Blood Donation - Overview - on National Voluntary Blood Donation Day - 1st of October

Blood Donation - Overview

 
"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world"
         ~William Shakespeare
Blood donation is a procedure by which an individual donates blood voluntarily either for immediate use in a transfusion or to be stored for later use.

The process of giving blood involves -

 Screening the donor for infectious diseases.This is mandatory in most blood banks across the world.

 The actual process of donation where the donor goes through the procedure of donating blood.

 A brief recovery period.

These steps apply applies to both whole blood donations and also for the donation of blood components. Blood donations may be scheduled either at hospitals or at a local convenient location.Mass blood collection or blood donation drive may be sponsored by NGOs or other voluntary groups.

Blood Donation – Precautions

It is advisable for blood donors to follow some guidelines before donating blood as the procedure might temporarily weaken them.

Some of the common guidelines to be followed before blood donation are as follows-

 Drink extra water and fluids

 Avoid caffeinated beverages

 Eat well to reduce the risk of reactions to donation. Eating foods high in iron is advisable.This is especially true for recently-menstruated women.

It is important to follow the advise of the local blood bank before blood donation. The guidelines may vary according to the blood banks and their requirements. Some countries require donors to fast before donation, because of specific screening methods.

Blood Donation – Process

 
The following steps are involved in blood donation-

 The donor lies in a supine posture on a comfortable bench and extends an arm

 A tourniquet is wrapped around the arm

 The inner part of the arm,near the elbow, is disinfected

 A needle is inserted into the medial anticubital vein

 Blood flows into a collection bag through the needle and a tube

 The donor is required to squeeze a rubber ball during the procedure to hasten the flow of blood

 Typically 450-500 ml is drawn during a single attempt

 

 

 
 Blood donation may involve -

 Whole blood donation - Here the entire blood is collected in the manner described earlier

 Apheresis - Certain blood components are collected from the donor to be transfsed or stored. Apheresis involves the collection of blood from the donor and sepearing the blood components from the plasma through centrifugation.Only therequired components are used for storage or transfusion.The rest are returned back to the donor.This may take slightly longer time than the conventional whole blood donation.

Blood Donation - Ideal Donors

 
Not everyone is suitable for blood donation. An ideal blood donor needs to meet certain criteria

An ideal candidate for blood donation should -

 Be a healthy individual who is 18 years or above.

 Weigh at least 45 kg.

 Have a blood pressure in the range of 160/90 to 110/60.

 Have a normal pulse rate between 60 to 100 per minute.

 

Blood Donation – Refrain

 
Certain category of individuals are strictly forbidden from donating blood.

Do not donate if-

 You have tested positive for HIV or hepatitis

 You are an intravenous drug abuser,

 You have hemophilia or any blood clotting disorder

 You had a heart attack in the last six to twelve months.

 You had a recent attack of malaria recently

 You had received blood, plasma or other blood components during the last year.

 You had cardiac surgery in the last year

 You are taking cardiovascular medicine

 You. are pregnant

 You had an abortion recently

 You had received chemotherapy / radiation for cancer treatment.

 You are at high risk of contracting the HIV.

Blood Donation - World Blood Donor Day

 
'World Blood Donor Day' provides a special opportunity to thank all the voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.

 
who discovered the ABO blood group system. The World Blood Donor Day provides a special opportunity to thank all the voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.

14 June has been selected as World Blood Donor Day by three major organizations working for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation-

1. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,
2. The International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and
3. The International Society of Blood Transfusion.

The Day has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, which co-sponsors the event. Together these organizations represent 192 Member States, 181 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 50 national voluntary blood donor organizations and blood transfusion specialists throughout the world.

Several millions owe their existence to people they may never meet-people who donate their blood without any reward or remuneration. Despite these noble acts by many, 'safe' blood is denied to the overwhelming majority of the world's population. Of the 80 million units of blood that are donated each year, only 38% is collected in developing countries, where a staggering 82% of the world's population live. Several third world countries are still dependent on paid donors although the vast majority of donated blood comes from family members or friends of patients.

