12/05/2020
*After Donating Your Blood - Don’t Just Walk Away*
Donating blood is a selfless act and is a cause to feel good about yourself. You are definitely benefiting someone else’s life. But here is a tip - Please don’t think that your responsibility has ended after you have donated blood. There is still some self-care to be adhered to. It is in your own self-interest. Here is what you should do:
After donating you sit in an observation area, where you rest and eat a light snack. After 15 minutes, you can leave.
You should also do the following things:
● Keep the bandage on your arm and dry for five hours.
● Drink extra fluids for the next day or two.
● Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for the next five hours.
● If you feel lightheaded, lie down with your feet up until the feeling passes.
● If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.
● If your arm is sore, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) for the first 24 to 48 hours after donation.
