Healthy India
http://www.healthy-india.org/
Blood is a life-sustaining fluid that flows through the body. It ensures an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the tissues and cells, and removes waste such as carbondioxide, urea and lactic acid. Smooth and regular flow of fresh blood is important for our vital organs to function properly. However, unfortunate cases of accidents or injuries often cause a lot of blood loss. This makes it difficult for an injured person to survive, since loss bloodhampers the functioning of other organs such as brain, heart and kidneys. In such a situation, it is crucial to replace the lost blood as soon as possible.
One can imagine the fears and trauma faced by a persons family and friends in times of such distress, when blood that is immediately needed is not available.It is possible to ensure availability of sufficient blood to help people in need, especially at blood banks and at hospitals. However, this can be done only if all of us recognize the importance of donating blood, and realize that the same blood maybe used by our own friends and family if they meet with an accident or injury someday.
Remember: Someones life can be saved if you step forward and donate blood, regardless of whether or not it is required immediately by a patient.
“I started donating blood during a college Blood Donation Camp in a Boys versus Girls Competition. However, that fun day connected me for life to the most satisfying and cool way to reach out to people who are in need. Do it, you will feel saved!”
Chetna, 26 years old and regular blood donor for 8 years
Timely transfusion of blood can save millions of lives, help prolong the lifespan of patients suffering from seriousailments, and also complement complex medical and surgical procedures. Since blood cannot be created synthetically, it must be collected from voluntary, unpaiddonors. Yet, many people are hesitantto donate due tofearsrangingfrom pain to catching a disease. The reality is that donating blood is completely safe, as there are many precautions in place and there is no reason to fear any infection or disease.
So, why does the body need blood?
As a life-supporting fluid, blood:
- Maintains a constant supply of fuel and oxygen to all parts of the body
- Provides nourishment to the muscular walls of the heart
- Fights infections
- Removes carbon dioxide and other waste materials fromthe lungs, kidneys, and digestive system and
- Regulates body temperature
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2013 is, “Give the gift of life: donate blood.”This theme reinforces the value of blood donated to a patient.
