By Elayza Gonzalez
This year, World Blood Donor day is on June 14, and it is important to celebrate those who donate to help others. Blood donation is one of the easiest things someone can do to save a life. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and one simple blood donation could save up to three lives. During the wintertime, the snow and cold weather keep blood donors from donating causing a major blood shortage and an urgent need for blood donations.
Here’s everything you need to know about blood donation!
You are helping people from all backgrounds with all types of medical conditions
According to the World Health Organization, blood donations help women with complications during pregnancy, children with severe anemia often as a result of malaria or malnutrition, people with severe trauma following man-made and natural disasters, many complex medical and surgical procedures, and cancer patients.
You must be in general good health
Good health means the donor feels well and can perform normal activities. If you have a condition, you can still donate as long as you are being treated and the condition is under control. Each donor receives a brief examination, during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin are measured.
Weight and age matter
Donors must be weight at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (in most states). If state law, allows for 16-year-olds to donate, it must be done with parental consent.
There are different types of blood donation
Whole blood donation is the most common and quickest type of blood donation, however, if you have more time other donation options include platelets apheresis, plasma apheresis and power red.
Donate blood today and save lives. Visit http://lifesouth.org to learn about local blood drives happening in your community.
