Blood Donation - Things you should know.

Blood Donation

Why do we need to donate blood?

There is tremendous demand for blood in hospitals. Many patients suffer because they are not able to cope with the loss of blood.

Blood that is donated is basically used to:

· Replace blood lost during injury as in accidents.

· Replace blood loss during major surgeries.

· Help patients with blood disorders like haemophilia, Von Willebrand’s disease survive.

· Help burns patients receive plasma, that may be critical for their survival.

· Raise haemoglobin levels ( through transfusions) in patients with chronic ailments like kidney diseases, cancer and anaemia.

Thus, blood donation is of prime importance, as it can help save the life of a patient.

To donate blood, some basic health conditions have to be met by donors. They are:

• The donor should be above 18 years and below 60 years of age.

• The donor should have a haemoglobin count that is not less than 12.5 g/dl.

• The donor should weigh not less than 45 kgs.

• The donor should have normal body temperature at the time of donation.

• The donor should have normal BP at the time of donation.

• The donor should should be free from any disease at the time of donation.

The following categories of people should avoid giving blood:

1) Pregnant or lactating women, or those who have recently had an abortion.

2) Persons who are on steroids, hormonal supplements or certain specified medication

3) Persons with multiple sexual partners or those who are addicted to drugs

4) Persons who have had an attack of infection like jaundice, rubella, typhoid or malaria.

5) Persons who have undergone surgery in the previous six months.
Persons who have consumed alcohol in the 24 hours prior to donation.

6) Women should avoid donation during their menstruating period.

7) Those who have undergone various vaccinations should avoid donation for the corresponding period specified below:

Type of Vaccine The period in which donation should be avoided.
Hepatitis B 6 months
Live vaccines 2 weeks
Killed vaccines 48 Hours
Rabies 1 year

8) Persons with any systemic disease like heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, blood disorders or asthma should NOT donate blood.

9) Persons suffering from infections transmitted through transfusions like HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis etc should Not donate blood.

At the time of donation, only 350 ml of blood is taken. An average person has 5-6 litres of blood in the body. In terms of volume the loss is corrected in 24-48 hours by the body. The red cell count is corrected in about 56 days.

The actual bleeding time is about 5-6 minutes. There will be a medical check up before this and the donor is advised some rest ( for 5-10 minutes) and given some refreshment after donation. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

The minimum time advised between two donations is 3 months. This gap helps blood regain the normal haemoglobin count.

The health of the donor will not suffer because of the blood donated. In fact, the bone marrow is stimulated to produce new cells. However if conditions are not hygienic, the donor may be exposed to infection.

Precautions:

It is important to be sure that disposable needles are used for bleeding. An important precaution is from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. The virus can be transmitted through blood transfusion, so all donor programs are required to question donors about possible HIV exposure, and to test donated blood for this virus.

There is a rare form of HIV called Type O that is found in western Africa. The available tests for HIV do not always detect the Type O strain. This means that blood programs must take special precautions to keep this virus out of the blood supply by not taking blood donations from those who have been where the virus is found.

It is possible that the tests used to screen donated blood may someday be improved so that they detect Type O HIV. When that happens, restriction on donations may be removed.

The blood that is donated is screened for the following diseases/infections:

· HIV

· Hepatitis B & C

· Syphilis

· Malaria

The blood is grouped and stored either as whole blood or as components like Packed red blood cells, plasma or platelets. This is then sent on demand to hospitals.

Grouping of blood

Blood is composed of cells suspended in a liquid. The liquid portion is the plasma, from which therapeutic fractions and derivatives are made.

Suspended in the plasma are three types of cells:
Red cells: These carry Oxygen
White cells: These fight infection
Platelets: These stop wounds bleeding

The most common type of grouping is the ABO grouping. Red Blood Cells have a protein coat on their surface which distinguishes them. According to this blood is divided into four groups:

A (A protein is present), B (B protein is present),AB (AB protein is present)and O ( No protein is present).

There are subtypes under this grouping ( listed as A1, A2, A1B or A2B…), some of which are quite rare.

