ANTIQUE – A recent bloodletting activity in the municipality of Sibalom saw 30 persons successfully donating blood.
The bloodletting – themed “Give the gift of live” – was held at the municipal covered gym.
Forty-three individuals showed up to donate blood but 13 failed the screening. Some had hypertension and other ailments, according to the Municipal Health Office.
The bloodletting was done in coordination with the Department of Health.
“Thank you for your cooperation and helping save lives through blood donation,” Mayor Gian Carlo Occeña told the blood donors.
The local government of Sibalom conducts monthly bloodletting. It set the following criteria for prospective donors:
* generally in good health condition
* age – 16 to 55 years old (16-17 year-old donors need guardian’s written consent)
* weight – 110 lbs or 50 kilograms and above
* physical examination will be done prior to donation
According to the Municipal Health Office, donors must do the following prior to donating blood:
* have enough sleep, minimum of five hours
* no alcohol intake for 24 hours prior to blood donation
* travel, medication, piercing, and tattoos will be assessed on site
* have something to eat prior to blood donation; avoid fatty and salty food
What should donors do after the bloodletting:
* drink plenty of fluids like water or juice
* refrain from strenuous activities
* if there is discoloration and swelling on the puncture site, apply cold compress for the next 24 hours
* if there is dizziness, just lie down on a flat surface with the feet raised/PN
