As a firefighter and paramedic with the City of Temple, Thomas Pechal has witnessed countless emergencies and tragedies in the line of duty. For more than 30 years, this Bell County native has been answering the call to help people. Thomas has been donating blood over 16 years and he has recently begun donating platelets … Continue reading Meet Thomas, Hometown Hero
When tragedy strikes, people want to help. They want to lend a hand, or in many cases, an arm. Giving blood is often the first thing volunteers do to help their fellow man. But other than knowing that you’ve helped fill a need, there might also be some benefits to your health when you roll … Continue reading Could donating blood be good for you?
You may not run into a burning building or save someone from drowning, but you could save a life. In fact, every time you donate blood, you can save up to three people’s lives. This may sound dramatic, but it’s true. There is a strong demand for blood, and each time you donate you are … Continue reading The down-low on blood donations
It’s been called wacky, some think it’s junk science, but there is no lack of conversation about the blood type diet. The idea of “blood type diets” has been making rounds for 15 years that you can lose weight by eating the types of foods that are good for your digestive system based on your blood type. … Continue reading Do Blood Type Based Diets Work?
You’re scheduled to have surgery and your doctor tells you that you may need a blood transfusion. You’re immediately concerned. How safe are blood transfusions? “The U.S. blood supply has never been safer,” says Walter J. Linz, MD, Medical Director of the Scott & White Blood Center and Transfusion Medicine. “Your chances of getting HIV … Continue reading How safe is a blood transfusion?
Blood is a drug. And it’s regulated by the FDA. Who knew? The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), a division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulates the collection of blood and blood products that are used for transfusion. Walter J. Linz, MD, Medical Director of the Scott & White Blood … Continue reading Your blood is a drug
Ruby was feeling worn out, tired, run-down, wiped out — and when she moved too quickly, she had to catch her breath; she also had mild chest pain. She went to her doctor, who ran a series of blood tests. Ruby was so badly anemic that she needed a blood transfusion. She wasn’t even sure … Continue reading Explaining blood transfusions
While watching your favorite hospital drama series on TV, you may have heard the good-looking doctors shout that their patient is “septic,” while other model-looking hospital staff runs into to help. Although sepsis is a dangerous medical condition, it can be prevented and in most cases reversed. Scott & White ICU nurse, Richard Allison, RN, … Continue reading Seeking immediate medical treatment could help lower risk of sepsis complications
Summer is a particularly important time for blood donations. Because people are out having fun during the summer months, the need for blood significantly increases due to traumatic accidents. At the same time, more adults and students are on the go in the summertime — family vacations, mission trips, summer jobs, volunteering — so they … Continue reading Making donating blood part of your Summer routine
