World Blood Donor Day -14th June

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Donate your blood for a reason, let the reason be life!

Every year 14^th June is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day. The first blood donation drive was organized as a joint initiative of World Health Organization, the International federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enlighten the need for safe and usable blood and blood products. The event also appreciated to mark gratitude towards blood donors for their life saving gift of blood.

Why Donate Blood?

Blood is the most important fluid that helps the body’s regulation. Transfusion of blood helps people survive in vivid environments around the globe.  Blood is the most precious gift that one can give to another - the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life or even several as blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions. That’s why on June 14, people celebrate World Blood donor day to create awareness about the requirement of blood and aid those people who suffer due to blood loss. This celebration signifies the selfless service to humanity provided by the donors across the world.

Criteria to donate blood:

•  The donor should be 18- 65 years old.
•  Must weigh minimum 50 kg.
•  Should be healthy and physically fit individual.
• Shouldn’t be suffering from any transmittable diseases, and doing smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse.
• Should have haemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL.
• Should have pulse rate between 50- 100 without irregularities.

You will be denied from donating blood if: 

• You cannot donate if you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection.
• If one has used self-injected drugs or has taken antibiotics.
• One has a history of selected sexually transmitted diseases.
• One has s history of hepatitis, malaria, CJD (AKA Mad Cow Disease), babesiosis, and Chagas’ disease.
• If you are menstruating or your menstruation cycle is about to start. 
• If you weigh less than 50 kg or have an unexplained weight loss.

Do's before donation of blood:

• Never donate blood on an empty stomach. Eat a wholesome meal about 2-3 hours before donating to keep your blood sugar stable.
• The timing of the meal is important too, it should be digested properly before the blood is drawn. 

Do's after blood donation:

• It is important to hydrate and have a high sugar snack before you rush off. 
• Juices, water or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) help to recover the loss of fluids and ions due to blood donation. 
• One should continue drinking plenty of liquids for the next 24-48 hours to prevent low blood pressure.

Reference - www.goodrx.com, en.wikipedia.org