SANBS Blood Beat Mag_Final_Issue 8_2015_MARCH MAY_WEB

BLOODBEAT
www.sanbs.org.za
Issue 8
|
March to May 2015
Schools that Make a
Difference through the Year
The Terrific Teabag
How Safe is
Your Food?
What Happens to
Your Blood Donation?
World Haemophilia Day 2015
Our
TEAM
If you have any questions,
comments or opinions on blood donation,
please submit them to:
The Editor
Marketing & Communications Division
SANBS
Private Bag X14
Weltevreden Park
1715
www.sanbs.org.za | [email protected]
Toll free number: 0800 11 9031
Be a platelet donor
Be the hope for tomorrow
Contributors:
Charles Maharaj
Hendrina Beukes
Ivor Hobbs
Janneman Greyling
Kamantha Pillay
Lebo Seatlholo
Maryke Harris
Natalie Booysen
Phephile Shongwe
Sini Subrayen
Rene Vice
Vanessa Raju
Design & Layout:
Chapter 3 – Design & Advertising
www.chapter3.co.za | [email protected]
Printed by:
Egoli Forms | www.egoliforms.co.za
The mission of the South African National Blood Service is to provide all patients with
sufficient, safe, quality blood products and medical services related to blood transfusion
in an equitable and cost-effective manner.
The SANBS is a not-for-profit organisation and receives no funding from government or
other private organisations. SANBS has 27 branches and 80 permanent collection sites.
SANBS manages the blood supply and provides products and services to South African
patients in all provinces except the Western Cape.
Blood Beat is published for donors by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of the Editor.
While every effort has been taken in the production of this publication, the Publisher,
Editor and contributors accept no responsibility for any omissions or errors.
2
What’s
INSIDE?
WORLD HEALTH DAY 2015
#safefood | www.who.int /whd / food-safety
Message from our CEO
4
Message from the Editor’s Desk
5
Messages from our Fans & Followers
6
Schools that Make a Difference through the Year
7
The Terrific Teabag
8
How Safe is Your Food?
9
What Happens to Your Blood Donation?
11
Be a platelet donor. Be the hope for tomorrow.
12
World Haemophilia Day – 17th of April
13
Commit to Donate Four Times a Year
14
Regional News:
Free State & Northern Cape
15
Vaal
18
Egoli
19
Eastern Cape
23
KZN
24
Coffee Break
27
Where Can I Donate?
28
3
Message from our
CEO
It’s the end of a chapter for me as the CEO of one of the most amazing organisations. After nine years at the helm in
the SANBS, I have watched this organisation grow from strength to strength; not just locally but becoming recognised
internationally for its contribution to blood safety strategies and becoming a centre of excellence in blood service.
Although my departure is bitter-sweet, I wish to thank the SANBS staff and I have motivated the team to continue
the great work they do in saving lives. Management is finalising the SANBS Strategy for the next
five years which has recently been developed by the executive team and the board.
I can assure everyone that the SANBS’ sustainability is guaranteed for the
foreseeable future.
Most importantly I wish to express my
sincere gratitude to you, our valued blood
donors. Without your support, commitment and selfless giving, we at SANBS
will not be able to perform the work and
service we have to offer.
My best wishes to each and every one of you!
Dr Loyiso Mpuntsha
4
4
3
Message from the
EDITOR’S
Desk
March to May sees changes in the weather, which brings along slightly different mornings and evenings with warm,
coloured leaves, announcing autumn. One can’t help but feel sad knowing that winter is approaching.
But instead of feeling sad we have so much to celebrate over these months: There’s Human Rights Day, Easter
weekend and holidays, Freedom Day and Workers’ Day, so lots of time off and short
working weeks. What this however often means to us at the SANBS is
challenging times ahead in maintaining blood stock levels.
So, as you start making plans to take
some time out to enjoy these holidays,
please spare a thought and ensure
that you make time to donate blood
if you are due to do so. Also get your
family and friends involved, because
thirty minutes just four times a year
will help make a huge difference
to the lives of those dependent on
blood transfusions.
Until the winter edition … stay focused and
blessed.
Ciao
Vanessa
3
Messages from our Fans & Followers
Like our FanPage on FaceBook
www.facebook.com/SANBS
Kebapetse Rantikana
Mar 20th, 12:58pm
Hello. Please help me. I want to study any course
related to blood donation or transfusion in your
country. I am currently working as a general nurse
in Botswana. Please list courses and where I can
study them, either by distance learning or not.
South African National Blood Service
Mar 20th, 2:04pm
Hi, the best thing to do is to contact our HR department on 011 761 9000.
Rehmat Alvez Luiz Moose
Mar 6th, 8:45am
And what happened with the Southgate clinic?
South African National Blood Service
Mar 6th, 3:17pm
We’re only having a clinic on the 28th and 29th of March.
Follow Us on Twitter @theSANBS
www.twitter.com/theSANBS
Ledile Lethabo Seema
twitter.com/Lady2Lee
Narce one, also donated today but not my first.
@Lady2Lee: Too excited
donating blood for the
first time in 2015.
Liezil Huyser
twitter.com/Liezil8
Thank you @theSANBS for the chocolate Easter
bunny as well as the friendly & helpful staff
members. :)
Chels0 **
twitter.com/Chelski96
#RelationshipGoals accomplished with my one
and only, @jasontetlow #DonateBlood #SaveALife
@theSANBS
Kim Furman
twitter.com/kimmyfurman
Melissa Lauren Tiedt
Jan 21st, 9:25am
Hi guys, how long after getting a tattoo must one
wait to donate blood?
