Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Need is Constant ....

Ah … summertime.  There’s so much to do in just 24 hours a day!  Isn’t it good to know that Pathfinder Produce is here for you to help with your produce purchases?  Fresh fruits and veggies are always a big hit for summer meals, adding color, flavor and zest.

Our market in Morris is on hiatus for the summer, and our Edmeston market – only a short drive away – is open at the Pathfinder Village Commons on Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you this week!

***

In just a few short weeks, on Tuesday, August 1, Pathfinder Village will host its annual summer American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Pathfinder Gym.  We encourage everyone who is able to take part.  It’s never been easier to sign up for a local blood drive -- just click on this link to find a drive near you and go through the online sign-up process, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  The Red Cross also has a new RapidPass online health history questionnaire which can reduce the time it takes to donate.

According to the NY-Pennsylvania regional office, the American Red Cross is facing a nationwide critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types.  Overall, the summer months are challenging for the Red Cross to receive enough blood donations, as regular donors delay giving while they go on vacation.

“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”  Blood donations are needed for patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.

To donate blood, the American Red Cross has criteria it follows, to help ensure that donors have good experiences and to ensure that blood supplies are safe.  In general, you must be:

·      17 years old (some states allow 16 year-olds to give with parental consent),
·      weigh at least 110 lbs.
·      be in good general health and feeling well.  (If you have a chronic condition, you can still donate, as long as your condition is under control).

But you can actually do a lot before you come to your local blood drive to make sure you have a good experience:

·       Eat lots of iron rich foods before you give and cook in cast iron pans, to ensure that you have enough iron in your blood.  The Red Cross tests every donor for their hematocrit levels before they give.
·       Drink plenty of water!  Dehydrated donors can have a harder time donating, so be sure to keep your fluid intake at appropriate levels.
·       Make sure you eat a healthy meal before you donate, as having proper blood-sugar levels can make a difference as you recover from donating.
·       Be sure to schedule enough time to donate.  It isn’t a long process, but it generally takes at least 30 to 45 minutes.
·       Bring your donor card if you are already a donor.  New donors should bring a valid driver's license or two other forms of current ID.
·       Bring the names of medications you are taking.
·       Schedule a low-key day for after your donation, to give your body time to readjust. 

Thanks for considering donating!  Your donation of one pint of blood may help up to three individuals needing blood, and can bring great relief to their loved ones.

Until next time, consider giving the gift of life!

Lori