Q: Dear DR Ketch please I need you counseling, when other people donated blood to someone they used to take some bottle of stout beer to gain back the blood, but we do advice to stay away from alcohol because it has negative effect in the body system, is stout not alcohol?

A:  😀

I just love your question! Yes, stout is alcohol and I am not quite sure who came up with the idea of drinking it to gain back blood! Absolutely not!!! Indeed, you are to avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours after!

Here are some tips to guide you, before, during and after the blood donation.

To donate blood, you have to be at least 17 years or over, in good health with a healthy blood count and weigh more than 50kg, you can donate whole blood every 56 days and your blood will be screened for viruses and bacteria.

Now to specifics….

Before the blood donation, be sure to do the following:

• Ensure that you are eating an iron-rich diet like green, leafy veggies, red meat, cereals fortified with iron etc.
• Avoid fatty foods
• Be sure to avoid alcohol and take in lots of fluids (water and other juices)
• Bring along your donor card and form of ID
• Avoid vigorous exercise

During the blood donation, be sure to

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing which can be folded above the elbow.
• Relax and let the bleeding proceed J

You shouldn’t feel any pain after the initial prick. If you do, please call the attention of the medic close by.

After the blood donation,

• Don’t be in a hurry 😀 Relax and have a snack and a few drinks (non-alcoholic, please)
• Avoid smoking in the first 2 hours
• Avoid alcohol in the first 8 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise and do not carry heavy stuff with that arm for the rest of the day
• Keep the pressure bandage on for about 30 minutes afterwards
• Keep the plaster on though for about 6 hours after.
• If you feel lightheaded, please lie down, drink a lot of fluid and rest until you feel better
• If the donation site starts to bleed, please apply pressure and elevate arm. If this continues, please see your doctor.

I hope this helps.

Have a great night, everyone 😀