Blood connects us all

Today is the World Blood Donor Day, it is celebrated all over the world on every 14th of June. The theme for this year's celebration is " Blood Connects us all" and truly it does connects us all because no human survives without a drop of blood in his/her body.
However,the first World Blood Donor Day was observed in 2004, which was followed by its designation as an annual global event by the fifty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2005. World Blood Donor Day is now celebrated each year throughout the world on 14 June to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation and to recognize the contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives and improving health.

World Blood Donor Day has a further purpose: to create wider awareness throughout the world about the need for availability and appropriate use of safe blood and blood products, and the need for many more people to make a commitment to regular voluntary unpaid blood donation.

The date of 14 June is the birthday of Karl Landsteine (1868 -1943), an Austrian biologist and physician, considered to be the “founder” of modern blood transfusion. Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901, developed the modern system of classification of blood groups, and identified, in 1937, together with Alexander S. Wiener, the Rhesus factor, thus enabling physicians to transfuse blood without endangering a patient’s life.

World Blood Donor Day provides a springboard for blood safety programmes and campaigns throughout the year, as well as wider activities to strengthen blood transfusion services. It is designed to complement rather than replace the national blood donor days or weeks that are organized in a number of countries. Some are held at the same time as World Blood Donor Day while others take place at different times of the year.
Furthermore, to donate your blood please make sure you consider the steps below:
1. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE : Blood banks may be in high demand for blood, but they won’t take just anyone. Most states require individuals be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds — if not, they could be turned away. People may also be ineligible if they recently got a tattoo, have risky sex, low blood pressure, or anemia. In the case of the latter, the person drawing your blood will prick your finger to ensure iron levels are high enough for a safe donation.
2. MAINTAIN IRON LEVELS: If you're confident you're an eligible donor, search for the nearest donation center through the Red Cross. Bring a government-issued ID with you, like a drivers license, passport,  National ID, Voters card or birth certificate; a list of the medications you're currently taking; and be sure to eat a meal that's low in fat and high in iron an hour before you're set to give blood. White or wheat bread, non-fat yogurt, eggs, spinach, and bananas are all good foods to choose from. It’s important to have your blood flowing at top caliber; high iron levels keep you alert and less at risk for fainting. But just in case, ask a friend or family member to go with you so you don't have to worry about driving home afterwards.

3. SQUEEZE : Roll up your sleeves and let the trained healthcare professional prep your arm. They’ll ask you to squeeze a ball in order to get more blood pumping through your veins, which makes it easier to find an eligible vein. Once you’ve been cleaned with iodine, a sterile needle is inserted into the crock of your elbow for up to 12 minutes or until roughly one pint of blood and a few test tubes are drawn. For donors who have a fear of needles, now's the time to bring out any distractions you brought along: a book, calming playlist, or even topics of conversation for health personnel. Otherwise keeping your eye on the prize, the lives your blood could affect, can help get you through it.

4. COOL DOWN : The tubes may be filled, but you’re not done yet. The area where the needle went in may be bruised and require an ice application within the first 24 hours to reduce swelling or discoloring. You’ll be ushered over to a station where snacks, juices, and water bottles are provided to help keep your sugar levels up and prevent you from feeling dizzy.

5. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS: Your blood will undergo more than a dozen tests to screen for any diseases or abnormalities. If something is found, the blood is discarded and the donor is contacted. But when you leave the actual day of donation, avoid arduous exercise or heavy lifting and remember to drink plenty of fluids. It's also a good idea to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they dehydrate the body. And if you were able to conquer your fear, enjoy the experience, don't rush to make another appointment. You’ll have to wait at least eight weeks between donations, sometimes longer depending upon your weight and health. Generally speaking, those training for marathons or other intensive activities should wait until after the race.
Conclusively, presently an  important objective of the World Blood Donor Day is to concentrate on national efforts on bettering the safety and sufficiency of national blood supplies by promoting a significant increase in the number of safe, voluntary non-remunerated blood donors who can donate blood regularly