Be a hero, its in your blood

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) desperately needs donors to come forward to replenish their low blood stock. Therefore, to assist in ending the blood shortage, Highway Mail will be hosting a blood clinic at their office, situated at 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown on Friday 28 February from 9am to 3pm.

Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” can save up to three lives and assist people who require blood transfusions, which include women haemorrhaging due to a pregnancy complication and other gynaecological problems, children with severe anaemia, accident victims, surgical and cancer patients.

Anyone who fulfills the following criteria can donate: weigh at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 and 65, be in good health, lead a sexually safe lifestyle and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.

You can’t donate blood right now if you: have low blood pressure, have high blood pressure, have low haemoglobin (iron), are pregnant, have had surgery recently, are taking certain medications.

Pre-donation tips

· Eat a balanced meal at least four hours before you donate.

· Check if you are eligible to donate.

· If you feel unwell after making a donation or think you may be coming down with an infection, please contact your nearest donor clinic.

What should you expect?

· Iron (haemoglobin), blood pressure level and pulse rate will be checked.

· Blood donation takes about 30 minutes.

· New needles, which are sterile are used once and incinerated, thereafter.

Before donating you will:

· Complete a questionnaire containing personal details.

· Answer questions concerning their health, sexual and social conduct.

· Undergo one-on-one interview with a staff member as a follow up to answers on the questionnaire.

Regular and new donors are encouraged to visit the Highway Mail office this Friday to donate blood, because its simple, its save and it saves lives.