This years ho theme for blood donation is “ SAFE BLOOD FOR SAVING MOTHER” and the Slogan for the year 2014 for blood donor’s day Is “SAVE BLOOD TO THOSE WHO GIVE LIFE”. A unit of blood will go a long way to save a patient while it will cost nothing but compassion for fellow beings.

Why should we donate Blood ?

Medical technology has provided many life saving technologies and discoveries but there is still no substitute for blood. In  a  medical emergency the most important element is the availability of individuals surgery pahonts, trauma victims, cancer patients, thalassemia patient , individuals with anaemia, dremature babies, pregnant woman during delivary and many  more. Please remember tears of a mother cannot save her child but your blood can. Blood donation is the greatest of all donation, there is no bigger donation than blood donation.

Who  can donate blood?

Any healthy individual, both male and female can donate blood. Man once in 3 months and women every 4 months. The universally accepted criteria for blood donor selection are :

1. Age between 18 and 65 years.

2. Hemoglobin, not less than 12.5g / dl

3. Pulse, between 50 and 100 with no irregularities.

4. Body weight not less than 45 kgs

5. Temperature not exceeding 37.5°c

6. Blood pressure should be normal, systotic between 100 to 140 mm   and diastolic 70 to 100mm of Hg.

Based on body weight , 350ml to 450ml of blood is taken at a time. The entire blood donation procedure is painless and there may be a  little sting. When the needle is inserted, which can be minimized by using good quality needle but there should be no pain during the donation. The procedure will take hardly 10 minutes. The body will replace the blood volume placing within 48 hours and it takes 4 to 8 weeks to completely replace the red blood cells.

Who can not donate blood?

1. Patients with cardiovascular disease, Hepatties, Epilepsy, AIDS.

2. Patients with very Highy Blood pressure and  diabetics 

3. Patients who are on and antibiotic and who had taken

4. Patients with a history of major surgery should not donate for 3 to 6 months.

5. Patients suffered from malaria, typhoid, Dengue in last 6 months.

What care should we take after donation?

1. Eat and Drink something before leaving ( at least 500 ml of liquid )

2. Don’t smoke for next 30 minutes

3. Drink more liquid than usual in next 4 hours.

4. Avoid strenuous work for the next 24 hours.

5. It there is bleeding consult doctor.

Advantages of blood donation

1. Reduces cholesterol level

2. Reduces the risk of cardiac arrest

3. Body will be promoted to produce more blood

4. Reduces the risk of hypertension and heart related problems.

Above all you will collected from you will be tested for HIV, Hepahits BTC virus, Malaria parasite,   syphilis and also blood groups before giving it to others.

To donate blood you do not need extra strength or power, what you need is big heart. Blood is meant to circular, passit around and save lives. Remember you do not have to be doctor  to save a life, your blood can save a life. The blood donor of today may be recipient of tomorrow . Dear friends share a little, care a little, donate blood and save lives.

Dr.Muralee Mohan Choonthar
Ex chairman
Indian Red cross society
Branch 9895135787

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