Don’t let these misconceptions stop you from becoming a hero – one bag of blood can save three lives
Did you know that the estimated blood usage rate for 2016 is 117,900
units? Even though the blood stock in Singapore has reached a
comfortable level for all blood types, we’re going to need even more
blood as our population grows older and new hospitals are opened. Read
on to discover the truth behind some blood donation myths, and consider
being a blood donor today!
- DONATING BLOOD IS TROUBLESOME AND INCONVENIENT
Actually, donating blood couldn’t be easier now that there are four
blood banks in Singapore, all with different operating hours – schedule
an appointment at your convenience! Furthermore, we organise regular
mobile blood drives in the community – visit redcross.sg for more
details.
- IF I DONATE BLOOD, I WON’T HAVE ENOUGH
We only take about 8–12 per cent of your blood volume, depending on
your weight. As a healthy individual, you really won’t miss it – blood
volume will be back to normal in about three days. Your body will
replenish itself with fresh, new blood within a few weeks.
It’s not really that painful. It’s just a small prick in your arm, and our trained nurses will apply a local anaesthetic first, so you’ll hardly feel a thing. Just think: one small prick can save a life.
- THE GOVERNMENT SELLS MY BLOOD FOR A PROFIT
The blood itself is NOT sold and will never be. Blood donors only
need to pay a processing fee, which is subsidised for citizens and
permanent residents. This fee covers the costs of processing and
screening all donated blood.
- I NEED TO GO ON A SPECIAL DIET BEFORE I CAN DONATE
You just need to have a balanced diet. That said, it’ll help if your
diet is rich in iron. Foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, dark
green vegetables, grains and nuts will help ensure your haemoglobin
level meets the requisite level for you to donate blood.
SOURCES: SINGAPORE RED CROSS AND HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY. This Article first appeared on ThomsonmedicalDOTCom