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"Do you fear blood donation? My editor, Lindsey, admitted that it frightens her, and, um, I&amp;#x27;m a little squeamish about the whole thing, too. (I have a rare and in-demand blood type, so I have to get over that, fast!). Let&amp;#x27;s build blood-giving confidence together: Here are 10 myths about blood donation debunked by an expert ... Monday June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, and America&amp;#x27;s Blood Centers is teaming up with Nexcare Bandages to raise awareness about the need for blood donation during the critical summer months where there is often a shortage of blood in America. Want to find a place to give blood in your city? Just enter your zip code in this Web site, and it will tell you where to go. America&amp;#x27;s Blood Centers CEO, Jim MacPherson debunks some top myths about blood donation for us: Myth 1. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I&amp;amp;#8217;m afraid of needles.&amp;quot; Fact: Most people do feel a bit of nervousness about blood donation. Most also say after their donation that they&amp;amp;#8217;re sorry they waited so long. Blood donation is a momentary discomfort for the donor that can provide a lifetime of a difference for the patient. Myth 2. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I&amp;amp;#8217;m on medication.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;In nearly all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. As long as you are healthy and the condition is under control, you will very likely be able to donate.&amp;quot; Myth 3: &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I had a flu shot.&amp;quot; Fact: In fact, you may donate blood the same day you receive the vaccination. Myth 4. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t donate because I&amp;amp;#8217;m anemic.&amp;quot; Fact: Your hemoglobin (iron) level will be checked prior to donating blood. As long as levels are normal on the day of donation, you may give. Myth 5. &amp;quot;I have a very rare blood group, so no one will use my blood.&amp;quot; Fact: Every blood group is needed! There&amp;amp;#8217;s a specific type of donation suitable for each group. Your community blood center will direct you to the most appropriate one for your blood group and community needs. Myth 6. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I&amp;amp;#8217;m diabetic.&amp;quot; Fact: Diabetics may donate blood as long as the other medical requirements are met. However, the use of bovine-derived insulin will result in deferral from blood donation. Myth 7. &amp;quot;I will gain weight from giving blood.&amp;quot; Fact: When you give blood, you usually give about a pint, which weighs roughly a pound. So you&amp;amp;#8217;d be losing a pound. Your body replenishes the fluid within 24 to 48 hours, and the red cells are replaced within weeks. Myth 8. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I have high cholesterol.&amp;quot; Fact: A high cholesterol level does not disqualify you from donating--even if medication is used to control it. In fact, when you donate blood with CBCO you will get a FREE cholesterol screening! Myth 9. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I have high blood pressure.&amp;quot; Fact: As long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of your donation, you may give blood. Furthermore, medications that you may be taking for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating. Myth 10. &amp;quot;I can&amp;amp;#8217;t give blood because I have seasonal allergies.&amp;quot; Fact: Allergies, even those that need to be controlled by medication, will not prevent you from donating blood. Let&amp;#x27;s talk: Are you afraid of giving blood? Why? Will you give blood on Monday? P.S. This reader confesses that she overdosed on cold meds. Ever happened to you? And, do you think you are an empathetic person? Researchers say if you&amp;#x27;re under 30, you may not be ... More Ways to Get Glamour Visit Shopglamour.com for cute stuff starting at just $10! Enter the latest Glamour sweepstakes! Follow us on Twitter Add us to your iGoogle homepage FREE Beauty Stuff! Enter for your Chance to Win a New Prize Every Day! "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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