Apart from this there is another protein which plays an important part in the grouping of blood. This is called the Rh factor. If this is present, the particular blood type is called positive. If it is absent, it is called negative. Thus we have the following broad categories:

· A1 Negative

· A1 Positive

· A1B Negative

· A1B Positive

· A2 Negative

· A2 Positive

· A2B Negative

· A2B Positive

· B Negative

· B Positive

· O Negative

· O Positive

Fad Diet

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we shall all diet!

This is the fitness mantra that is doing the rounds of social circles lately. Slim is most definitely 'in', and the trend seems to be here to stay. So if you have jumped onto the bandwagon to fight the battle of the bulge, here is an analysis of some of today's most popular fad diets:

The Atkins Diet

Possibly one of the most controversial fad diets of all time, the Atkins Diet is famous for its carbohydrate- restricting rules. Developed by the late Dr Robert C Atkins, this regime concentrates on a very high protein intake, and allows virtually no carbohydrate consumption, particularly in the initial stages.

The Atkins Diet is great for those who love their food greasy. Bacon, eggs, sausages, cheese, butter and cream -- they are all recommended on this diet! All these foods have one thing in common, ie. they are all high in saturated fat. The regime works on the premise that by cutting out carbohydrates completely, the body will go into ketosis -- a state wherein the body starts to burn off its fat reserves, as a reaction to (in this case) perceived starvation.

Analysis: Carbohydrates are the first choice of the body as an energy source. Carbohydrate consumption is required if you want to burn bodily fat safely. It is always more sensible to burn fat through exercise, because that's when it is oxidised, and its only by-products are water and carbon dioxide; ketones are produced in very small amounts. However when you are on the Atkins Diet, ketones are produced in large amounts, which put an added load on the kidneys. Another rather unpleasant side-effect is bad breath, which is caused by the body going into ketosis.

During the initial period, this diet can be very difficult -- particularly for us Indians, who are used to large quantities of carbohydrates in our daily diets. The sudden drop in carb intake can have a variety of side effects. Common ones during the first few days include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and feeling faint. Since carbohydrates are so restricted in this regime, another side effect is the improper intake of vitamins and minerals.

If you want to follow this diet, get your lipid profile analysed beforehand, and keep a check on it regularly. Since the diet promotes a high saturated fat (or 'bad' fat, if you will) intake, your levels may increase significantly, in which case you may need to get off the diet immediately.

Verdict: The Atkins Diet is not a particularly heart-friendly diet, and may have serious long term side effects on your health.

The South Beach Diet

Dr Arthur Agatston developed The South Beach Diet, as a means of helping his patients cope with heart and cardiovascular problems. However, Dr Agatston soon discovered that his patients were also losing weight while on this regime -- and so the South Beach Diet was born, and quickly became a hit in the USA.

Carbohydrate consumption on the South Beach Diet is restricted to what Dr. Agatston calls 'good carbs'. These are carbs found in foods such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables. The diet also encourages the consumption of unsaturated fats. The South Beach Diet works in three phases. The first phase is a very strict period, and lasts for the initial two weeks.During this time, dieters are prohibited from consuming dairy products, breads, cereals, pastries, potatoes, pasta, starchy foods, some vegetables, all fruit, and more. The second and third phases slowly reintroduce the 'good carbs', though in moderation.

Analysis: The initial phase, being very strict, concentrates only on protein intake, but since the carbohydrate consumption is completely cut off, it causes rapid weight loss. If one cannot keep the intake of carbohydrates in check once they are reintroduced, however, it may cause a person to regain all the weight.

The South Beach Diet may prove difficult to follow for vegetarians, especially in the first phase, and also for us Indians, since we consume a primarily cereal-based diet. However, it is much more balanced than the Atkins Diet, and does not rely on high saturated fat levels.

Verdict: A relatively safe diet to follow if you are able to stick to the ground rules throughout.

The Weight Watchers Points Diet

With the Points Diet, Weight Watchers assigns all foods and fat/ calorie content a point value.

Dieters are weighed on a weekly basis, and then advised on how many points they should aim to consume per day for the coming week. They are also provided with a list of everyday foods and their point value, as well as a chart providing values for foods that are not on the pre-pointed list. This allows dieters to quickly and easily 'point up' all of the food that they eat on a daily basis, and make a note of the total points they have consumed each day (this is done using a 'food tracker', which all weight watchers are advised to use in order to log their daily food consumption) .

