Our View: Give blood, make a postive impact

Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the United States. Simply sitting for one session can save someone’s life, and now is your time to take action and donate.

On Friday, May 7, the high school will have its annual blood drive. Blood is always needed, so we need to give as much as we can. It puts it in perspective the amount of blood needed when you realise that all of the blood from one blood drive can be used after just one car accident.

Blood is so simple to donate and can save people who need it most. If you are over 120 pounds, then you are eligible to donate. If you are over 18, then you can donate without a parent’s permission. If not, then you can pick up a permission slip for a parent to sign.

Your first time donating blood can be scary, so there are a few things that you want to make sure to do before you donate blood.

Stay Hydrated: You want to make sure to drink plenty of water to make it easier to find your veins and recover sooner after giving blood.

Eat Iron-Rich foods: Before you give blood they will check to make sure your iron content in your blood is high enough to donate. You can eat foods such as spinach and red meat to boost your iron content.

Eat Breakfast: Eating a balanced breakfast is important when giving blood to prevent light headedness and faster recovery.

Giving blood allows us to give something that we all have   to many that do not. If you have it, donate it.

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