Evidence from around the world bear witness to the fact that voluntary, unpaid blood donation is the corner- stone to safe blood supply, because of the reduced possibility of transmitting potentially life-threatening organisms, such as the HIV and hepatitis viruses. World Blood Donor Day endeavors to honor the stalwarts who donate safe blood, the precious gift of life.

 

Blood Donation – Conclusion

It is important to draw attention to the importance of voluntary blood donation and to encourage more people to become regular blood donors.

There are several volunteers who donate blood without gratification, save the knowledge that their action has saved lives. It must be emphasized that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply and the youth of today should draw inspiration from these selfless individuals and donate safe blood in order to save lives.
 

Dr Marwah

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day

Every year, 1st of October is celebrated as the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.

Promotion of Voluntary Blood Donation

 Acquisition of blood is mainly done through voluntary donations. From the blood safety point of view, Government of India has taken the following steps.

  For raising motivation of the people to donate blood, specially developed TV spots have been created for telecast by Doordarshan regularly at suitable intervals during the prime time.

 Messages are being broadcast through AIR FM – music channel.

 IEC material for one to one communication on blood donation programme, in the form of folders, posters, and stickers have been developed by NACO with the help of Central Health Education Bureau, New Delhi and in all the States and Union Territories with the suggestion to reproduce in vernacular languages.

 Every year, 1st of October is celebrated as the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day. Special campaigns to educate the people and Special camps for blood donation are organized on this day. Through broadcast and televised address President, Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Family Welfare, appeal for voluntary blood donation. These messages are also printed in the newspapers.

 
Dr Marwah

Animation presentation on Heart Attack and CABG

On the occasion of World Heart Day 2007, link to animation presentation
on Heart Attack and CABG is given below.
http://www.medindia.org/animation/Heart_Attack.asp
http://www.medindia.org/animation/Coronary-Artery-Bypass-Surgery.asp
--
Dr Marwah

Age limit for dependent children of Government servants and pensioners for availing medical facilities under CGHS and Central Services (MA) Rules, 1944 – Clarification regarding disability

No: 4-24/96-C&P/CGHS/CGHS (P)

Government of India

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Department of Health & Family Welfare

***********

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi

Date: August 29 , 2007

 

O  F  F  I  C  E       M  E  M  O  R  A  N  D  U  M

 

Subject:            Age limit for dependent children of Government servants and pensioners for availing medical facilities under CGHS and Central Services (MA) Rules, 1944 – Clarification regarding disability

 

 

            The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's Office Memorandum, of even number dated the 30^th May, 2007, vide which age limit for dependent sons and daughters were refixed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, after the Delhi High Court dismissed Civil Miscellaneous Petition, No: 115/97 in Civil Writ Petition, No: 2542 of 1996 in Shri Madan Mohan Sharma Vs Union of India, by its order on 29^th November, 2006.  In terms of the Office Memorandum of 30^th May, 2007, referred to above, a son who is dependent on his father / mother can avail CGHS facilities upto the time he attains the age of 25 years or till he starts earning, whichever is earlier.  The age limit of 25 years would not be applicable in respect of the son of a CGHS beneficiary, in case he was suffering from any permanent disability of any kind (physical or mental).

 

2.         Subsequent to the issuing of the Office Memorandum of 30^th May, 2007, referred to above, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been receiving requests for clarification from, many sources, as to whether renal failure constitutes a permanent disability.  After examination of the matter in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it is hereby clarified that disability that are covered by the above mentioned Office Memorandum of 30^th May, 2007, are "disability" as defined in Section 2(i) of 'THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND FULL PARTICIPATION) ACT, 1995 (No: 1 of 1996)", which is reproduced below:

 

            "(i)       "disability" means –

                       

(i)                  (i)                 Blindness;

(ii)                (ii)               low vision;

(iii)              (iii)             leprosy-cured;

(iv)              (iv)             hearing impairment;

(v)                (v)               locomotor disability;

(vi)              (vi)             mental retardation;

(vii)            (vii)           mental illness;  "

 3.        The other conditions of dependency and normally residing with the Government servant / pensioner will remain the same.

