I have been a regular blood donor since 2010. “Regular” is when
I reach the weight requirement of 50 kg (110 lb). Every time there is a call
for a blood donation program or someone in the hospital needs one, I would prepare myself 5 to 10 days to gain
weight. My regular weight is 47-49 kg.
A qualified donor can give blood every three months. A blood
donor saves lives. Moreover, donating blood proves to be healthful and
beneficial for the donor.
- Free health screening
- Reduced risk of heart disease (many doctors and scientists
believe and noted compared to non-donors)
- Reduced risk of heart attack to one-third
- Wonderful feeling of saving someone’s life
- Stimulates production of new blood cells and refreshes the
system
- Free meal and items
On 9th of June 1997, the month of July of every year has
been declared National Blood Donors Month by then-President Fidel V. Ramos thru
Presidential Proclamation No. 1021, s 1997.
This is to acknowledge the significance of volunteer blood donors in the
country as well as encourage more people to a voluntary regular blood donation.
Every day, more than two thousand* [Philippine National Red
Cross] blood units are transfused to patients around the country due to
surgery, blood loss, and diseases and medical procedures that require blood
components.
GIVE BLOOD
Who Can Donate Blood?
You can donate blood if you…
- are in good health
- are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need
parents’ consent);
- weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilograms);
- have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg,
Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
- pass the physical and health history assessments.
How to Donate Blood?
- Preparation before donating blood
- Have enough rest and sleep.
- No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
- No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood
donation.
- Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty
food.
- Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
Steps in donating blood
- Have your weight taken.
- Register and honestly and complete the donor registration
form.
- Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
- A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.
- Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either
350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually
takes 10 minutes or less.
- A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are
necessary after donation.
What to do after blood donation?
- Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
- Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
- Refrain from strenuous activities like:
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or
- Operating big machines.
- Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
- Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in
case the site is still bleeding.
- If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured
site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.
- If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet
elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.
