WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY- 14 JUNE 

This day is celebrated in order to raise awareness regarding safe blood donation and to thank the life savers who voluntarily donate blood for many people unknown to them.

Indeed, Donating blood saves someone's life somewhere and its a gift-a life saving gift which has been provided to us free in our life!

HOW CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD?

There are several blood donation drives and camps that are organised from time to time at many places and you can always donate at any recognised hospital.

IMPORTANT THING TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE BECOMING A DONOR

• ALWAYS BE HONEST WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL HISTORY.

(YOU CAN BE A LIFE SAVER ONLY IF YOU ARE SAFE)

The blood donation process is easy and as follows:

• First and foremost as mentioned in my previous blog, The person should have a full meal before becoming a donor.
• Reach the camp and tell the camp volunteers or staff that you want to donate the blood.
• The staff and the doctor will take note of your basic medical history and judge if you follow all the eligibilty criteria. 
• You will be asked about your last meal and status of sleep too.
• If you qualify, then you will be seated in a comfortable reclined chair in resting position and the cannula and blood collecting bag will be attached to one of your arms.
•  A smiley ball will be given to you to squeeze from the same hand that the bag is attached to.
• In about 10-15 minutes , the bag gets filled . (The bag collects about 350 ml of blood)
• Then the bag and cannula is disconnected from your arm and you are given cotton/gauze to apply on the wound area and put pressure by folding /flexing your elbow for sometime.
• During this time, you will be given complimentary refreshments to boost your energy and you will be kept under observation (for if in case any mishappening occurs.)
• Then after about 20-30 minutes, a small bandaid will be applied over the wound point and you are good to go.!!

Note: If at any point of time, you decide not to donate , you are free to say no. Its a voluntary process!!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AFTER BLOOD DONATION

• Avoid strenous work or heavy lifting for atleast 24 hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep your bandaid in place  and dry for next 4-5 hours.
• If bleeding occurs after removing bandaid, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm  till it stop.

To be continued…

PS: If you have any questions, you can ask in comment section.

Thankyou!