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Give Before You Go –


| BY WARREN BROCK D


id you know that where you travel this summer could make you ineligible for up to a year


from donating blood? The World Health Organization (WHO) has identifi ed over 100 countries as malaria-risk zones including many popular tourist destinations such Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.


With the potential for malaria to be passed through donated blood products and no disease test for malaria presently available, Canada Blood Services has a strict policy in place for travellers to safeguard the nation’s blood supply.


Easier access via direct fl ights and the increasingly popularity of tourist destinations have contributed dramatically to the number of potential donors being deferred each year. From 2002 to 2006, the number of potential donors having to be deferred grew from 5,000 to 40,000 per year.


“One of the best ways to ensure you are able to donate blood wherever you travel this year is to ‘Give before you go.’ We


are not asking people to reschedule their plans, but rather simply asking them to add ‘give blood’ to their list of things to do when planning for a vacation,” says Ed Yee, Director, Donor and Clinic Services.


With many travellers visiting the same destination each year, there usually remains a window of eligibility to donate blood. For some of the popular destinations like Mexico, only specifi c regions or territories may be classifi ed risk zones versus the entire country. As the list of risk zones is ever changing, Canadian Blood Services recommends calling their toll-free information line 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) and speak to one of the nurses to help determine your eligibility and obtain additional information.


Okanagan travellers can donate blood at the 1835 Dilworth Drive location in Kelowna or one of the mobile clinics in West Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. Call 1-888-2-DONATE to make an appointment or visit the Canadian Blood Services website for more info at www.blood.ca. Group blood donations with friends, family and/or coworkers are also available. For more info contact Tammie Watson, Community Development Coordinator at 250-448-4022 or tammie.watson@blood.ca.


Philip Tiley, Okanagan resident, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer at age 3. He went through lots of chemo, 5 surgeries and received 33 blood transfusions. He is now 8 years old and cancer free.


8 | YLW CONNECTION


Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. According to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment. One blood donation takes approximately one hour and can save up to three lives. Before you hit the skies this summer, make an appointment with your local blood clinic and give before you go.


Shingles is a very painful condition caused by the reactivation of the virus responsible for chicken pox. Burning, tingling-like pain and sensitive skin commonly precedes the appearance of a rash that gradually develops into blisters which form over 3-5 days. As new blisters appear, older ones ooze and eventually crust over and heal. During this time, is when shingles is most contagious. The duration of the outbreak may last 3-4 weeks.


If pain persists long after the blisters have gone, this is now called postherpetic neuralgia. This complication of shingles may last for months or even years.


Anyone who has had chicken pox and is 60 years old or older are prime candidates to get vaccinated. Those who get vaccinated may still develop shingles but will suffer a milder course and are less likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia.


The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Westbank, BC always has the vaccine available, and pharmacist Paolo Sales is certifi ed to administer the shot at the patient’s convenience.


SHINGLES


Some patients have been asking if they should get the shingles vaccine especially if they are traveling to visit family or friends who have active shingles.


Paolo & Tracey Sales B.Sc. Pharm., Pharmacists & Owners Certified Canadian Diabetes Educator


(250) 707-2952 2441A Main Street West Kelowna, BC


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