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do
small things with great love – Mother Theresa. Small
acts = great impacts #Sasfin @theSANBS
Thanks!
KES
twitter.com/KingEdVIISchool
South African National Blood Service
Jan 21st, 2:30pm
After a tattoo you will be deferred for six months, so
you can again donate after this period. This
six-month period is an adequate window period to
ensure that, should one have contracted any
viruses through the use of needles, the tests will
reflect that.
6
#BloodDrive Well done @KESVIISCHOOL boys &
staff in donating 74 units to @theSANBS today!
#everyunitcounts
Sylvester Ruiters
twitter.com/SylvesterRuiter
@theSANBS I’m about to go give my pint to save
a life.
By Vanessa Raju
Schools that Make a
Difference through the Year
by Vanessa Raju
Throughout the year, much of the focus is on securing blood
drives at schools and universities. The SANBS focuses on
educating the youth at these institutions on the importance of
donating blood and who can donate blood. Time is also spent on
educational talks on living a safe lifestyle and why honesty when
Congratulations to the top 20 schools of 2014
with the highest number of units donated.
Please continue doing such a great job! The
SANBS also challenges the schools that haven’t
quite made the top 20 list to improve their
collections during 2015.
donating blood is so vital to the safe supply of blood in the country.
Pretoria Boys High School
669
Although much effort is put into hosting blood drives at schools,
Humansdorp Secondary School
561
Wonderboom High School
545
Dundee High School
479
Glenwood High School
457
Pietersburg High School
449
Maritzburg College
446
Hoërskool Riebeeckrand
443
Pionier High School
437
“adopt-a-day” are also part of the plan the SANBS has in place to
Die Anker High School Blood Drive
434
focus on the youth to continue donating.
George Campbell Technical School
496
Willowridge High School
496
These blood drives throughout the year contribute to about 40% of
Generaal Hertzog Hoërskool
393
the blood the SANBS collects. Ensuring that the youth adopt blood
Ladysmith High School
393
donation as a way of making a difference in their communities is a
Vryheid High School
392
huge focus for the SANBS.
Kloof High School
382
Carter High School
378
Empangeni High School
376
Volkskool
373
these young donors tend to disappear over the holiday periods,
which results in major blood shortages over all four vacation
periods. It is a time when all eligible donors should make every
effort to come through to any of the SANBS donor sites and make
that all important life-saving blood donation.
Peer promoters at schools are selected to encourage their peers
to donate and arrange successful blood drives. Programmes like
7
By Ivor Hobbs
The Terrific Teabag
by Ivor Hobbs
How a dinner party conversation about blood donation lead to
some great discoveries:
apply a wet teabag to the affected area (and don’t forget to
replace the blade before your next shave).
We were out for lunch the other day and the conversation
changed, as it often does for SANBS employees, toward blood
donation. I felt rather important telling my friends about the
importance to donate blood. I also explained what the basic
criteria for donating are as they seemed very interested. We also
briefly discussed the multitude of services the SANBS renders.
4. Get the grey out
Turn grey hair dark again without an expensive trip to the salon or
the use of chemical hair dyes. Make your own natural dye using
brewed tea and herbs.
One of the people at the dinner was a doctor and we started
talking about how some people bleed quite a lot after donating
blood. Jokingly he said: “Just put a teabag on the wound and it will
stop the bleeding!” We were all dumbfounded by this bizarre
statement and obviously we had to probe the matter further.
He explained that he had used teabags for minor bleeding issues
with some of his patients. One should take a teabag and drop it in
boiling water. Then remove the bag and squeeze out all the
excess liquid. Place the teabag onto the wound and voila!
Apparently the tannic acid in the tea stimulates the clotting of
blood and can stop the bleeding of small wounds.
Upon further reading I found ten other interesting uses for teabags
which you can try at home:
1. Cool sunburned skin
What can you do when you forget to use sunscreen and have to
pay the price with a painful burn? A few wet teabags applied to the
affected skin will take out the sting. This also works well for other
types of minor burns (i.e. from a teapot or steam iron). If the
sunburn is too widespread to treat this way, put some teabags in
your bathwater and soak your whole body in the tub.
2. Relieve your tired eyes
Revitalise tired, achy or puffy eyes by soaking two teabags in warm
water and place them over your closed eyes for 20 minutes. The
tannins in the tea act to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes.
3. Reduce razor burn
Ouch! To soothe razor burn and relieve painful nicks and cuts,
8
5. Drain a boil
Cover a boil with a boiled wet teabag overnight and the boil should
drain without pain by the time you wake up the next morning.
6. Soothe those bleeding gums
A child may be all smiles later when the tooth fairy arrives, but right
now those bleeding gums are no fun whatsoever. To stop the
bleeding and soothe the pain from a lost or recently pulled tooth,
wet a teabag with cool water and press it directly onto the site.
7. Relieve baby’s pain from an injection
Is your baby still crying from that recent inoculation shot? Try
wetting a teabag and placing it over the site of the injection. Hold it
gently in place until the crying stops. The tannic acid in the tea will
soothe the soreness. You might try it on yourself the next time an
injection leaves your arm sore.
