This Girl with Glasses: Give Blood. Give Life.

This must be one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Me and my friend, Lea Marie, donated blood at the Philippine National Red Cross, Main Headquarters, after we had our First Aid Training and Basic Life Support Training last 2009.

It was a memorable one since I almost died. Well, not really. But I fainted while I was on my way home. When I reached our condo in Pasay, I didn't know what happened to me. My mom took my blood pressure and it was 70/30. Imagine yourself having that reading; I'm pretty sure you'd panic, too.

All in all, it was such a fulfilling act. First, blood donation is actually good since you save other people's lives. Second, it is good for the donor.

Blood Donation: Basic Requirements

Who can donate blood?

You can donate blood if you…

• Are in good health

• Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);

• Weigh at least 110 pounds;

• Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and

• Pass the physical and health history assessments.

PRC Blood Services Facilities carefully screen potential donors. The screening guidelines are necessary to ensure that blood donation is safe for you and that it is safe for the person who will be receiving your blood.

In the screening process, you have to fill out a blood donation questionnaire form that includes direct questions about behaviors known to carry a higher risk of blood-borne infections—infections that are transmitted through the blood. These behaviors include prostitution, intravenous drug use and others. A trained physician will be asking you about your medical/ health history, and a physical examination will be conducted—which includes checking your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. All of the information from this evaluation is kept strictly confidential.

During your blood donation screening procedure, a small sample of blood taken from a finger prick is used to check your hemoglobin level, the oxygen-carrying component of your blood. If your hemoglobin concentration is normal, and you've met all the other screening requirements, you can donate blood.

♥ Preparation before donating blood

• Have enough rest and sleep.

• No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.

• No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.

• Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food.

• Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

♥ Steps in donating blood

• Have your weight taken.

• Register and honestly and complete the donor registration form.

• Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.

• A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.

• Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either 350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.

• A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.

♥ What to do after blood donation?

• Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

• Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.

• Refrain from strenuous activities like:

a. Lifting heavy objects;

b. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or

c. Operating big machines.

• Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.

• Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.

• If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.

• If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.

Where can I donate blood?

Use the PRC Blood Services Facility Directory to find the blood donation center nearest you, and then contact the blood center to find out more about the requirements.

You can actually contact the Philippine Red Cross. Another good thing about blood donation is that you will be able to know your blood type. I have friends who don't even know their blood type until now.

Lea Marie's experience.