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Did you know that in the U.S., somebody needs blood every two seconds? According to the American Red Cross, over 41,000 blood donations are needed every day for medical facilities across the country to care for patients. And while over 9.2 million individuals annually kindly contribute blood, this is one location when you can never have too much of a good thing. If you're considering helping out health centers in need, you can donate through blood drives for numerous companies, community blood banks in your area, or right at your regional neighborhood hospital. Donating blood is simple, relatively painless, and ensured to conserve lives.

Here are a couple of things to understand before you donate blood and some enjoyable truths about how your donation can be put to good use in health centers throughout your community.

Certifications

You should be at least 17 years of ages and weigh over 110 pounds. In some states, you only need to be 16 with parental permission, so call your regional blood bank or hospital to check. You'll have to be healthy, without any history of AIDS, hepatitis, heart problem, syphilis, or specific types of cancer. Blood banks will certainly check for all of these, in addition to other infectious conditions, before they release the blood to medical facilities.

What to Expect

The donation itself usually takes about 10 minutes, while the entire procedure can take 30 minutes to an hour depending upon how busy the donation center is. Diet plan to complete a health questionnaire then have a mini-physical where clinical personnel will certainly examine your temperature level, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level to ensure it's safe for you to contribute blood. It's suggested that you consume something prior to donating, and a lot of centers will offer treats and beverages after your donation.

Do not Be Afraid

Donating blood is entirely safe. Every contributor contributes with a sterilized needle that is used just when and after that instantly thrown away. Exactly what's more, you have sufficient blood to give. A lot of adults have around 10 pints of blood in their body, and a typical donation is only around one pint of blood. When you think of that a victim in a car mishap could require as many as 100 pints of blood to save their lives, you recognize how vital your donation could be.

Donating blood really does download lives. According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation could be used to assist as much as 3 people in need at hospitals in your location. Every type of blood is required, and your donation makes you part of a special group of volunteers who wish to assist people in need. Think about a blood donation today.