Blood donation
Blood donation is still a sensitive subject in our so called modern society, it's almost taboo in a way that people of the streets look at you twice when you ask the simple question of if they are willing to donate their bloods.
Talking to Michelle Vermeulen and Bongiwe Sipunzi both from the Western Cape Blood Service, we wanted to know the importance of donating blood and what challenges they face on a daily basis.
For 6 millions of inhabitants in the Western Cape, only 1,5% are blood donors. According to the statistic, 75% of the people will need blood or any blood product in their life time. So it's imperative to donate blood and it's such a life changing experience at the end of the day, you are saving lives.
For you to become a blood donor, you must be between the age of 16 and 65, weight over 50kg, be in a good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
On the day of the donation, you must eat consistently at least 3 to 4 hours before and you must drink plenty of fluids...
If you are feeling a little bit sick, a little flu or a cold do not donate your blood, because your blood's recipient are someone already sick in a hospital.
It is very safe to donate your blood, no risks at all to be worried about, because all the needles are new and it's safe to receive blood as well, all the bloods are tested for Syphilis, hepatitis C and B and HIV through a process called nuclear asset testing in a way that diseases are detected within days.
Beware of the myths related to blood donation, regardless of your religious believes,no matter your skin color or your gender, if you meet the basis criteria of donating blood you are more than welcome to be come a donor.
After donation, you are not supposed to feel dizzy or any kind of discomfort. If it happens, don't go home, talk to the nurses, you will be provided a bed to rest while your legs will be alleviated till you feel good.
We truly want the community to be more involved in this life changing experience: GO SAVE LIVES.
For more information contact:
021 507 6300
021 507 6368
web: info@webs.org.za
By: Panphil Tshisumpa
Talking to Michelle Vermeulen and Bongiwe Sipunzi both from the Western Cape Blood Service, we wanted to know the importance of donating blood and what challenges they face on a daily basis.
For 6 millions of inhabitants in the Western Cape, only 1,5% are blood donors. According to the statistic, 75% of the people will need blood or any blood product in their life time. So it's imperative to donate blood and it's such a life changing experience at the end of the day, you are saving lives.
For you to become a blood donor, you must be between the age of 16 and 65, weight over 50kg, be in a good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
On the day of the donation, you must eat consistently at least 3 to 4 hours before and you must drink plenty of fluids...
If you are feeling a little bit sick, a little flu or a cold do not donate your blood, because your blood's recipient are someone already sick in a hospital.
It is very safe to donate your blood, no risks at all to be worried about, because all the needles are new and it's safe to receive blood as well, all the bloods are tested for Syphilis, hepatitis C and B and HIV through a process called nuclear asset testing in a way that diseases are detected within days.
Beware of the myths related to blood donation, regardless of your religious believes,no matter your skin color or your gender, if you meet the basis criteria of donating blood you are more than welcome to be come a donor.
After donation, you are not supposed to feel dizzy or any kind of discomfort. If it happens, don't go home, talk to the nurses, you will be provided a bed to rest while your legs will be alleviated till you feel good.
We truly want the community to be more involved in this life changing experience: GO SAVE LIVES.
For more information contact:
021 507 6300
021 507 6368
web: info@webs.org.za
By: Panphil Tshisumpa
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