Healthy Living Buzz
>> Healthy Living Buzz
My Confession: I Have Never Given Blood. Have You?
January 6, 2009 at 3:49 PM by Cafe Kristen - Comments (29)
I am embarrassed to admit that I have never once in my life given blood.
There. I said it. Now I should be, and am, ashamed enough to do something about it in 2009. I used to be scared to donate, but if I compare it to giving birth, sharing my blood with someone who needs it is really not a big deal.
Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to holidays, travel schedules, illnesses and bad weather. January is the slowest month of all, and that's why it is National Blood Donor Month.
So you know what I'm going to say: Now's the time to give blood.
Every day in our country, hospitals and emergency centers need approximately 39,000 units of blood for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.
I received an email from the Red Cross today that reminded me that blood is needed worldwide. "As Israeli attacks on Gaza and Palestinian rocket fire on Israel continue, residents are in need of medical assistance and basic commodities," their press release says. The International Committee of the Red Cross provides medical kits, blood units and additional ambulances.
We can't really send our blood overseas, but if we can swing it, we can give the American Red Cross International Response Fund a few dollars. Many CafeMoms have been talking about the violent situation in the Middle East this week. Check out this thread in Answers where CafeMoms try to explain What's Going on in Gaza.
Whether you give the American Red Cross a few bucks locally or internationally, it's good to keep this important organization in mind. I think I'll start by donating some blood--gulp--this month. I'll let you know how it goes.
What about you? Have you ever given blood? Why or why not?
FILED UNDER: healthy habits, in the news, medical tests
Comments:
I've been giving blood since I was old enough to, really. It was just something I had always wanted to do.
I can't now since I'm pregnant but I wish I could...There's always shortages of my type (A+) in my area.
I can't b/c i have gottent tattoos within the last whatever or i def woulda.
I gave blood once, was super sick for days after that so I haven't done it since.
no, (but I should!!!!!)
not scared, just not allowed. some sort of weird parania about Mad cow disease (no, i am not kidding)
I'm not allowed to either - I was born in Germany, and Germans aren't allowed to donate in the US. LOL
i have given blood and i donate plasma twice a week
I did once, and the tech messed up so bad my arm bruised from above my elbow down to my wrist, and it was so painful, even the sleeves of my shirts hurt. I couldn't bend my arm at all for a week and a half. I've been afraid to donate since.
I donate about 1-2 times a year. They give good snacks after you do it and somtimes offer free food items to thank you for donating- Subway, Golden Corral, pizza, etc.
Want to leave a comment and join the discussion?
Sign up for CafeMom and become a member. As a member you'll be able to leave comments, join groups, write journals, share photos, and more. Already a member? Click here to log in.
Or, leave a guest comment (guest comments are moderated and won't appear immediately)
Around CafeMom
Stay in touch with CafeMom wherever you are
Healthy Living Buzz on your Homepage
- Daily Buzz -- Healthy Living
- by CafeMom
- Keep track of the latest posts from your favorite CafeMom Daily Buzz blogger. This widget will automatically pull in the most recent blog posts so you can see them right on your homepage.
Yep a few times!! I haven't in awhile though.
pjacademy Jan. 6, 2009 at 4:00 PM