood type is not a prerequisite to becoming a donor. As a first time donor the laboratory will test you blood to determine blood type. If you are unsure of your state of health consider going to your GP for your annual physical and asking him if donating blood would be OK.
Some of the things that a donor needs to know before they donate blood includes
- Ensure you have eaten a substantial meal 3-4 hours before donating
- Ensure that you drink enough non-alcoholic fluids during the day of donation and post donation.
- Know that the equipment used is new, sterile and disposable.
- Know the needles are sealed and used only once, and disposed of in the required responsible manner.
If you would like to donate blood on a regular basis,
- You must know that the waiting period between whole blood donations is 56 days (you can donate every two months).
- If you are pregnant or are a breastfeeding mother, you will not be able to donate for six months after the baby has been born or three months after the baby has been weaned.
Donating blood is an unmitigated act of generosity as you will never know whose life you saved but saved you did: the life of loved one, the integrity of a family and by extension a community and all it takes is 30 minutes of your time every 2 months.
It has a similar effect on a person as when you donate your time or talents for a cause that benefits the lives of other people, you stop focusing on the different challenges in your life and do something for someone else who is less fortunate than yourself.
To find out more about donating blood, visit: http://www.sanbs.org.za/