8. Stop foot odour
Put an end to smelly feet by giving them a daily tea bath. Just soak
your tootsies in strongly brewed tea for 20 minutes a day and say
goodbye to offensive odours.
9. Tenderise tough meat
Even the toughest cuts of meat will melt in your mouth after you
marinate them in regular black tea.
10. Clean wood furniture and floors
Freshly brewed tea is great for cleaning wood furniture and floors.
Just boil a couple of tea bags in a litre of water and let it cool. Dip
a soft cloth in the tea, wring out the excess liquid and use it to wipe
away dirt and grime. Buff dry with a clean, soft cloth.
(Source: RD.com)
Source: http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2015/en/
1.
Foodborne diseases can cause death.
4. The proper temperature for a home refrigerator should be.
Answer: True
Answer: Below 5°C
Food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or
By holding temperatures below 5°C the growth of microorgan-
chemical substances, causes more than 200 diseases –
isms is slowed down or stopped.
ranging from diarrhoea to cancer and can lead to death.
5. Keeping raw and cooked food separate prevents cross2. If food looks OK and smells OK it is safe to eat.
Answer: False
The smell, taste and appearance of food are not good indicators of whether the food will make you sick. Some dangerous
microorganisms do not change the appearance of the food,
while other microorganisms which can cause our food to smell
contamination.
Answer: True
Keeping raw and cooked food separate prevents the transfer
of microorganisms. Raw food, especially meat, poultry and
seafood can contain dangerous microorganisms which may
be transferred onto other foods during food preparation and
storage.
bad, taste horrible and look disgusting will not cause diseases.
FACTS:
3. Some microorganisms are useful to make food and drinks.
Answer: True
Some microorganisms are useful to make cheese, yogurts,
fermented meat, fermented vegetables, beers and wine.
10
Over 200 diseases are caused by unsafe food containing
harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses or chemical substances.
It is estimated that two million deaths occur every year from
contaminated food or drinking water.
?
Your Blood Saves Lives
A pint of blood
is drawn from a
volunteer donor.
O+
Blood
donor
Blood is transfused to patients
in need. Just one blood
donation has the potential
to save three lives!
Blood is
collected into
a sterile bag
and labelled.
South African
National Blood Service
CK 06
Units are
transported to the
nearest SANBS
testing and
processing lab.
In the processing
laboratory, blood is
spun down in a
centrifuge and then
separated into
its different
components.
What
happens
to your
blood
donation?
Red blood cells
Contains haemoglobin, a
protein that carries oxygen
throughout the body.
Used to treat patients with
anaemia or blood loss due to
trauma or surgery.
Plasma
Contains special
proteins and clotting
factors required to
assist platelets to form
blood clots and to treat
patients with serious blood
disorders.
Blood products
are stored prior
to transfusion. The
shelf life of blood
is limited.
Platelets expire
in 5 days.
Red blood cells
expire in 42 days.
Plasma has a 2 year
shelf life from the
day of collection.
Local hospitals place
orders with the SANBS for
blood products based on
their needs.
Blood is tested
to ensure that
it is safe for
transfusion.
Platelets
Crucial in helping
blood clot.
Patients with low
platelet levels often
suffer from bruising
and bleeding.
Toll free: 0800 11 9031
www.sanbs.org.za
11
By Vanessa Raju
World Haemophilia Day –
17th of April
by Vanessa Raju
World Haemophilia Day is a global occurrence
held annually on the 17th of April by the World
Federation of Haemophilia (WFH). Established
in 1989, World Haemophilia Day provides the
bleeding disorders community with the opportunity
to raise awareness about the need to achieve
treatment for all. The 17th of April was chosen to
coincide with the birthday of the founder of the
WFH, Frank Schnabel.
Effects of haemophilia
Haemophilia causes dangerous internal haemorrhaging and
affects joints and muscles, resulting in severe pain and eventually
crippling limbs. Generally, haemophilia may lead to interrupted
education and difficulties in remaining in employment. It can also
cause premature death or deformity.
Haemophilia is diagnosed by taking a blood sample and testing
the levels of clotting factor viii and ix. Although haemophilia is not
According to the WFH, there is an estimated 6,9 million people
who are living with a bleeding disorder. Of these, 75% remain
undiagnosed and receive inadequate treatment or no treatment
at all.
curable, effective treatment has become available, predominantly
due to the advancement of technology to extract the relevant
protein from donated blood and administrating it to the affected
individuals.
Haemophilia is a lifelong medical condition in which bleeding is
prolonged. It is an inherited condition, present from birth, affecting
mostly males with females being primary carriers. People with
haemophilia (PWH) have absent or lower levels of clotting factor, a
protein in the blood resulting in continued bleeding.
There are 13 blood clotting factor proteins found in the human
body. When a blood vessel in the body is damaged, these clotting
factor proteins assemble in a specific order and combine to form
a clot. If one factor protein is absent or present at a lower level, it
results in haemophilia and other blood clotting disorders.
Factor viii and factor ix are the most common factor deficiencies.
Factor viii, commonly known as Haemophilia A, affects 80% of the
haemophilia population.
People living with haemophilia require large quantities of blood
and blood-related products. This need – and there are many other
needs – is the reason why blood products and blood transfusions
remain such a high priority in our community. The SANBS supports
World Haemophilia Day and appeals to the public to continue
donating blood generously.
