Patricia Aleckzandra | Vigorbuddy
If you want to give someone something precious, give your blood. Yes, that warm, deep red, liquid which gives you life is worth giving to someone. The decision to donate blood is as meaningful as saving lives of not only one but three persons.
Through various blood drives and activities from different parts of the country, Philippine Red Cross has supplied approximately one-fourth of the country’s national blood requirement. Yet, PRC does not stop there as they continue to encourage potential donors to donate so they can help more.
Supporting this advocacy, United Neon Inc., together with its sister company, held a blood donation activity in partnership with PRC last July 21. Employees of the company were invited to donate blood and be part of their advocacy to help save more lives.
If you want to contribute to the success of their movement, you should first be prepared. Here are the things you can do before, during and after for a successful blood donation.
Before:
- Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet. Eating food rich in iron such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans can help in supplying your body iron.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Extra 16oz of water or non-alcoholic fluid should be drank before donation.
- Eat a healthy meal before donation but avoid fatty food. Too much fat in the blood hinders appropriate testing of the blood for disease.
- Do not intake alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
- It is also wise to not intake any medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
During:
- Wear clothes with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
- Relax. Do not move too much.
After:
- Drink an extra four glasses of liquids over the next 24 hours. Also, avoid taking in alcoholic drinks.
- Vigorous exercises or heavy lifting should be avoided for the rest of the day.
- If dizziness or lightheadedness occurs after donation, sit down or lie until you feel better. Activities that may cause fainting which may lead to injury should be avoided for 24 hours.
These are some of the things you may do before, during and after blood donation. Lending a helping hand to others is a social responsibility not only to people you care about but to humanity. Helping to lessen the burden of others is just a step in building a compassionate society. One way to do so is through blood donation.
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