I’m a bestselling wellness author here to share with you the do’s and don’ts of blood donation – so you know the facts to move forward.
As the need for life-saving bags of blood gets stored for those in need, more and more donors have been bugged with many hearsays. Ultimately, some would-have-been donors shy away because of fear and false information.
Here are some facts that may help should you feel like donating blood.
I’m writing this article because I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded the therapist recommended video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love to help to boost people’s happiness and protect people’s health.
With this in mind, coming up are the do’s and don’ts of blood donation.
The Do’s of Blood Donation
1. Bring Identification Cards
Don’t forget your identification docs when donating blood. A valid ID will help simplify the donation process and make you stress-free. It’s making an accurate identification and confirming your eligibility to donate. It adds an extra layer of safety, preventing mix-ups and ensuring that the one they collect from you is screened and matched correctly.
2. Inform the Staff
It’s super important to tell the folks in charge of blood donation about your meds or health issues, like if you have diabetes. Can people with diabetes donate blood? Of course, they can! But you need to inform the donation in charge about your condition and medications.
Sharing this info lets the experts check if your diabetes is well-managed and for other complications. It’ll keep you safe and make sure the blood you give is top-notch.
3. Have a Good Meal
Before you hit the donation center, have a nutritious meal first. It’s like filling up the gas tank to keep your energy levels up even after blood-letting.
Aside from keeping you out of hunger, a good meal is like giving your body a little boost. It’s to make the whole blood donation experience more comfortable and leave you with enough energy for the rest of the day.
4. Stay Hydrated
It may be the oldest reminder in blood-letting, but it works like forever. But before donating, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Your blood flows more smoothly when you’re well-hydrated. It makes it easier for people at your donation center to collect that life-saving liquid from you.
Hydration helps keep your blood volume up, ensuring a smoother and quicker donation process. Plus, it helps prevent lightheadedness and dizziness, making the whole experience more comfortable for you.
5. Relax and Breathe
Just chill out and take deep breaths during the letting process–it’s like a quick break every time. Relaxing makes the process smoother and more comfortable. Deep breaths will help you maintain a steady flow and reduce any stress. It’s your mini relaxation session that ensures a positive experience while doing an awesome deed.
The Don’ts of Blood Donation
You may have heard of a couple of myths about blood donation, like donating blood attracts vampires, or you’ll get weaker when you do. Nope, they’re all hearsay. Other than religious issues, reality says your blood goes to hospitals to save lives, not the vampires.
And, of course, it won’t weaken you, it strengthens you because your blood gets replenished like it’s getting new strength for your body. Along with other fiction, there are also don’ts that you need to check before the letting activity.
1. Don’t Skip Meals
It’s a no-go to donate blood on an empty stomach. Some say a cracker will do, but that’s plain fiction. You need to eat a hearty and healthy meal before the session. It’s to keep your energy up and maintain blood sugar levels.
A well-fed body ensures you’ll be healthy and safe all throughout, with no dizziness or lightheadedness afterward.
2. No Alcohol Before Donation
Just keep the party on pause–no alcohol for 24 hours. Why? Booze can mess with your blood’s quality and can make the donation process a bit tricky. Saying cheers to sobriety ensures that the blood they collect will pass screening and be in top-notch condition.
3. Avoid Vigorous Exercise
Ditch your heavy workouts and other hyper activities on donation day. Intense exercises can affect your blood pressure and may make you feel lightheaded during the letting process. Taking it easy ensures a more comfortable letting go of blood and health stability throughout the process.
4. Don’t Rush
Take your time going to the donation area. When you run after time, you get hyped, your blood pressure goes up, and stress becomes real! All in all, it’s going to be a bad day to donate. Otherwise, it will surely make your blood not fit and unsafe for donation.
Conclusion
A blood donation session is a well-thought-out activity. So it’s best to get yourself on top form and prepare for it. But don’t get stressed over it–just be your pretty self and engage in this most honorable deed with the do’s and don’ts in mind.
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