13
Regional News: Free State & Northern Cape
Not Just a Dedicated Trainer
by Natalie Booysen
SANBS employees met Jainni Olivier during
a training session that she had presented at
the Bloemfontein Branch. Being the talkative
person that she is, she shared her heartfelt
story with these employees.
Jainni’s brother was in a car accident a few years ago
and spent quite a while in hospital, receiving multiple
blood transfusions. Even though her brother sustained
permanent health damage, the time that the family was
able to spend with him afterwards was absolutely
wonderful. “We got to see things in a simpler way,” says
Jainni. “He made us see the small, beautiful things
that we had previously overlooked. Like telling me I
was wearing a nice colour lipstick; I would never have
thought to give someone a compliment about
something so small, but he reminded us of that again.”
Egoli
Midwit
Did You
Know?
Sadly her brother passed away a few months later, but
Jainni still remembers the small things he made her
appreciate. “As a family we would just like to thank the
committed blood donors out there, because without
you, we would never have been able to say goodbye to
our brother.” That is why, till today, she is a committed
blood donor and her mission is to challenge everyone
she knows to become committed blood donors so that
there will always be sufficient blood for another family
who also needs that extra time with loved ones.
The average human head has about 100 000 hairs.
Humans produce about 38 000 litres of saliva in a lifetime. Saliva is
required for taste – until food is dissolved by saliva, we cannot taste it.
Every hour, about 180 million newly formed red blood cells enter the
bloodstream. Red blood cells are basically shells. Before being
released from the bone marrow, most of a red blood cell’s internal
structure is ejected, creating a disc-shaped balloon that is ideal for
carrying oxygen and a small amount of the body’s carbon dioxide.
(Source: http://facts.randomhistory.com/)
15
Regional News: Free State & Northern Cape
Community Clinic in Bultfontein
by Phephile Shongwe
The target was 30 for the Bultfontein community mobile
blood drive and 30 potential donors came forward to
support the day.
Joel Kabe (Donor Educator for the Free State and Northern Cape)
giving feedback to the peer promoters.
This picture can be explained in one word: Enthusiasm!
Every peer promoter truly made a difference.
Our first community bleed took place on the 9th of
September 2014 at the Bultfontein Community Centre.
Joel educated 19 volunteers who informed the community
about blood donation over a period of two months. They
distributed more than 50 posters on the day of the clinic,
recruited in the community and assisted all potential
blood donors.
Ms Masego Makgahlela (ARV Social Worker) at the Bultfontein Clinic.
Masego began the whole community project and
her aim is to start a community clinic in Hoopstad,
Wesselsbron and Bothaville.
She was the last person who had donated on the day.
Love was in the Air!
by Phephile Shongwe
The atmosphere truly exuded love in Klerksdorp. There
was a sense of sincerity from staff and donors alike; one
could genuinely feel the love coming from within. Our
donors visited the centre and mobile drives to share
their love. We managed to end the week off on 101%, all
thanks to our generous donors!
Mr & Mrs Kirsten with Sr Elize Louw.
Phephile and Hannah spreading the love at the Klerksdorp Donor Centre.
16
Mr Sabata from Matlosana EMRS.
Regional News: Free State & Northern Cape
Super Paartjie van Upington Skenk
Tesame 454 Eenhede Bloed
deur Hendrika Beukes
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Bloeddiens se Upingtontak is voorwaar trots op die mylpaal wat Mnr. Dirk Hansen
en Mev. Hester Hansen van Upington behaal het. Die
Hansen egpaar het die mylpaal van 454 eenhede
danksy toegewyde en gereelde bloedskenkings oor
47 jaar sedert die sestigerjare tot nou behaal.
Mnr. Hansen het 257 eenhede bloed geskenk.
Hy het sy eerste skenking in 1967 by die Polisiekollege in
Pretoria gemaak. Sedertdien het sy reise hom na
Kaapstad, terug na Pretoria, Grootfontein in die eertydse
Suidwes-Afrika, Kroonstad en daarna na Upington
geneem, maar bloedskenk was altyd deel van sy
prioriteite: “Die besef dat ek ‘n verskil kan maak
in iemand anders se lewe was maar die
dryfveer agter my toegewydheid, asook die
goeie gevoel nadat ek bloed geskenk het”,
voer Mnr. Hansen aan.
Mev. Hansen het 197 eenhede bloed geskenk.
Sy het in 1970 in Kroonstad begin bloed skenk nadat sy
vanaf Pretoria verhuis het. As jonge dame het sy besef
dat die klein verskil wat sy kon maak deur haar
bloedskenkings, ’n groot verskil in iemand anders se
lewe kon maak en dat ons as gemeenskap vir mekaar
moet omgee.
Did You
Know?
Sr. Meintjies (Bestuurder Upingtontak), Mnr. en Mev. Hansen en
Janey Kroon.
Die egpaar het in 1998 na Upington verhuis en hierdie
gemeenskapsdiens voortgesit. Hulle behoort albei tot
die O-bloedgroep en weet dat hierdie groep die
universele skenkers is. “Ons is passievol daaroor
en sien uit om nog vele lewens te help red, en
die vriendelike diens sal ons altyd teruglok”, sê
Mnr. Hansen. Die Hansen egpaar daag die gemeenskap
van Upington en omstreke uit om gereeld bloed te
skenk omdat daar daagliks ’n vraag na bloed is.
