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).
· 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
