The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated June 14th each year as World Blood Donor Day. This day is not only to encourage people to participate actively in blood donation but also to express gratitude to the unsung heroes whose selfless dedication brings hope to those in need. Therefore, during this particular month, let PhytoFairy share with you some knowledge about blood donation and its benefits!

Blood donation is not only an act of saving lives but also has multiple benefits for donors:

1. Promotes blood circulation: Regular blood donation can keep blood flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of arterial blockage.

2. Balances iron levels: Blood donation can regulate the iron content in the body and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

3. Enhances hematopoiesis: Blood donation stimulates bone marrow to produce blood, promoting bodily recovery.

4. Conducts a mini health check: Measures body temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and tests for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. The donors will be notified if their blood test results are not satisfactory.

5. Government benefits: Enjoy medical benefits provided by the state based on the number of donations; the more you donate, the greater the benefits.

According to the official standards of the National Blood Centre, donors must be between 18 and 60 years old, weigh no less than 45kg, and be in good physical and mental health. Avoid fasting before donating. Eating four hours before donating and staying hydrated is best for blood circulation. Drinking at least 300ml of water before donating is recommended.

What should I do if I get a large bruise at the injection site after donating blood?

This may be due to a slight angle deviation during needle insertion, possibly causing blood to leak outside the blood vessel. It might also be because the needle site was not properly pressed, leading to blood leaking outside the vessel. It is recommended to press the needle site for at least 5 minutes after donating and avoid lifting heavy objects within the next two hours to prevent bruising. If bruising occurs, apply a cold compress within 48 hours, followed by a warm compress. Avoid rubbing the bruised area forcefully to prevent further damage to the blood vessel. Bruises typically fade within two weeks and do not pose a health risk. Some may feel itching, which could be a mild allergic reaction to the alcohol swab or plaster, or a normal skin healing process. Do not scratch to avoid infection.

What should I pay attention to after donating blood?

After donating blood, rest on the blood donor bed for about 10-15 minutes. You can leave the blood donor bed if you do not feel nauseous, dizzy, or pale.

Prepare some food and drinks to consume post-donation to replenish energy.

Eat normally after donating, and it is advisable to consume easily digestible food rich in protein, iron, and vitamin C without overeating to avoid affecting gastrointestinal function.

- Protein: It is the raw material for synthesising hemoglobin and helps replenish blood. You can consume high-quality protein foods like beans, fish, eggs, meat, and others.

- Iron: Although blood donation leads to iron loss, it does not directly cause iron-deficiency anemia. Appropriate iron supplementation after donation suffices. Iron-rich foods include green vegetables, eggs, meat, and so forth.

- Vitamin C: Iron is generally not easily absorbed by the body, and vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, guavas, strawberries, bell peppers, and so on.

Drink plenty of water within 12 hours after donating blood to replenish the fluids lost during donation.

Avoid alcohol or alcoholic beverages for several hours post-donation.

Refrain from strenuous activities like swimming, diving, or mountain climbing within 24 hours post-donation.

On this special day, let us all thank the unsung heroes whose selfless dedication brings hope and warmth to the world. PhytoFairy also encourages everyone to actively participate in blood donation because it not only saves lives but also offers numerous benefits to donors. Let us work together to bring hope and light to more people in need!