Red
Cross blood drive Oct. 16 at park district
Red Cross
recommends increased iron intake prior to blood donation
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[October 08, 2013]
PEORIA -- Many people can donate
blood, but even healthy donors are sometimes temporarily deferred
due to low hemoglobin levels. The American Red Cross recommends that
eligible blood donors eat a well-balanced diet with extra iron-rich
foods prior to their donation this fall.
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During the fall, iron-rich produce such as broccoli, kale, sweet
potatoes, spinach, apricots and chard is in season and therefore
more abundant. Food can have two types of iron, heme and nonheme.
The body can absorb up to 30 percent of heme iron, primarily found
in meat, but only 2 to 10 percent of nonheme iron. Foods high in
vitamin C, such as leafy greens, peppers and citrus fruits, help
with iron absorption.
Iron-rich
foods |
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Poultry
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Dried fruit
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Cereal
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Beans
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Peas
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Raisins
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Red meat
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Eggs
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Bread
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Strawberries
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Fish
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Lentils
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For a link to a list of more
iron-rich foods, visit
redcrossblood.org/iron. |
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The Red Cross also recommends iron supplements for regular blood
donors after consulting with their personal health care provider or
pharmacist. Visit redcrossblood.org/iron to learn more.
Healthy blood donors help patients in need every day. Make an
appointment to roll up a sleeve by calling 1-800-RED CROSS
(1-800-733-2767) or visiting
redcrossblood.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunity
in Logan County:
- Oct. 16, noon-5 p.m.
Lincoln Sports Complex
1400 Primm Road
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How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit
www.redcrossblood.org to
make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are
needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card
or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are
required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with
parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are
in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also
have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional
support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the
nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and
their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to
perform its mission. For more information, visit
www.redcross.org or on
Twitter: @RedCross.
[Text from file received from the
American Red Cross, Central Illinois
Chapter]
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