Are you a first time blood donor? Here are five things to remember

Team Udayavani, Jun 14, 2022, 10:00 AM IST

Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion.

The day is also commemorated to recognize the contributions of unpaid blood donors.

Blood is a crucial component in the treatment of individuals with a variety of ailments. Blood is required for healthy birth in women who are giving birth.

The day is being commemorated as an occasion to call on governments and national health authorities to take action and provide enough resources to address the need for blood in medical treatment.

Here are 5 things you should keep in mind while donating blood:

Eat a proper meal:

Before donating, eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels steady. This is necessary so that you do not feel dizzy or lightheaded following your donation. Having a snack before donating can help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Including items high in iron in your diet, such as meats and green leafy vegetables, will help you feel better during and after your donation.

Hydrate yourself:

Water makes up over half of the blood that you donate. Your blood pressure may drop as a result of the fluids you lose after donation, making you feel faint and disoriented. It’s also critical that you stay hydrated in the days preceding your donation. This will help to compensate for the fluids lost during donation and restore your blood volume to normal levels. Alcohol should be avoided before and after donating because it can dehydrate you and cause you to take longer to recover.

Avoid strenuous exercise:

Avoid doing any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting on the day of your donation, as well as the day before and following it. It’s critical to keep your body rested so it can replenish the fluids lost during donation, which can help you prevent feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you healthy. Light exercise, such as walking, is acceptable, but make sure you are fully healed and hydrated before donating.

Applied Muscular Tension technique:

When you come to donate, it’s natural to be scared – especially if it’s your first time. ‘Applied Muscular Tension,’ or AMT, is a technique you can use. This is a basic behavioral technique that helps to keep blood pressure in check, preventing you from feeling faint or ill. It’s also a fantastic way to divert attention! During the donation procedure, AMT entails tensing and releasing the body’s main muscles.

Sleep well:

It is recommended that you have a full night’s sleep the night before your donation, preferably between 7 and 9 hours. This will make you feel more attentive when you give blood, which will lessen the chances of you being ill.

Authored by Rajasik Mukherjee, Media and Communication student at Manipal Institute of Communication