The heart beats more than 2,5 billion times in an average lifetime.
Unlike other muscles, the heart muscle contracts without stimulus from the
nervous system. Signals for the heart to beat come from the sinoatrial node
near the top of the right atrium.
In a healthy adult, the small intestine can range between 5,5 and 7 metres
long, about four times longer than the person is tall. About 90% of the body’s
nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine.
During ovulation, the number of white blood cells in the cervical mucus
drops dramatically. If it did not, the white blood cells would destroy all foreign
bodies, including sperm.
(Source: http://facts.randomhistory.com/)
17
Regional News: Vaal
Donor Awards Ceremony – Klerksdorp
by Phephile Shongwe
The SANBS Klerksdorp Branch held its Donor Awards
Ceremony at the Tusk Rio in a glits event. Donors were
honoured for their milestone achievents and what an
honour it was to be amongst donors who had made a
lifetime commitment to saving lives by donating blood.
We thank them from the bottom of our hearts
and look forward to giving our utmost excellent
service to them in 2015!
Michael Lennards (Training Technical Manager),
Mr Johannes Karsten 200th Medal and Maryke Gird
(Donor Committee Member).
Mrs Petro Coetzee with her
200th Medal.
Thabang Molibeli, who had
received a 20 Donations
award, with his sister.
Michael Lennards, Mrs Sarie Herbst, who is also Controller
at Litchenburg, with her 225th Medal and
Maryke Gird (Donor Committee Member).
Blood Drive Contact Function Entertainer
Realises His Life was Saved by Blood Donors
by Janneman Greyling
Dieter Uken provided entertainment at the TEKSA Blood
Drive Contact Function on the 7th of March 2015. As
proceedings went on, Dieter realised that he was also
a recipient and that blood donors have also changed
his life. Dieter had a tumour in his brain the size of an
adult’s fist and thus underwent an operation where the
tumour was successfully removed. He however lost a
considerable amount of blood and as a result had to
receive six units. Dieter thanked all the blood drive
contacts as they were responsible for saving
his life.
Dieter Uken with Blood Buddy.
18
Regional News: Egoli
Blood Donors Saved My Life
by Sini Subrayen (PRP, Egoli Central)
My name is Yusuf Degam and I am 27 years of
age. I had a kidney transplant when I was a
mere 22 months old. At the time I was the
second-youngest, but lightest in weight, to
have the transplant done in South Africa.
Over the years I have had many operations and complications
but somehow the Almighty has always given me the strength to
keep persevering in life.
Off all the problems that I had gone through, the worst was last
year when my bone marrow was very close to giving up on me
completely (by not producing red blood cells).
In three months I received ten units of blood, but when I was
admitted to hospital in January of last year, I had to wait for two
days to receive blood.
My bone marrow could not produce any red cells, white cells or
platelets; as a result I did not have much oxygen running
through my body.
Because of that I am trying to put together a blood drive in my
community with the help of the South African National Blood
Service.
I have come to realise what a blood transfusion means to a
person when I needed the blood myself. It is such a heart
wrenching situation to be in.
I know that the holiday seasons are the worst times for our
country’s blood stocks and I want to do everything in my power
to see that blood stocks are sufficient in our hospitals to meet
the needs of all patients in South Africa.
Egoli Zone Easter Promotion
The Egoli Zone embarks on an Easter promotion during
March and April. Every donor will receive an Easter chocolate bunny.
Sr Alinah Molale, Sr Tebogo Matlholwa and Thabo Mokgope with the
Easter chocolate bunnies.
19
Regional News: Egoli
Taiwanese Community sets up
Blood Drive for the First Time in Gauteng
by Sini Subrayen (PRP, Egoli Central)
Mr Michael Sun, President of the Africa Taiwanese Chamber of
Commerce, initiated this blood drive after having many
discussions with the Taiwanese community about how they
should give back something much worthier than money.
Mr Sun felt that giving life to others meant much more to him
and his community than giving a monetary token to a cause.
“What better way than to donate lifesaving
blood to benefit the patients of South Africa”,
said Mr Sun.
The Taiwanese Community has now initiated a blood drive in
Newcastle, KZN. Watch this space!
Egoli Central staff attending to the blood drive in Houghton.
20
Regional News: Egoli
Thank you, from Elzanre Venter
by Lebo Seatlholo, (PRP, Egoli West)
From a young age, Elzanre Venter had always wanted to donate
blood. The idea that she might be the reason for someone else
getting another chance to live was motivation enough for her.
“Since the first day of my high school career, I gradually got
more and more excited to get to Grade 10, to turn
16, just to donate blood, and at that time I knew it would
be possible because my health “as I had thought – was good”,
says Elzanre. Unfortunately a tragic misfortune destroyed her
chances of ever being able to donate blood. A week before she
turned 15, she experienced a hurtful and sharp pain in her
abdomen. It went on for about two days and eventually her
parents rushed her to hospital.
The doctor told her that she had to go for an emergency operation as her appendix was on the verge of bursting. They were
only able to operate early the next morning. After the surgery,
which seemed to have been successful, she got weaker. On her
third day in hospital she wasn’t able to sit up or lie down
because of an excruciating pain in her left shoulder. She was
told she had internal bleeding and would have to go in for
another surgery immediately.
