What is a special present that could come only from you? The greatest gift you can give another human is, literally, LIFE. When you donate blood even once, you may save up to three people; a newborn holding on to dear life, a mother bleeding profusely after delivery, a young adult severely injured in a crash or even a cancer patient in need of a new lease on life. We all have the POWER to extend lives by donating blood (giving life) and in the process we grow healthier.

Reminders about the GIFT of GIVING LIFE!

1. You donate about 450ml of blood at a time
   1. Within 2 to 3 days the fluid component of blood is replaces. The red blood cells replaced within 2 to 3 weeks and the iron lost is restored within 2 months.
2. “There is no artificial blood that we can buy to save lives. Therefore, blood must be donated freely by somebody out of love for life. Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” saves the lives of those in dire need of blood transfusion therapy.”
3. “Blood has a short shelf-life span, and must be constantly replenished all year-round to ensure availability whenever and wherever it is needed. This is why we must all make it our social responsibility to give blood whenever we can.”

Your Safety as a Blood Donor is Paramount

1. The process of drawing blood is very safe and there is no risk of infection
2. You are thoroughly examined and all the appropriate questions asked before you are allowed to donate.
3. In Ghana you can safely give blood every four (4) months

Who can Donate Blood?

1. If you are between 17 and 60 years
2. If you pass a free medical assessment
3. If you weigh at least 50kg
4. Vegetarians are not excluded

We are permanently excluded from donating blood if we have kidney or heart failure. Have tested positive for HIV or Hepatitis or have any form of liver disease. People with complications of diabetes. Asthmatics, those with peptic ulcer, sickle cell disease and those receiving medication to manage epilepsy are exempted. If you currently abuse drugs or have a history of drug abuse or you have multiple sexual partners then you will not be able to donate blood.

As you read now, someone is about to take his or her last breath because there is NO BLOOD available. You have the power to change a whole family and the world’s destiny by donating blood safely.

Someone needs to read this so that he/she can donate blood or get many people to do same; kindly spread the message.

Visit the nearest Regional or General Hospital across the nation to DONATE BLOOD.

If you have additional questions about donating blood or you want to donate blood but don’t know how or where, visit www.nbs.gov.gh or call 027-750-1010.

Without a doubt HE OR SHE WHO GIVES BLOOD GIVES LIFE!!!!

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/Mobissel

(www.healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week – “When disaster strikes, help has to come fast. This is why those of us who are “qualified” to donate blood must do so regularly. There is no better time to donate than now!”

References:

1. National Blood Service, Ghana ;Basic Facts about Blood Donation
2. www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-donating-blood#benefits
3. Kwaaba Foundation

*Join the Blood Donation Awareness Walk on March 4^th 2023 from 5.30am at the Laboma Beach (near Labadi Beach Hotel) – A Kwaaba Foundation/ Kaysens Group/ National Blood Service Initiative.