SWAG合集 to host blood drive

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October 21, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska

SWAG合集 to host blood drive

SWAG合集 will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in the Technical Building in room T-186, the Case New Holland Training Building. Donors are encouraged to set an appointment using the new "RapidPass" system.听RapidPass allows donors to complete their pre-reading and donation questions online from the comfort and privacy of their home or office; reducing the time they spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. 听Visit to sign up. 听Walk-ins will still be accepted, but the new system is designed to make the process more streamline.

Information about blood donation from the American Red Cross:

  • On any given day, an average of 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the United States.
  • An individual suffering from massive blood loss may require transfusions of more than 50 pints of red blood cells.
  • A unit of blood once obtained has to be transfused in 42 days.听 If not, it has to be discarded.
  • The average adult body contains 10-12 pints (units) of blood.
  • There is no substitute for human blood.听 It cannot be manufactured.
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Information for potential donors:

A few of the reasons you may not be able to give blood:

  • 听Low blood pressure.
  • 听High blood pressure.
  • 听Fever, cough or other acute cold symptoms.
  • 听On antibiotics for an infection.
  • 听Body piercing: eligible if under sterile conditions.听 If questionable, required to wait 12 months.
  • 听Pregnancy.
  • 听Tattoo if applied at state regulated facility.听 (If not, must wait 12 months.)
  • 听Travel outside the US in countries having high risk of malaria.

If you plan on donating blood:

  • The day prior begin drinking extra fluids especially Gatorade or other brands providing electrolyte supplements.听 Good hydration will make the process of giving blood easy.
  • Eat a good breakfast or lunch prior to giving blood.听 Good hydration and good nutrition will help prevent lightheadedness and weakness associated with giving blood.
  • Eat iron-rich foods to help provide good hemoglobin.听 Red meat, oysters, clams, soybeans, dried beans, peas, lentils, whole grain cereals and breads, prunes, dried fruit and liver are excellent sources of iron.
  • Vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron, so eat foods rich in vitamin C such as: citrus fruits or juices, kiwi, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cabbage, spinach and leafy greens like turnips and collard greens.