How to Safely Donate Blood
There is always a shortage of blood at blood banks across the country. In order to encourage people to give blood, blood banks make donating blood easy and convenient. You can give blood at a blood bank in your community or at any one of the mobile blood drives set up around your area. You can save a life by taking an hour out of your day to donate blood.
You don’t really have to do anything to prepare for giving blood and there are very few restrictions imposed on you after you give blood. There are a few common sense things you should know about how to safely give blood. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider when giving blood.
THINGS YOU SHOULD DO
*Be prepared to tell the person who checks you in about all medications you are on and to answer questions about your medical history. Blood banks want to make sure your blood will be usable and that giving blood will be safe for you.
*You might be turned down for giving blood at one time but you can come back and give in a year or so. Ask if your restrictions will be lifted at any point.
*Keep hydrated prior to giving blood and afterwards as well so your body can replace the blood you gave faster.
*If you are nervous, bring someone you care about with you for moral support and maybe they’ll end up giving blood too.
*Don’t focus on the pain and inconvenience of giving blood. Think about how your simple act will help people who are injured, people having surgery and tiny newborn babies.
THINGS NOT TO DO
*It’s important to keep your strength up so make sure you eat well and often before you give blood.
*If you smoke, wait at least an hour before having a cigarette after giving blood.
*Spend a little time recovering at the blood donation center after you give blood. They provide a place to sit and have a cookie and some juice for a reason. If you try and rush off after you’ve just donated blood, you could end up feeling sick and possibly even faint.
*Take it easy for at least four hours after giving blood. This means don’t do anything to physically demanding.
Giving blood is safe and easy. You are making a big difference in the life of someone who has been injured or is ill. If you make sure you are eating right, resting and taking care of yourself prior to and after giving blood, you’ll be fine.
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