As everyday food has already been pre-pointed by Weight Watchers, dieters are able to concentrate on their daily lives without worrying about reading food labels and calculating fat and calories. The diet isn't overly strict, however. If there is a special occasion and more points are required, dieters can save points from the day before and use them. Many restaurants and supermarkets also put a Weight Watchers value on their meals and products. This makes if far easier for people on this diet to eat out and to shop for groceries, without having to worry about whipping out the points chart.

Analysis: The entire focus of the diet is on calorie intake alone. If you stick to meeting the total points of your diet by eating the right way, then it is possible to have a diet that is nutritionally sound. However, on the days that you 'cheat', you may end up using all the points during one meal itself -- this means that you will then have to give up all the other meals in the day, thereby compromising your body's nutrition.

Verdict: It is a fun way to diet, and makes it easier for you to understand which foods are high and which foods are low on calorie content. because of the point system. Stick to the general guidelines about eating balanced meals, and allow yourself a treat only once in a while -- you will lose all that extra weight without compromising your health.

The Zone Diet

The Zone Diet, created by Dr Barry Sears, is based on consumption of the correct ratio of carbs, fats, and protein.

According to Dr Sears, sticking to the pre-calculated ratio will help to control insulin levels, which in turn will speed up the fat-burning process within our bodies. The theory behind this diet is that the daily calorie intake should be split into a 40/30/30 ratio. This means that 40 percent of the daily calorie intake should be made up of carbohydrates, 30 percent should be made up of protein, and the remaining 30 percent should be made up of fat.

The amount of food eaten is also an important factor, and dieters are encouraged to carefully assess and monitor their food portions. The Zone Diet also allows for two snacks per day. Dr Sears' book on this diet gives a listing of foods that can be enjoyed, both at mealtimes and as snacks. Although this diet does not cut out carbohydrates, it demands that the 40 percent of carbohydrate- rich foods that are consumed each day be 'healthy' carbs, such as those found in fruit and vegetables. Starchy carbohydrates such as those found in bread and pasta need to be avoided.

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Analysis: The Zone Diet is definitely one of the most sensibly thought out regimes, which does not compromise on your body's nutrition, and is quite agreeable with Indian eating habits. It advocates good eating habits, such as portion control and sugar reduction. The diet also allows for high fruit and vegetable consumption, so you don't end up compromising on your vitamin and mineral intake.

Verdict: A sensible and practical diet that helps you improve your food habits.

Although rapid weight loss is listed as an advantage with most diets, most habitual dieters will know that rapid weight loss is often swiftly followed by rapid weight gain! If a regime emphasises on 'good' carbs, ie complex carbohydrates, it will give you a feeling of fullness and satisfaction -- you will end up consuming enough fibre alongside as well.

Whatever the diet you follow, make sure you are not upsetting the all-important nutrient balance of your body. What works for one person may not work for you. Eat sensibly and work on weight loss, not health loss!

Dental Hygiene

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

Is a taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have a common problem called "sensitive teeth."

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Cavities and fractured teeth can cause sensitive teeth. But if your dentist has ruled these problems out, then worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth (PDF) or an exposed tooth root may be the cause.

A layer of enamel, the strongest substance in the body, protects the crowns of healthy teeth. A layer called cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. Underneath the enamel and the cementum is dentin, a part of the tooth that is less dense than enamel or cementum.

The dentin contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When the dentin loses its protective covering, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort. Fortunately, the irritation does not cause permanent damage to the pulp. Dentin may be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity near the gum line.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or even over-brush, gum problems can result. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine. For more tips on caring for your teeth, see "Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums."

Treating Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be treated. Your dentist may suggest that you try a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing toothpaste usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced. When choosing toothpaste or any other dental care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association' s Seal of Acceptance–your assurance that products have met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

If the desensitizing toothpaste does not ease your discomfort, your dentist may suggest in-office techniques. A fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations, may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.

If receding gums cause the sensitivity, your dentist may use agents that bond to the tooth root to "seal" the sensitive teeth. The sealer usually is composed of a plastic material.

In cases where hypersensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend endodontic (root canal) treatment to eliminate the problem.