Editors Page Young Teen Magazine |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by CG Girl
|
|
Friday, 09 October 2009 16:47 |
|
Hey ChicaGirls, This month we are dealing with health-related issues. I wanted to share with everyone the importance of donating blood. “One unit of donated blood can help save up to three lives!” I’m a strong advocate of donating blood and have been donating blood every since high school. My mom was the first to introduce me to the importance of doing something as simple as donating your blood. I believe it was because of her that I donated while in college and continue donating blood to this day. Many girls have never been educated about blood donations and I wanted to share my experience. I decided to make an appointment for me and my mom at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to donate blood. I wanted to take pictures of us donating blood to show all of you girls that it’s not as bad as many think. My mom and I have donated many times and we continue donating together! On the day of our appointment, they first begin with a questionnaire and then a mini-physical including an analysis of your hemoglobin (iron) level. You must pass this test before you begin the donation process. I failed the test!!! I couldn’t believe it-my iron level was too low. I was so sad because I really wanted to donate that day, but I was not allowed to. When I asked if this was normal, they responded that it was common for women to fail the test because of low iron. The reason I wanted to share with everyone that I failed was because this is another health issue that women face. We need to focus on eating healthier and taking vitamins to keep our iron levels up. That day I realized that I was one of those women that needed to be conscious of our iron levels. I made sure the next time I went back to donate that I would pass the iron level test. My mom did pass the test that day and donated her blood. I even took a couple of pictures of her. I was so proud of her! When we left the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center I let them know that I would be back the following week and I was going to pass my iron test and donate my blood. I went with Marisa Cubriel, from ChicaGirl, the second time. We made our appointments at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and both passed our tests!! Marisa and I donated our blood without any problems. It was a great feeling to do something positive for someone and save a life! We took pictures of us donating blood to share with everyone! It is a simple process that has such a big affect!
|
Home
Back Issues
ChicaGirl Blog
About Us
CG Shop
