The Purpose of Blood Donation Camps
Blood is an essential part of human life with no substitutes what so ever. Only blood donors (voluntary, replacement, and professional) can help when there is a demand. The main purpose of conducting blood donation camps on a regular basis is to select a suitable donor whose blood is safe and suitable for the recipient and increase the stock of blood in blood banks which can be used in case of an emergency.
Promote and Support
So many blood banks are running short to meet the requirement of blood. It is necessary to create a wider public awareness of the need for regular donation and also to develop communication strategies to reduce first-time donor's fear. It can actually be a safe and pleasant experience. Clubs, colleges, societies, offices, and many more organize the donation camps and there are many ways you can help.
Spread the Word on Social Media
Social media does wonders. Go on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - we all know these are all fantastic game-changing tools making it easy to support your favorite cause. Update your cover photo and show everyone just how important these camps are and why we should donate blood. Sharing can have a real impact on thousands of lives.
Hang Posters
Display blood donation posters at colleges, schools and hospitals to attract attention, especially of young people. Make them understand that there is no harm in giving blood - it can only save someone's life!
Cinema Advertising Slides
There are many challenges in achieving 100% voluntary blood donation. Reach out to donors through the movie theatre! Contact the theatre manager and display slides with attractive blood donation slogans to motivate and recruit new donors.
Conduct Competitions
Organize essay competitions and quizzes at your local school or college on the topic "Purpose of Blood Donation and Camps" for different age groups. Contact newspapers and urge them to run special editions and editorials.
Organize Events
Organize events like marathons to capture public attention about the need for blood. Before the start, give a brief speech on how it can contribute to saving lives. You can even prepare some prizes to motivate people and show them they can make a personal contribution to the health of the community.
Organize Campaigns on Special Occasions
Organize blood donation camps where you can invite healthcare professionals, local celebrities and social groups. Launch a guest lecturer program and surprise the attendees with inspirational gifts - unique customized silicone wristbands are perfect for the occasion. You can design them yourself with awareness messages like "Your Blood Can Give Someone's Life" or "Give Blood, A Gift Straight From Your Heart". They are not only a fashion accessory but also perfect for many noble causes and people love them.
The need for blood is constant, and your contribution is important! Your actions can really change someone's life - and it might be someone you know, or don't know.
Anemia is a blood condition that affects approximately 3.5 million Americans. Women are at higher risk of developing anemia than men. People who have other diseases such as cancer have a higher tendency to develop anemia. Anemia can become a very serious condition which can be dangerous. Anemia can also be acute or chronic in nature. Definition: You body requires a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. Red blood cells contain a substance known as hemoglobin which acts as a binder to oxygen. The red blood cells take the oxygen from your lungs and bring it to the rest of your body. Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to produce sufficient oxygen. As a result, your organs are affected because they don't get enough oxygen to function. There is a relationship between anemia and the kidneys, bone marrow and nutritional deficiencies in the body. When the kidneys are not working well or you are malnourished, this will affect your red blood cell count. Since red blood cells are made in the bone marrow the health of bone marrow is very important.
Types of Anemia: There are actually over 400 different types of anemia placed into three groups. Anemia caused by blood loss: This is anemia that is directly attributed to blood loss. This can be unnoticed for a long period of time. It could be due to ulcers, gastritis or cancer. Anemia caused by deficient red blood cell production: Sometimes the body does not produce enough red blood cells. This can create anemia. There are many causes for this such as a vitamin/mineral deficiency, an underlying disease such as cancer, problems with the bone marrow or sickle cell anemia. Anemia caused by iron deficiency: This is due to insufficient iron levels in the body. When there is not enough iron, the bone marrow cannot produce enough hemoglobin for the red blood cells and this can result in anemia. Some causes of this type of anemia include not having enough iron in your diet, menstruation, pregnancy and breast feeding as well as digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease. If the anemia is from deficient production of red blood cells in the bone marrow is can take on several forms. Thalassemia: This is when the red blood cells cannot mature on their own. Thalassemia: This is a genetic condition affecting mostly people of Mediterrean and African descent. Aplastic anemia: This is deficient red blood cells in bone marrow from injury from medications,infection or chemotherapy. Anemia can also result from conditions such as kidney disease and cancer.
Common Symptoms: There are various symptoms associated with anemia. Some common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, being short of breath and feeling lightheaded. Additional symptoms include difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure. You can also appear jaundiced and have brittle nails. Dietary Considerations: There are numerous dietary changes that may help you with your anemia. If you are a vegetarian you may not getting adequate levels of B12. You may want to consider supplementing. Red meat has higher iron levels than fish or chicken so be sure to include some in your diet. Being well hydrated is also important. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach have higher iron levels as well as beans. You should limit your intake of sugars which will ultimately deplete your energy levels. There are certain foods such as eggs and whole grain bread can block the full absorption of iron in your body. Tea and coffee also can have this effect due to the polyphenols that they contain. If you take iron supplements try to drink or eat fruits such as orange juice. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron.
Diagnosis: To find out if you have anemia you need to see your doctor who will perform various tests on you. These will include a physical exam and well as extensive blood work. A medical history will also be performed. You will be asked questions about your family history, if you have been diagnosed with anemia before and any medical conditions you have. They will observe your physical appearance and look Find more information for the tell tale signs of anemia. This diagnosis will help the doctor to see what type of anemia you have. The blood tests will assess what your red blood cell count is and the actual hemoglobin content in the red cells. There are also specialized blood tests to see how fragile your red blood cells may be or if there is an immune attack happening on them. Some of the common blood tests include a Complete Blood Count and Blood Smear tests. They will also check for iron levels, folate and b12 levels. These nutrients are critical to the production of red blood cells. Additionally the doctor may perform liver and kidney function testing to see if there is an underlying disease that is causing the anemia.
Treatments: Once the doctor determines the cause he or she will initiate a treatment program for you. Here are some causes along with their treatment protocol. Blood Loss: the source of the bleeding will be determined and stopped. For example you may be given a blood transfusion and iron to build up your red blood cell count. Iron Deficiency: If you have inadequate iron levels you most likely will be prescribed iron supplements. Do not do this on your own but under the care of a physician because consuming too much iron can be dangerous. Red blood cell destruction: Known as hemolytic anemia, there are various causes for it. So the treatment would of course depend on the cause. Follow up care: You need to stay under your doctor's care and have repeated blood work done to determine if the anemia has gone away. Your response to the treatments prescribed will determine what the next steps are to take. The hopeful outcome is that you have overcome your anemia. If not, with continued care over time you should be able to do so. Before doing any dietary or lifestyle changes always consult with your health care provider, particularly if you have been diagnosed with a disease or are taking any prescription medication.