“Once again, after the surgery I got even
weaker than before. I wasn’t responsive for over
three days after the second surgery when they
decided to do blood tests to check my blood
and platelet count. They did these tests about
every three to five hours. This went on for
approximately 14 hours before they noticed that
I was anaemic and diagnosed me with a blood
disease better known as Von Willebrand’s
factor”, recalls Elzanre.
Von Willebrand factor is a very common blood disease. It is a
type of blood disease with a deficiency of proteins that produce
platelets in the blood. Common symptoms are severe bruising
and frequent nose bleeding. It can also lead to severe internal
bleeding, severe blood loss during childbirth and extended
menstruation in women. It is also common for a person to easily
become tired or weak. This blood disease has three categories:
Type 1 has a 10–45% protein deficiency, Type 2 has between
45–90% protein deficiency; while Type 3 has a total absence of
protein and therefore no platelets can be produced.
Whenever a person with this specific blood disease has to go
for any kind of surgery or treatment, they will definitely need
blood and platelet transfusions. This disease forces one to be
more cautious when doing physical activities, because severe
injury will cause them to bleed much quicker than normal.
“I still remember the doctor telling me a few days later that I had
had about an hour to live had I not received that blood transfusion. It took about five units of blood and three units of platelets
before I became responsive again”, recalls Elzanre. She is doing
fine now and has to go for tests every three to six months to
check her blood and platelet counts.
“I personally feel that this disease isn’t a weakness. It doesn’t
make me less of a person, but instead a greater person”, says
Elzanre. Currently aged 18, she has lived with this disease for
two-and-a-half years and she couldn’t be more grateful to all
blood donors for having given her another chance to live. She’s
thankful to have the ability to speak for others who are fighting
endless and even harder battles.
“I want to give thanks to all blood donors who
have given their time to save others, for
overcoming the fear of needles and everything else
involved with donating blood. I hope and pray that you will keep
doing this and motivate others to do it as well. You are donating
for a reason, and this is the reason: If you had the chance to
save one life by giving approximately 20 minutes of your time,
why wouldn’t you? If you were the one with only one hour of your
life left, wouldn’t you want others to save you as well”, asks
Elzanre.
Elzanre is happy and currently doing her Grade 12 at Hoërskool
Noordheuwel in Krugersdorp.
21
Regional News: Egoli
Egoli East Donor Awards at
Gold Reef City Theme Park
by Kamantha Pillay (PRP, Egoli Central)
Milestone donors being congratulated at the Egoli East Donor Awards that was held on the 14th of March 2015 at the Gold Reef City
theme park.
Delene Duncan (Egoli Zone Donor Services
Manager) congratulates Mr Trefon Katakuzinos
on his 175th Donation.
Delene Duncan (Egoli Zone Donor Services
Manager) congratulates Mr Andries Horn on
his 275th Donation.
Delene Duncan (Egoli Zone Donor Services
Manager) congratulates Mr Karel Du Plessis
on his 175th Donation.
Egoli Central Donor Awards
by Sini Subrayen (PRP, Egoli Central)
Mr Maurice Creswick, who is 88 years old
and in the Guinness Book of Records, receives
recognition for donating 407 units of blood.
Mr Ivan Padiachy, receiving recognition for
donating his 100th unit of blood, with Mrs Padiachy
and Ravi Reddy.
Recipient Sally Roberts, who is a breast cancer
survivor, receiving a token of appreciation from
Lorainn Malapisane after having delivered a very
heart-warming story of why she had received
blood and platelets.
Mr Mike Nolan receiving recognition
donating 775 units of plasma.
Mr Lucas Barnard receiving recognition for
donating 400 units of blood.
Mr Roderick Lawrence receiving recognition for
donating 375 units of blood.
22
for
Regional News: Eastern Cape
Young Donor’s Commitment to
Blood Donation
by Rene Vice
Lwando is a very special young donor, because at the age of 29,
he has managed to donate blood an average of five times per
year in order to reach this 67th donation. Lwando has already
reached the first blood donation milestone, which is to donate
50 units of blood, and has attended a Donor Awards evening to
receive his certificate for this achievement.
Lwando started donating at the age of 16 at Breidbach Senior
Secondary School, where the East London Branch of the SANBS
still has regular blood drives.
We hope that other young donors will look up to Lwando as an
inspirational role model and that they will also strive to be safe,
committed and regular blood donors.
Lwando Jack donating his 67th unit of blood at the Berea Donor Centre
on Friday the 28th of November 2014.
23
Regional News: Eastern Cape
Clarendon Park Primary Receives
Top Award for Supporting Blood Donation
by Maryke Harris (PRP, Port Elizabeth Branch)
Clarendon Park Primary in Port Elizabeth was announced top
school for 2014 by the South African National Blood Service,
Port Elizabeth Branch, for achieving the highest percentage
participation in the annual Adopt-a-Month Blood Donation
Challenge.
This is the 4th year in a row this school boasts with the top spot,
and deservingly so, having recruited 622 blood donors and
having achieved 67% overall participation. It was also a personal
best in terms of blood donations, beating all their previous totals,
which is a remarkable achievement.
Other schools in the Metro that also achieved great success
in this programme during 2014 were Muir College (59%)
and Grey Junior School (47%) who came second and third
respectively. A total of 4 039 units of blood was collected from
the 20 participating primary schools.
