Donating blood is the best way for anyone to save someone's life.
In this HealthyU segment, Victoria Burt of University Hospital, tells us what we need to know about blood donations.

We keep seeing all these announcements for blood donations. How often can you give?
Blood can be donated every 8 weeks (56 days)
In addition other requirements to donate includes
1. Being healthy
2. At least 16 years old with parent consent
3. Weigh at least 110 pounds

What health conditions can prevent a person from being eligible to donate?
o AIDS or HIV
o Hepatitis after turning 11 years old
o Pregnancy
Some conditions that temporarily delay donating
Surgery
Recent heart attack
Cancer
Fever
Traveling to certain parts of the world

*(In all conditions the trained staff evaluates each person to determine eligibility. Those with high blood pressure and diabetes can donate as long as the conditions are controlled.)

What is done prior to donating?
Health history -past and present health and lifestyle
Brief examination
Temperature
Pulse
Blood pressure
Blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.
Total process takes about an hour. Actual blood donation takes about 10 minutes.
One pint of blood is taken. Adults have a total of about 10 – 12 pints of blood.

Initial fear of the unknown, but once you have donated, the fear is decreased. Just keep in mind that 3 people can be helped with each donation and that there is not a man-made alternative to human blood.

How can one pint of blood save up to three lives?
By breaking up the components of blood
Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues (surgery, trauma, anemic patient)
Platelets promote blood clotting (Cancer patients)
Plasma is a mixture of water, proteins and salts. (Burn patient)

Who needs blood supply most often?
Anemic patients
Cancer
Transplant
Trauma patients
Patients undergoing surgery
Sickle cell disease

(The blood is given to premature infants and children as well.)

Is it true that blood donated is given to other areas but not Augusta?
Shepeard provides blood to University Hospital and 12 other hospitals in this area.

What happens to the blood and is it safe?
13 test done on the blood including a number of test for infections.
You are notified if you may have blood that is classified as unhealthy.
Can’t get disease such as AIDS or HIV from donating blood.
All materials are new and sterile and used only once.

Are there limitations after donating?
(Generally will feel fine)
Eat regular meals and drink extra fluids
Avoid heavy strenuous activities like lifting pushing and pulling
After donating blood, you replace the fluid within 24 hours and the red blood cells and iron in 4 – 8 weeks.

Shortages of all blood types happen during the summer and winter holidays.
AB is the universal recipient; they can get any type of blood.
O negative is the universal donor of red blood cells.
Rarest blood type is the one not on the shelf when it is needed by a patient.

Be sure to submit your HealthyU question. And join Liz Hill and Jay Jefferies every weekday on NBC Augusta Morning News at 11am.