“You do not have to be a doctor to save somebody’s life. Just donate blood. It is safe, it is simple and it saves lives.” This is a beautiful quote that suits every single individual who enjoys donating blood and saving someone’s life. However, if you are a regular practitioner of physical activity or exercises then you need to take it very much safely and lightly while you are giving blood. Read below to know if you can exercise after giving blood.
Can You Exercise After Giving Blood?
It is a real great thing if you are giving blood. However, in order to keep yourself safe and promote your health while exercising, you need to note that you must avoid strenuous physical activity, after as well as before giving blood, at least for up to 24 hours. This would actually help you reduce the amount of side effects and you would enjoy your blood donating experience.
Maybe you are basketball player, a physical trainer or a construction worker, or just someone exercising regularly; you need to take it easy and simple after giving blood. High intensity exercise after donation may cause symptoms like fainting and may also increase the risk of excessive bleeding from the area where the needle enters the skin. It is known that you might be suffering from some signs of dehydration, which include dizziness, dark urine, dry mouth, reduced urine output, tiredness etc.
Some Tips to Follow for Giving Blood Donation:
- It is always good to follow some tips if you want to give blood.
- Drink at least 16 oz of fluids and water and avoid alcohol, the day prior to blood donating and also after 24 to 48 hours of following your blood giving.
- In order to improve your blood-donating experience, consume foods that are rich in iron before and after giving blood so as to restore your blood iron levels.
Avoid exercising if you feel the symptoms of dehydration. Some individuals may feel the effects of giving blood for up to a few days after donating.
It is always essential for you to exercise light or wait at least for 12 hours after giving blood. However, in any case if you begin to feel dizzy, weak or lightheaded, then it is best to wait until 24 hours to exercise. In case you are working out and you start experiencing any such symptoms, then it is advisable to immediately stop working and lie down on a mat and raise your feet until the feeling passes away. You must call medical emergency in case of severe symptoms after donating blood or exercising after it.
“Every blood donor is a hero. Be a hero, donate blood, but keep safe!”