This kind of commitment, dedication and teamwork is highly
commendable and the SANBS would like to thank every blood
donor who supported the Adopt-a-Month Challenge during 2014.
Did You
Know?
Beth Hechter (Clarendon Park parent) and Liz Rhodes (Clarendon Park
teacher) receiving their certificate for the top SANBS primary school
from Maryke Harris (PRP, SANBS) during a special teachers’ function
that was held at the Kelway Hotel.
Proper diet is critical for brain development in children. The brains of
children who have died of malnutrition during the first year of life have fewer
brain cells and an overall smaller size than the brains of healthy children.
Humans spend a third of their life sleeping (25 years or more).
Humans can survive longer without food than they can without sleep.
During the first two years of a baby’s life, new parents will miss six months of
sleep on average.
Stress has been called “the silent killer” and can lead to heart disease, high
blood pressure, chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.
Laughing lowers stress hormones (like cortisol, epinephrine and adrenaline)
and strengthens the immune system by releasing health-enhancing
hormones.
(Source: http://facts.randomhistory.com/)
24
Regional News: KZN
25
Regional News: KZN
Supporting Blood Donation in KZN
by Charles Maharaj
The MEC for Health in KZN, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo supports,
blood donation and is a regular donor. Dr Dhlomo in spite of his
busy schedule, has always made time to donate blood. He is
seen in the photo with Charles Maharaj (SANBS Head of
Marketing, KZN) and Berry Radebe (Phlebotomist). Dr Dhlomo
was giving blood at Greys Hospital. He has donated 24 units of
blood in total.
SANBS Hero Wins!
Siyanda Dlamini, a 19 year-old from Ladysmith, was our December
winner of the Lenovo Tablet.
After donating blood in December, Siyanda
offered feedback regarding his experience
on the CFS machine and his name was
automatically entered into the competition!
He was a peer promoter at Ladysmith High School and is
currently studying mechanical engineering in Stellenbosch.
Siyanda is committed to saving lives and encourages others to
do the same!
26
Coffee Break
QuizCorner
WORD SEARCH
SUDOKU
Search for the following words. Words can be found in any
direction; horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
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Freedom
To solve Sudoku puzzles, all
you need to know is this one
simple rule. Fill in the boxes so
that each of the nine rows,
each of the nine columns, and
each of the nine 3 x 3 sections
contain all the numbers from
1 to 9.
3
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5
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6
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WORD SCRAMBLE
To solve the word scramble puzzle, all you need to do is look for the clues on the page numbers
indicated next to the words. The word also starts with the capital letter and an extra clue of a
lowercase placed in the right blocks below.
Page 4: iSatiytblinaus
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Page 15: fiieScnfut
Page 6: oTttoa
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Page 17: vlPsiaseo
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Page 18: oneeMstil
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Page 21: asDseie
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Page 7: aCehnglles
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Page 8: dSbuunren
Page 10: riBcatae
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27
Important Numbers
Where Can I Donate?
EGOLI ZONE
Alberton (103 Jacqueline Ave, Randhart)
Auckland Park (1 Cedar Ave, Richmond)
Bedfordview (25 Earnest Oppenheimer Str, Bruma)
Braampark (33 Hoofd Str, Braamfontein)
Carnival Donor Centre (Mall at Carnival, Shop 84)
Fourways Design & Decor (Forest Drive & Sunset Ave)
Florida (31 Beacon Rd, Florida North)
Germiston (Lambton Gables, Cnr Weber & 3rd Ave)
Krugersdorp (Monument Checkers, Voortrekker Rd)
Lenasia (Signet Terrace, Shop 41A, 82 Gemsbok Ave)
Linksfield Terrace (110 Linksfield Dr, Dower Glen, Ext 10, Edenvale)
Midrand (Gallacher Place, Cnr Richard Drive & West Str)
Northgate (Northumberland Ave, next to Meltz Shop)
Randburg (The Colony, Craighall Park)
Southdale (Southdale Shopping Centre, East Wing)
Soweto (Maponya Mall, Shop 410)
Westgate (Westgate Shopping Centre)
NORTHERN ZONE
Atterbury Value Mart (Shop 5, 2nd Floor, Faerie Glen)
Brits (40 Van Velden Str)
