Q. Why should I donate blood?
A. Donating blood is safe and healthy. You get a free check of blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and iron levels. It takes 30 minutes to give, and each unit can save up to three lives. Someone needs blood every three seconds in this country, so there is a constant need for all blood types. All needles are used only once for each donor, so you cannot get an infection from donating. For donors who fear needles, focusing on a loved one who has received blood can help overcome the fear. Blood is replenished within weeks of a donation, so donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days. To donate, you must be healthy, at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit. Donating blood can be the most rewarding 30 minutes that you spend. During what other part of your day did you save three lives?
- Dr. Elizabeth Culler, Blood
Assurance; member, Chattanooga-
Hamilton County Medical Society
Readers: To submit a question for a medical doctor, e-mail it to Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com. See this space each week for answers.