 

 

(R. Ravi)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

[Tel: 2306 3483]

 

…

--
Dr Marwah

telephone orders and clarifications

Different links are provided for different telephone orders
and clarifications issued by dept of expenditure.
http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notofication/tel_clar_order.pdf
http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notofication/STDtelephone.pdf
http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notofication/Official_Telephone_res.pdf

--
Dr Marwah

World Heart Day, Sunday 30 September 2007

"Team Up for Healthy Hearts!"

World Heart Day, Sunday 30 September 2007

Heart disease and stroke is the world's largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives each year.

That's why World Heart Day was created, to create public awareness of risk factors for heart

disease and stroke and to promote preventive measures.

World Heart Day is arguably the most successful, consistent and focused campaign against

heart disease and stroke undertaken around the globe. The World Heart Federation, a small

NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland, created the annual campaign in the year 2000 to increase

public awareness of the threat of heart disease and stroke and the importance of a heart-healthy

lifestyle, so that children and adults all over the world, and especially in the developing world, can

live better, longer lives.

Each year World Heart Day focuses on a specific theme. This year's campaign encourages people

to "Team Up for Healthy Hearts!" as a reminder of how families and communities can play an important

role in helping individuals to reduce their risk for heart attack and stroke by focusing on areas such as

unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco use.

The Challenge

Heart disease and stroke is the world's largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year. Eighty per

cent of these lives are from people in low- and middle-income countries, increasingly amongst

those of working age. The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable and there are

low cost and straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce the major risk factors. Controlling

these helps the heart to age more slowly and dramatically reduces the risk of heart disease.

The World Heart Federation has the following tips to help protect people and their families

from heart disease and stroke:

1. Encourage everyone to eat well-balanced meals, including (steamed, boiled, grilled or baked)

lean meat, fish, vegetables, pulses, fruit and low fat products.

2. Provide at least five daily servings of vegetables and fruit.

3. Offer water, low fat milk or fresh, unsweetened fruit juices to drink rather than soft drinks.

4. Include fruit or vegetables in your children's school lunch or snack. Convince your child's friend's parents to do likewise. Get their teacher's support to put healthy eating on the classroom agenda.

5. Make sure you don't consume excess salt, especially through processed foods.

6. Plan more family activities outside. Add 30 minutes of regular physical activity

daily and build physical activity into day-to-day chores. Take the stairs rather than

the lift, for instance.

7. Make your home smoke-free and try to ensure that your children don't smoke or experience tobacco smoke anywhere else.

8. Limit screen time. Keep the TV or computer off as much as possible and make

sure your children's leisure time is packed with plenty of physical activity. Why

not go with your child to school by foot or bicycle.

9. As a family member, set a good example by eating healthily, being physically

active on a regular basis and by not smoking.

10. If you think anyone in the family is at risk of heart disease, check with your health professional.

--
Dr Marwah

World Alzheimers Day - 21st September

World Alzheimers Day - 21^st September

1. What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it.

Today we know that Alzheimer's:

• Is a common and serious brain disease. More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their work, lifelong hobbies or social life.
• Gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, other symptoms include confusion, trouble with organizing and expressing thoughts, misplacing things, getting lost in familiar places, and changes in personality and behavior.
• Is the most common form of dementia, a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Vascular dementia, another common type, is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain. In mixed dementia, Alzheimer's and vascular dementia occur together.
• Has no current cure. But treatments for symptoms, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's. We've learned most of what we know about Alzheimer's in the last 15 years. There is an accelerating worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, or prevent it from developing.

2. Why was 21st September selected as World Alzheimer's Day?

World Alzheimer's Day was launched at the opening of ADI's annual conference in Edinburgh on 21 September 1994 to celebrate our 10th anniversary.


3. There are so many international days. What do they achieve?

World Alzheimer's Day is a day that unites opinion leaders, people with dementia, their carers and family, medical professionals, researchers and the media from all around the world.

Having a globally co-ordinated awareness day sends a strong message to governments and policy makers alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the world's population grows older. In addition, by focusing on a different message each year, the day can be used to educate and challenge people's misconceptions about dementia.

http://www.yourgenesyourhealth.org/alz/whatisit.htm Your Genes, Your Health, DNA Learning Center's multimedia guide to genetic, inherited disorders: Alzheimer disease, genetic disorder, autosomal dominant

 

--
Dr Marwah