“A mans true wealth is the good he has done in this world” Prophet Muhammad (Peace be with him)
If there is one thing that all human beings have in common, it is that we contain rich red blood nourishing us all with life. A bountiful source for some and desperate need for others. With the necessity for the fortunate people in our world to gear their efforts in dedicating their energies to helping those of us in strife, voluntary blood donation nurtures unity amongst a community, a nation and the human race and it only starts with one drop. Blood banks highlight that the importance of blood donations for hospitals and health care service providers is to have continuous availability of varied blood types that are safe suitable and effective for patient use. This minimises the chances of delay of blood transfusions day to day especially during emergencies. According to the NHS U.K, doctors, surgeons and health care practitioners depend on blood donations to perform life-saving procedures and life-enhancing treatments every day. Around the world, HIV/AIDS, malaria and maternal mortality rates decrease due the availability of blood donations. The most incredible thing is that every average healthy person weighing (above 50kg) between the age of 17 and 66 has around 5 trillion red blood cells in one litre of blood. Therefore approximately 25 trillion red cells in the average amount of blood in an adult which accounts to 5 litres! The NHS confirms that about 450mls of your 5 litre store is taken for donation. Not much at all for your healthy body but a lot for 3 people suffering. In addition to the remarkable ways of our blood stores, is that our body makes about two million new red blood cells every second, which goes to show our stores are replenished very quickly after donating. Top uses of Blood donations Cancer and blood diseases- 34% Surgical- 30% Haematology- 18% Gastro intestinal bleeding- 11% Anaemia- 30% Maternity- 6% Other- 5% The main uses of blood are; · Red blood cell transfusions are used to make up for heavy blood loss usually as a result of accidents, surgery and childbirth. In other cases it is effective in treating severe anaemia. · White blood cells work to fight infection. Transfusions of this kind in cases of leukaemia- The cancer of the bone marrow which is due to the replication of abnormal white blood cells which over time takes the place of the normal functioning cells, known as leukaemia cells, impairing the role of blood cells in fighting life threatening infections. · Platelets assist our blood to clot after injuries. If they are not functioning normally or are low then the patient may suffer a lot from bruising and bleeding. · Plasma consists of two essential components i.e. Albumin which plays a role in transport of essential molecules in the blood. Incase a large amount of blood is lost by a patient it must be made up for to maintain normal functioning of the body. And clotting factors which are important in clotting of blood. · Immunoglobulins are a type of antibody that protects you from future infection and disease. For example a child who has suffered from chicken pox will have a supply of chicken pox antibodies therefore their plasma will be ideal for children with leukaemia who have been exposed to chicken pox, and also to prevent any potentially life-threatening diseases. Who can donate? · Be at least 16 or 17 years of age · Weigh at least 110 pounds · Be in good health Who cannot donate? · Low blood cell count · During pregnancy and until 6 weeks after giving birth · Having received a tattoo or any body piercing within the past year Brief donation procedures: Before the donation it is recommended to; · Eat regular meals rich in Iron · Rest well · Drink plenty of liquids and abstain from alcohol During the blood donation you will receive check up on your; · Pulse · Blood pressure · Body temperature · Haemoglobin Note: Who can donate or cannot as well as the donation procedures depends on your doner servie provider. The above information is just a guidance of what to expect. QUICK BLOOD FACTS 1. Highest use of blood donations is for cancer and blood diseases- 34% 2. B-, AB+ and AB- are the rarest blood types 3. 25 trillion red cells in the average adult boy which equals 5 litres! 4. 450mls of your blood will help 3 people 5. Blood cannot be manufactured but it can be given for free In conclusion, the opportunity to donate one’s blood is a step into a transforming lifesaving venture which is worthy of emulation today and generations to come. YOUR blood can be the reason someone you know or do not know; breaths longer, hugs tighter and smiles wider. With a constant need to get blood there is an instant happiness in giving it <3 Give blood. Give life! Save a life. Give blood!
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April 2020
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