Save lives, donate blood

Approximately 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet less than five percent do.

Somewhere in the world, every three seconds someone needs blood. To meet this need nearly 120 million units of blood are donated every year. Regular blood donations from healthy people are vital to ensure that safe blood will available to save lives when people need transfusions due to severe trauma from accidents; complex surgery; cancer treatment, or regular transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease. There is a constant need for blood donations because blood can be stored for only a limited time before use.

Why should I become a regular blood donor?

• One unit of blood can save three adult lives or up to six newborns
• There is no substitute for human blood.

Is donating blood safe?

Donating blood is safe; there is no risk of contracting any disease through donating blood. Each donor receives his or her sterile blood bag and needle each time.

How much can I donate?

You can donate 450 ml, three to four times a year. Each of us has about five liters of blood in our body, which is continuously replenished.

What are some of the guidelines that I should follow?

• Eat well-balanced meals and increase your fluid intake to help restore blood volume after donating blood.
• Practice regular physical activity to strengthen the body and improve blood circulation.
• Avoid tobacco products as they do not help the body to formulate new blood.
• Reduce caffeine intake, as caffeine reduces iron absorption. Do not drink coffee or tea or cola with meals.
• If you wish to use supplements, it is advisable to speak to your doctor and to go for complete supplements that contain all the nutrients, including iron.
• Do not drive for long distances after donating blood.
• If you experience dizziness during or after donation, inform the blood bank technician, keep your head lower than the donation chair, and drink an adequate amount of water (around two cups). It is important to not leave the donation chair by standing up too quickly.