To bleed or not to bleed? – that is the question

Becoming a blood donor requires commitment, as you will be participating in a vital community service, ultimately improving the quality of life for many people.

According to the World Health Organisation, the safest donors are the people who give blood freely and regularly without expecting financial reward. These people have little to no reason to conceal information about their lifestyles which could render them unsuitable as donors.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has various measures in place to protect the well-being of both donors and patients. Before you can donate, you must be between the ages of 16 and 65, weighing at least 50 kilograms, be in good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle, consider your blood safe for transfusion and commit to donating regularly.

The SANBS gives the following tips and guidelines to ensure you know what to expect.

Pre donation:

– Eat a well-balanced meal at least four hours before you donate.

– Complete the questionnaire containing your personal details and undergo a one-on-one interview with a SANBS staff member.

– Your iron, blood pressure level and pulse rate will be checked.

– Expect blood donation to take about 30 minutes.

Post donation:

– If, after donating, you feel unwell or think you are coming down with an infection, contact your nearest donor clinic immediately.

– Eat well and increase your fluid intake for at least four to six hours.

– No smoking for at least 30 minutes.

– Avoid strenuous physical activity. Do not lift heavy objects with the arm used for donation for at least 2 hours.

Donation is not recommended if:

– Your blood pressure is either very low or very high

– Your iron level is low

– You are pregnant

– You recently underwent surgery

– You are taking certain medications

Blood drives will be held at the following schools:

Florida Park High School, 179 Petunia Street, Florida Park

Date and time: 1 August 2016 from 10am to 2.30pm, in the school hall

West Ridge High School, corner Ontdekkers Road and Canary Avenue, Horizon

Date and time: 2 August 2016 from 9am to 2pm in the school hall

Hoërskool Adelaar, corner South and Vermooten Roads, Lindhaven

Date and time: 10 August 2016 from 10am to 2pm in the school library

Hoërskool Bastion, Trezona Avenue, Witpoortjie

Date and time: 18 August 2016 from 10am to 2pm, in the foyer at reception

Become a blood donor, and save a life today.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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