Residents and members of the public donated blood at the Vriendskap tuiste Old Age Home recently.
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) arrived at 3pm, ready to collect blood for this important cause. The SANBS visits Vriendskap tuiste every two months for one day and members of the community aged between 16 and 65 eagerly donated blood.
The Herald was impressed to see DA Councillors Peter Dick (Ward 9) and Sina Erasmus (Ward 6) also doing their bit to help save lives. Dr Hendrik Naude from the Randfontein Veterinary Clinic was also there.
“I donate blood two to three times a year, and the only time I do not is a good while before my long distant running events,” Naude said.
He says he normally donates a 100 units of blood and he does it because he wants to help the public.
Here are some interesting facts about donating blood:
• There are four major blood groups: O, A, B and AB. Type O is the most common blood group and is always in demand.
• Your body replaces liquid donated within 24 hours through fluid intake. Every time your heart beats, 20 per cent of your heart’s output goes directly to your brain, carrying oxygen vital for survival.
• Between 40 and 45 per cent of your blood is made up of red blood cells that carry this oxygen.
• The remaining 55 to 60 per cent is plasma, a small proportion of white blood cells (which defend your body), clotting factors and platelets. If every capillary, vein and artery in your body were placed end to end, they would cover a distance of 150 000 km.
• The average volume of blood in an adult body is 4 to 5 litres, or about 8 per cent of the body weight.
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Also read:
Rierand skrik nie vir naalde nie
Be a hero, donate blood and save a patient’s life
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