Did you know?
Blood donation does not only help those who need blood, but also benefits your body. Head of the Hematology and Transfusion Department of the AGEL Hospital Košice-Šaca MUDr. Annamária Bratková explains:
"If we take 450 ml of blood from the body, the body has to replenish its supply of blood cells, platelets and other plasma components. Regular donors also have better immunity and are also trained for blood loss. This means that in the event of bleeding during an injury, their body will cope with the situation better than the body of people who have never had a blood loss. The body can replenish blood cells and other components of plasma within the next 72 hours. Iron stores take the longest to replenish. This process can take up to two months."
The advantage of blood donation is also the fact that the donor receives information about his or her health condition. Laboratory tests that are performed in connection with blood donation include blood counts, serological tests for HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis B and C and the liver enzyme ALT. First-time donors are often curious about their blood type. It is commonly indicated in only three cases – during pregnancy, in patients who need blood, or in those who decide to donate it.
Will you join? Get ready!
The head of hematology advises how to prepare for the collection and what to follow after it:
"It is recommended that the donor comes rested and that he is sufficiently hydrated on the previous day. At least 12 hours before the donation, fatty, heavy meals should be avoided. On the day of the donation, do not go out on an empty stomach, but treat yourself to a light breakfast, such as dry bread, ham, fruit, oatmeal, or dry biscuits, and drink at least half a liter of fluids. After the first donation, it is recommended to rest and replenish fluids. It is not clear in advance how the person will react to the donation. There may be a drop in pressure, so it is not advisable to perform risky hobbies or professions such as flying, diving or working at heights. It is good to avoid these activities for 72 hours. Exercise of a strengthening nature is not recommended, normal sports can be performed without restrictions. The ideal recovery time is up to 24 hours."
Last year, 70 donors, most of them steelworkers, participated in the Steelmakers' Drop of Blood. Together, they donated 30 liters of life-giving fluid. If you feel like doing a noble deed, and especially if you can, join us. We will reward you with a T-shirt commemorating two decades of help, which this year is celebrated by the Volunteer Days, and traditionally a small snack.
Registration for the event will be open on Tuesday 28th April.
Information about all activities during the May Volunteer Days, including contacts to coordinators, can be found here:
Volunteering - U. S. Steel Košice
Source: https://nemocnicakosicesaca.agel.sk