Centurion (Jean Village Shopping Centre)
Ellisras (Onverwacht Shopping Centre)
Ga-Rankuwa (Ga-Rankuwa Shopping Centre)
Louis Trichardt (27 Erasmus Str)
Phalaborwa (8 Kiaat Str)
Polokwane Centre (153 Potgieter Str)
Potgietersrus (Mokopane Mall, Shop 7)
Hatfield Plaza (1 122 Burnett Str, Hatfield, Pretoria)
Quagga Shopping Centre (Cnr Church and Kort Str)
Rustenburg (46 Heystek Str)
Sinoville (Pick n Pay Shopping Centre, Brac Ave)
Tzaneen (15b Peace Str)
Wonderpark (Wonderpark Shopping Centre)
VAAL ZONE
Benoni (42 14th Ave, Northmead)
Mall @ Carnival (Shop 84, Entrance 3,
Cnr Heidelberg Rd & Airport Rd, Dalpark Ext 4)
East Rand Square (Jansen Park, Bentel Ave)
Kempton Park (20 Central Ave, Law Chambers)
Klerksdorp (Cnr Bishop Desmond Tutu & Boom Str)
Klerksdorp (Dieva Davanna Building, Wilkoppies)
Kroonstad (Checkers Centre)
Mafikeng (21 North Str, Next to Dr Lebalo’s Practice)
Potchefstroom (Net Wed at Pick n Pay, Esselen Str)
River Square (River Square Shopping Centre)
Springs (The Avenues Shopping Centre, Shop 9)
Vaalgate Shopping Centre (Shop 35)
Vereeniging (Medi-Village Donor Centre, Unit 17)
(011) 908 4419
(011) 877 4000
(011) 622 7153
(011) 628 1660
(011) 915 6686
(011) 465 6441
(011) 670 8600
(011) 827 8335
(011) 954 6804
(011) 852 0508
(011) 882 1391
(011) 805 2810
(011) 794 5756
(011) 447 6665
(011) 433 8414
(011) 938 3283
(011) 768 0283
(012) 991 5059
(012) 252 4495
(012) 644 1901
(014) 763 5922
(012) 700 1642
(015) 516 5860
(015) 781 0126
(015) 297 3636
(015) 491 4806
(012) 362 3344
(012) 362 2991
(012) 362 2876
(012) 327 6137
(014) 592 0305
(012) 543 9524
(015) 307 7090
(012) 549 0350
(011) 425 4943
(011) 915 6686
(011) 826 5844
(011) 970 4194
(018) 462 5351
(018) 468 6473
(056) 212 2862
(018) 381 6275
(018) 297 0530
(016) 454 9451
(011) 362 2282
(016) 933 1700
(016) 422 8798
FREE STATE & NORTHERN CAPE ZONE
Bethlehem (Metropolitan Centre)
Bloemfontein (11 Short Str)
Bloemfontein (Southern Centre, Fichardt Park)
Bloemfontein (Victorian Square)
Free State University (Shop 45, Student Centre)
Kathu (Pegasus Building, Rietbok Str)
Kimberley (169 Du Toitspan Rd)
Upington (Chriszelle Centre)
Welkom (The Strip, 36 Stateway)
(058) 303 5560
(051) 447 4122
(051) 522 7679
(051) 447 7246
(051) 444 0601
(053) 723 1641
(053) 833 1651
(054) 331 1247
(057) 352 2174
MPUMALANGA ZONE
Bethal (Cosmos Centre, Shop 5, 41 Du Plooy Str)
Ermelo (Juanricvor Centre, Shop 4, 10 Church Str)
Kriel (Megamark Centre, 16 Bronwyn Str)
Lydenburg (Pick n Pay, Shop 53, Kantoor Str)
Middelburg (Wonderpark Spar Centre, Shop 13)
Nelspruit (Riverside Mall, Entrance 5)
Sasol (Building R5-BD-26, Rd 9)
Secunda (Grand Palace Building, 124 Heunis Str)
Standerton (Standerton Junxion, Shop 23)
Witbank (Greenpoint Centre, Cnr Fanie & Ryan Str)
Witbank (Highveld Mall, President Drive)
(017) 647 5598
(017) 811 2631
(017) 648 4271
(013) 235 3612
(013) 243 6785
(013) 757 1216
(017) 610 4658
(017) 631 3731
(017) 714 2829
(013) 692-4422
(013) 692 4805
KWAZULU-NATAL ZONE
Chatsworth (Chatsworth Centre, opp. Checkers)
Durban North (Shop 35, Kinsington Square)
Hayfields (Pick n Pay Centre, Pietermartizburg)
Hillcrest (The Colony Centre, Shop 5)
Ladysmith (San Marco Centre, Francois Rd)
Musgrave (29 Musgrave Road, Cnr Berea Rd)
Newcastle (Regional Mall, next to Standard Bank)
Pietermaritzburg (294 Loop Str)
Pinecrest (Pinecrest Centre, Shop 235)
Pinetown (10 Eden Rd, Durban North)
Richards Bay (Boardwalk Shopping Centre)
Shelly Beach (Shop 57, Marine Drive, South Coast)
Southway (Southway Mall, 27 Titren Rd)
Umlazi (Umlazi Mega City)
(031) 401 5509
(031) 564 6070
(033) 346 2801
(031) 765 4035
(036) 637 4191
(031) 201 3668
(034) 326 1127
(033) 264 3600
(031) 701 0699
(031) 719 6500
(035) 789 3610
(039) 315 6957
(031) 459 0986
(031) 912 1267
EASTERN CAPE ZONE
Beacon Bay (Beacon Bay Retail Park, Shop 18)
Cleary Park (Cleary Park Shopping Centre)
East London (25 Pearce Str, Berea)
Mthatha (Mthatha General/Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital)
Port Elizabeth (Provincial Hospital Grounds)
Queenstown (26 Robinson Rd)
Uitenhage (2 Billson Str)
Walker Drive (Walker Drive Shopping Centre)
(043) 748 1962
(041) 482 0020
(043) 704 8200
(047) 531 0306
(041) 391 8200
(045) 839 5133
(041) 992 4844
(041) 360 4161
Due to the regular closing down and opening of donor centres across SANBS zones, some sites may not be on this list but
we urge you to please contact our call centre to double check if sites in your area are still operating or send an email to:
[email protected] to inform us of any changes in your area.