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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about how you can make a difference in the lives of other people. Previously, we discussed the importance of CPR training. There’s something else you can do to save a life that requires no training or special skills: give blood.
Dr. Ravi Sarode, a transfusion medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says giving blood is one of the easiest ways to save a life, and one pint can potentially help many people. There is no artificial blood substitute, and blood has a limited shelf life, so there’s a constant need for blood donations. Blood is needed for injuries, surgery, cancer treatment and organ transplants. People can usually donate blood every eight weeks. You can get information on blood donation from the American Red Cross or from a local blood center and find out if you’re an eligible blood donor.
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August 2007
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