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. |
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 |
-
Poultry
-
Dried
fruit
-
Cereal
-
Beans
-
Peas
-
Raisins
|
-
Red meat
-
Eggs
-
Bread
-
Strawberries
-
Fish
-
Lentils
|
For a link to
a list of more iron-rich foods, visit
redcrossblood.org/iron. |
|
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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column] |
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. |