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How long does it take for blood count to return to normal?

The blood volume is typically replaced within 24 hours. Red blood cells take between four to six weeks for complete replacement, which is why the FDA requires an eight-week wait between blood donations.

massgeneral.org - Frequently Asked Questions About Donating Blood
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How much blood is taken during a blood donation?

A little less than one pint of blood is taken for each whole blood donation.

How much blood is in my body?

The average adult has between 9-12 pints of blood, depending on the person’s weight.

How long will it take my body to replenish my lost blood?

The blood volume is typically replaced within 24 hours. Red blood cells take between four to six weeks for complete replacement, which is why the FDA requires an eight-week wait between blood donations. Your body will not be affected adversely by the loss of the pint of blood.

How will I feel after donating blood?

Regular activities can generally be resumed right away. After donation you are invited to have some juice and snacks to help replace the volume and to give you a bit of time to relax.

Why should I give blood? Aren’t there plenty of people who do that?

There is a need for new blood every day. Less than 5 % of the eligible population donates. However, more than 90 % of the population will need blood in their lifetime.

Who uses my blood?

Your donated blood could go to a newborn just fighting to stay alive, a young child battling leukemia, a teen in a car accident, a young man with anemia, a middle-aged woman with a bleeding ulcer or an elderly person having cardiac surgery. You never know who might get your blood, but know that your blood will always be used to help someone in need.

What happens to my blood after I donate?

Your donation will be typed and tested for 10 infectious diseases. Once the blood passes all of the tests, it will be broken down into its components (red blood cells, plasma and platelets).

Does it hurt to donate blood?

The main obstacle to donating blood is worrying about how it will feel. You will feel only a slight pinch at first and then nothing.

How long does donating blood take?

If you schedule an appointment, the entire process will take about 30-40 minutes (for whole blood donations). The actual donation takes about five to seven minutes.

What is the most needed type of blood?

All types of blood are needed. Type O is the most common blood type and is the most widely used and needed. Type O can safely be transfused to all other types and is frequently used in emergencies. It’s best, however, to use a patient’s specific blood type for transfusions.

Why should I donate blood?

The answer is simple – you could save someone's life! Blood can only be given from one person to another – no other source is currently available. Volunteer blood donors are needed on a daily basis to give blood for the thousands of patients who need it.

Why do minority populations especially need to donate blood?

There is a greater amount of blood types O and B in minority populations than in Caucasians. Because large amounts of blood are needed to treat Sickle Cell disease, which appears primarily in minority populations, there is a growing need for minority blood donors. Of the 5 percent of the population that donates blood, only 10 percent are African-American or Hispanic. During transfusions the patient's blood must match as closely as possible in both the type and specific antigens of the blood being transfused. Because we inherit certain antigens from our ancestors, someone of the same race and ethnicity is found to be a better match for them.

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How many eggs is too many?

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health. Some choose to eat only the egg white and not the yolk, which provides some protein without the cholesterol.

mayoclinichealthsystem.org - Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? - Mayo Clinic Health System

Eggs have been in the news a lot — again. It seems like every few years, questions arise about these meals in a shell. Are they good or bad for you? What about their protein and cholesterol?

Looking at the nutritional breakdown, one egg contains roughly 75 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 0 carbohydrates, 67 milligrams of potassium, 70 grams of sodium and 210 milligrams of cholesterol. Eggs are also a great source of vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, which is a nutrient that's essential in many steps of metabolism. Except for its cholesterol content, one egg is a healthy option for breakfast lunch or dinner. Research shows that the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to negatively affect the human body compared to other sources of cholesterol. For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase the risk of heart disease, and they should be eaten sparingly. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health. Some choose to eat only the egg white and not the yolk, which provides some protein without the cholesterol.

Here's how eggs stack up nutritionally in dishes that feature eggs:

Calories Fat

(grams) Protein

(grams) Sodium

(milligrams) Cholesterol

(milligrams) 2 Scrambled Egg Whites 34 0 7 110 0 2 Fried Eggs 184 14 12 94 420 Denny's Western Omelette 700 46 38 2,180 760 McDonald's Big Breakfast 760 48 28 1,530 485 Eggs can be a good addition to a healthy, well-balanced diet. Just watch out for those high-calorie, high-fat extras like cheese, bacon and butter.

Anne Harguth is a dietitian in Waseca, Minnesota.

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