Gentlemen’s Corner with Colin Furcht

The Gentlemen’s Guide to Donating Blood

I’ve talked about giving back in previous articles. There is something every Gentleman can do on an ongoing basis that is not only good for others but good for himself. If you have never donated, maybe this is a great time to start. The benefits far outweigh the time and effort it takes to do it. Take the time to do your research but here are a few important reasons why you should consider this very simple and painless way to give back

Where do I start?

There are only a few ways to donate blood here in the area. Look up the few companies I will mention here today and go where you feel most comfortable. I know they all need us not just today but every day. As I’ve mentioned, there are some great benefits to those that donate, here are just a few.

1. The American Red Cross and One Blood. These are two of the more popular organizations that accept donations and in many cases, they come right to you. Check out their websites, www.redcross.org and www.oneblood.org, for blood drives in your zip code. Helping setup a blood drive at your office or other favorite gathering spot is also a great way to help out.
2. The need is constant. Blood is the most important element used in operations, transfusions and other health-based emergencies. You may never need it but you can always give it. Get the app of the organization you choose, and it will notify you when you are able to donate again.
3. Not just blood but plasma too. It’s amazing to me how many things our bodies can offer to save the lives of others without impact on our own bodies. Blood is regenerated quickly and it’s actually good for your system to give. Plasma is the other part of your blood, with red blood cells and platelets, that can help save lives and assist in finding curses to disease and other negative health impacting issues.

4. It only takes a few minutes. If you are donating whole blood, you’ll literally be on the recliner for 15 minutes or less. Sometimes the process beforehand takes longer to be honest. They both will ask you a bunch of health questions and if you have done anything recently that could impact the quality of your blood. Once you ‘pass the test,’ a clinician sets you up on the recliner and hooks you up. I have this personal goal to beat my last time every time I donate!

5. How does it help me? Well, studies show that people that donate blood regularly have lower iron overload, lower cardiovascular disease and improved liver function. Men who are on Testosterone Replacement Therapy, tend to have high red blood cell numbers. Donating regularly helps lower this during therapy.

6. Isn’t it more about the recipient? Sure it is! Saving lives should make anyone feel better about themselves. You will never know who you helped but know that you certainly made an impact. Think about the millions of families that were able to see their loved ones after an emergency because someone donated blood. It’s not something that can be manufactured in a lab. It’s the one thing that cannot be lab grown.

7. Bring a brother! I am sure that if you and buddy show up to donate at the same time, the office will welcome you both with open arms. Make it a competition to see who can fill the bag first! I would guess you could get more than one, so put  it out to all of your brothers.

8. Hold on, I’m not a fan of needles. I get it. Needles are not for everyone. HOWEVER, most of the phlebotomists that do this all day, every day, are pretty good at it. The needles are smaller than what you think and after the initial poke, you don’t even feel it. Still unsure? Don’t watch. Bring your phone and scroll during the initial process. I promise it’s not as bad as your mind will make it out to be!

9. Prepare yourself physically. Don’t show up without eating or having a good bit of water in your system. The last thing you want to do is faint from being dehydrated or dealing with an empty stomach. Now, don’t have Big Mac right before but do make sure you have something in your stomach. Preparation, as always, makes all the difference.

Is it really a big deal?

Sometimes the simplest of tasks make the biggest impact. Imagine a time when there is not enough blood available to save lives. How would you feel knowing you could have made a difference? Obviously, if you have a health issue that prevents you from donating, by all means don’t put yourself at risk. That said, encourage your brothers to do it and maybe help setup a blood drive in your community. Both organizations I mentioned earlier have mobile buses that make it safe, clean and convenient to donate. Don’t forget about the juice boxes and cookies after!

Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop