Blood donation does not only benefit the recipient. It turns out that the donors also reap the health benefits of donating blood, both physically and mentally. How?
Physical benefits
- Boosts the production of new blood cells thus promoting good health.
- It helps prevent heart and liver ailments caused by iron overload.
- You get a FREE check-up too, because you are required to undergo health screening where they check pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels.
Mentally, you benefit from the fact that
- It can reduce stress
- Promote emotional wellbeing
- Provide a sense of goodwill and belonging.
WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD?
- 18 to 60 years of age (A consent form is required for donors younger than 18 years of age.)
- Weight should be at least 50kg but not obese.
- Blood pressure: 90-140mmHg systolic, 60-90mgmHg diastolic
- Temperature: the person is afebrile (37 degrees Celsius or below)
- Hemoglobin: 12.5 g/L%
- Hematocrit: 42-52% for Males; and 38-45% for Females
- No history of jaundice (hepatitis A, B, C), malaria, diabetes, heart disease, active tuberculosis, epilepsy, and severe hypertension
- No signs of infection at the time of donation or for the past week
- Has not received blood transfusion for the past 12 months
- Not pregnant for the past 6 months.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU DONATE BLOOD?
The minor side-effects when you donate blood includes:
- Bruising. Mild to moderate bruising is not something you need to worry about. It is a result of the piercing of the vein. Applying a cold pack every few hours for several minutes should solve this.
- Continued Bleeding. Usually after blood donation, your arms will be wrapped with a dressing. Put pressure on the area where the needle was placed and raise your arms above your heart for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Dizzyness, Lightheadedness, and Nausea. After you complete your donation, you will be asked to rest for at least 15 minutes and to drink water or eat a light snack. These should help alleviate the side-effects.
- Weakness. You will experience some physical weakness that is why you are advised to avoid physical exertion or heavy lifting after you donate blood.
- Pain. Donating blood isn’t a pain-free experience but it is absolutely worth it because you save lives.
- Time Consuming. You have to go through the process of filling out forms, physical exam, and then the actual blood drawing process. After you will need to take about 15 minutes to rest and gather strength. But it’s for a good cause so a few hours isn’t bad.
Blood donation can be considered as one of the noble acts of social services we can do. Yes, there are minor inconveniences, but the benefits far outweigh the cons.
The FUMC Blood Program has been in place for several years now. A Blood Transfusion Council composed of multi-disciplinary experts oversees its operation. The Council ensures to:
- Campaign for voluntary blood donation from hospital personnel and all sectors of the community regularly to maintain adequate stocks of blood for the blood bank.
- Educate and inform on the appropriate use of blood through component therapy.
- Maximize the use of blood through the preparation of blood components.
- Encourage transfusion where the donor of the blood is the patient himself (for elective surgery.)
Get yourself tested and donate blood. It’s the most humane act you can do in this season of gift-giving.
Call us at FUMC BLOOD BANK, telephone nos. (02) 8291 6538 or (02) 8292 2701 local 812.
GALLERY
FUMC Antipolo