Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • March 13, 2013 The flow of healthy, oxygenated blood throughout the body is essential for life. It is also required in large supply when people undergo surgeries and other therapies. With the demand for blood so high, reserves are in short supply. Adding to the shortage is lower turnout among donors, and the public has been urged to donate blood to increase units available. The Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers, which collectively represent all of the blood banks in the United States, continued to report shortages throughout 2012. According to Red Cross President Dr. Bernadine Healy, there is a critical shortage of blood, and the shortage in 2012 was one of the worst her organization had seen. The shortage forced the cancellation of many elective surgeries across the United States. ABC notes there also are severe shortages throughout the Northeast. Increased demand, meaning chemotherapy treatments, organ transplants, heart surgeries and elective options, have left blood banks depleted. Plus, the demand for blood exceeds the rate of blood donations. The Red Cross has stated it typically needs 80,000 units of blood available daily, but now has roughly 35,000 units. Many people want to donate blood, but are either off-put by the idea of needles and the drawing of blood or are unaware of the process. Becoming informed can shed light on what is done and make the entire process much less intimidating. Alleviate the shortage: Learn blood donation basics Blood drives occur at various locations. Donors also may be able to give blood directly at a Red Cross center or hospital. Simply log on to www.redcrossblood.org and enter your zip code or address to find out where and when a blood drive will be held. Just about anyone age 17 to 75 can donate blood, provided they weigh at least 110 pounds and do not have any acute symptoms of the flu, colds, or infections or have had close contact with someone with hepatitis in the last year. Those who have hepatitis, a heart condition that is more serious than a murmur, HIV/AIDS, or have engaged in any activities that may have put them at risk for HIV/AIDS, will not be able to donate. Those planning to give blood should bring a list of the medications they take to share with the volunteers at the blood drive. Certain medications will exclude a person from donating. Prospective donors will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and given a screening interview to qualify. Donors will need to provide proof of age, so bring identification. Those who pass the screening will have their vital signs checked and will then be prepared for the blood draw. As with a routine blood test, the injection site will be sterilized and then a needle will be inserted to draw the blood. The volume of blood collected for a donation will be larger than for a blood test. One pint, or 450 milliliters of blood, will be taken. This is only between 8 to 10 percent of all the blood in your body. Most people come through a blood donation unscathed. There may be a minor pinch when the needle is inserted. After blood has been drawn, many people feel fine and are encouraged to drink extra liquids for the next two days to help the body with the regeneration of blood. The body will replace the fluid portion of the blood within 24 hours. It will take a few weeks to replace the red blood cells. Individuals who feel a little woozy can sit after the blood donation until they feel rested. It takes around 10 minutes for a traditional blood donation. If an individual is donating something specific, such as red cells, plasma, or platelets, the process can take up to two hours. Many blood drives provide refreshments and ask that donors to remain 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they are fine to exit. Afterward, donors should be able proceed with their regular daily activities. However, it is advisable to take it easy for the rest of the day and not engage in any heavy lifting or exercise. Donors should also avoid flying in airplanes or going scuba diving for a couple of days afterward. Moderate daily activities should be fine, and donors should continue to stay hydrated. Donors can prepare for giving blood by adhering to a healthy, low-fat diet and getting a good night’s sleep the day before. They should avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco prior to the donation and be sure not skip any meals. It is possible for a healthy person to give whole blood every 56 days. Donations of platelets or other components of blood may be able to occur more frequently. Individuals who have the universal blood type (Type O-) may want to sign up as frequent donors because their blood can be used for anyone. Donating a pint of blood can help several different people. With extreme shortages in the blood supply in effect, now could be the ideal time to make a blood donation.