TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE
Holidays can be hectic. There's shopping, cooking, traveling and of course the every day details of life. During this time of the year, people's minds are not focused on donating blood. That can mean area blood supplies can reach critical levels. Winter months, just like the summer months, especially around the holidays, are tough times for blood collection.
According to the Red Cross website, blood types O-positive and B-negative are at critical levels. Blood types including A and B-positive and O and A-negative is the most needed and most requested by hospitals because it is the universal blood type.
According to the American Red Cross, only 5% of people who could give blood actually do. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and is used in a variety of health and trauma situations.
To give blood:
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You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with a parent's consent).
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Minimum weight of 110lbs.
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You must have not donated whole blood in 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in 16 weeks (112 days).
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You must be healthy, well enough for normal activities.
During the holiday season, the need for blood actually goes up because of the increased number of people on the roads, which can lead to more traffic-related incidents and accidents.
THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE IS THE GIFT OF LIFE...DONATE BLOOD!
For more in-depth guidelines or to find out where you can donate in your town, visit the Red Cross website.
Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com
You are totally right Yvette. I plan on giving blood this week. Thanks for reminding us all. And I love Williamsburg too. It is so beautiful!
What a great idea to connect giving blood with the giving season. Nice post, Yvette.
Oh how I hate giving blood...but, I'll take one for the team. I hate needles. I haven't donated in over 2 years, so it's time. Thanks for the reminder! Have a great week.
This is a much need "gift" and it doesn't cost a thing except a little time. Also, I look at it as getting rid of some of this "tired" blood and in return my body making some fresh ready to kick some behind new blood!(ha)
Great idea Yvette! I will make it a point to do this too....it's been a while. Have a great day!
Hi Yvette: Thanks for the reminder that we all need to give blood. They wouldn't take mine last time because I do missions in Hispaniola and work with Haitians. I hope they change that rule.
Yvette - Great info about giving blood, however, I found out that if you were stationed overseas during the 80s and 90s you are not allowed to donate due to Mad Cow Disease - that leaves my whole family out - wow! I do want to give thanks to those folks who donated blood because if it were not for you, my husband would not be alive today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Yvette - thank you for bringing awareness to this very important issue.