CONTENTS Features
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4-7
DONOR INTERVIEW
NEED FOR BLOOD DONATION
8-9
16-19
THE MESSIAH
ADVANCES IN BLOOD DONATION
Story of Debabrata Ghosh
10-11 PRECAUTIONS Before and after you donate
12-13 FUN AND GAMES Crossword and word search
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“Tears of a mother can’t save her child, but your blood can”
20-21 THE ELIXIR OF LIFE Story
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“My experience with Khoon has been very enjoyable and had helped me grow as an individual. .”
ON TRANSFUSION A poem by Smriti Verma
25 INTERNS AT KHOON Muskan Ahuja and Vanshika Agarwal
26-28 THE UNIDENTIFIED HERO OF WW2 Charles Richard Drew
29 “This role can take various forms – whether its volunteering, donating blood, educating adults on blood donation or motivating one’s friends and family to go ahead and donate”
20-31 NEW PLATFORM FOR YOUTH MOBILISATION Blood donation
IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr. Karamjeet Singh Gill, M.D.
WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD?
Magazine and cover design by: Shruti Singh
CONTACT: Kengeri, Bangalore, Karnataka INDIA pin code-560059 Ph. no: +91 9538244183 contact@khoonkhas.org
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Reader What you hold in your hand is no ordinary magazine, it is history - the first ever issue of a revolution that began as a spark and is slowly evolving into a bright flashlight. One that will guide you to a better, brighter and more knowledgeable future. We present to you, dear reader, The Bloody Citizen with the aim to not only shatter taboos and myths reagarding the Noble cause of blood donation but to also steer away the ignorance that prevails in the society. We believe that a nudge in the right direction at the right time can go a long way and that there is no greater social service than donating blood. While as a nation we are moving towards the glitz and glamour of new technology and inventions, we remain victims of ignorance and unconsciousness. It is time that we, the citizens of India, educate ourselves and take matters in our own hand. A person needs blood every 2 seconds in India. Our nation requires about 5 crore units of blood annually of which we are only able to meet half the demand. Most importantly, blood can not be manufactured but only provided by generous donors. We, at Khoon, have taken a pledge to do everything in our power to conquer every possible obstacle and save as many lives as we can. Now you, dear reader, are at the crossroads. Will you carry the baton or will you yet again choose to stay hidden in the crowd? Aashima Garg Editor
ABOUT KHOON Khoon is a Bangalore-based organization that is creating a database of voluntary blood donors who can help patients in the time of need. Here’s more. Three million units – that is the reality of blood shortage in our country according to a 2012 World Health Organization (WHO) report. With a population of 1.2 billion, it is a shame that we are falling short of the required 12 million blood units annually. Lack of awareness and incorrect information or myths around blood donation in India are cited as the main reasons behind this shortfall. It is this gap that a Bangalore-based organization called Khoon is trying to bridge.From a population of around 4050 crore young people, if only 1-2 % start donating regularly, this shortage can be eradicated. Be that unique percentage of youth, save lives and be a superhero. People who are willing to become voluntary blood donors register with “Khoon” and they are contacted whenever there is a request for a particular blood group. If available, they donate!
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You don’t need to be God to save lives…With over 3 million units of blood shortage in India every year, people are either dying for the want of blood or are paying exorbitant prices for a single unit. This can range from Rs. 5000- 25000, depending upon the availability or the blood type Chethan M. Gowda, Founder
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THE NEED OF EVERY TWO SECONDS
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There once lived a kid In a village, not so far Kept hopping around all the time Along with his li’l candy bar Cute little kid was he Didn’t have much sense of right or wrong Lately he was nowhere to be seen Turned out, he was long gone This isn’t a happy story But one that hits you hard Details are not gory But it will leave you with a scar One day like all others He was playing with his buddies Swaying in the wind of innocence Very jolly and completely muddy There came a bike out of nowhere Rushing through maniacally And hit that little child so hard Thrown away on the street, he bled profusely The child who aspired to become a doctor Got his first ambulance ride His father kept a strong face While his mother cried and cried Why wouldn’t she Her blood laid in blood Writhing, drowning in pain Like a broken boat in a flood In the hospital, he was rushed inside He did reach on time Yet the doctor said, “sorry, We have no extra blood aside” It wasn’t that he was a rare group There were just no units left The mother lost her sweetheart Because the world couldn’t help Yet another soul was lost And the heart of the family too For the lack of elixir of life 5
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very other day we come across a story of a person in a hospital in dire need of blood units to save their life. With the outburst of advanced communication technologies lately, there have been better ways to reach people in times of need. But their effectiveness is questionable. It was not long ago when I received a WhatsApp forward from a classmate asking for blood donation for his father who had been in a tragic road accident. According to a survey conducted by NDTV in 2013, there’s one death every four minutes due to road accidents in India. IndIndia ia. 1214 road crashes occur every day, and the number has only escalated since. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. My friend circulated that message of plea among groups reaching hundreds of people. He desperately made calls to everyone he knew with t h e h o p e that someone would help his father. Now, you would think that someone must have answered the call and taken a noble step forward to help this person 6 in need.
I didn’t match the required blood group so I couldn’t help. I forwarded his message like a good citizen and didn’t bother about it again. Few days later I met my friend in college and asked him how was his father doing now, he said that he was just saved. Despite trying to reach many, many people for help, only two showed up. TWO out of hundreds. Now, why did he need blood donation? Because the man had been in an accident. Why didn’t the hospital supply it? Because it didn’t have any unit left. India is the second most populated country of the world with 1.34 billion souls residing in it. Despite this immense crowd, we face a shortage of blood units. India was short of 1.1 million blood units, as recorded in July 2016. India has 2,708 blood banks, but 81 districts still lack one, according to government data. According to a 2012 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, only nine million units are collected annually, while the need is for 12 million units.Moreover, the shelf-life of donated blood is 35 to 42 days. So, there is a constant need to replenish stocks in the blood banks. Here is one thing that needs to be stressed as much as possible- there is no replacement for blood. .
Here is how the thought process goes for most of us when we see that someone needs a blood donation“I don’t know this guy” “Going over to the hospital will be such an inconvenience.” “Am I being a bad person by not answering to this call -of help?” “it is a country of 1.3bn, someone will come to help. Doesn’t have to be me.” “I am not a bad person, I am just not a donor. But someone else is and god bless his/her soul.” And then that’s that. I have news for all those who conviniently convince themselves not to donate and not to feel bad about it. That one person who is fighting for life due to lack of blood could be you. And that one good person who saves a life and help a family in need could also be you. Every two seconds someone needs blood. 1 single pint of blood can save up to 3 lives in India. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Some require blood transfusion because of severe injuries due accidents or natural calamities. Some require it due to their medical conditions. The gift of blood is, in fact, the gift of life. And it is not even a sacrifice to donate units of blood.
Your body will always manufacture more as per its needs. When you donate blood, you don’t save just the person, you save his family and the happiness of many attached to him. Think about the lives you saved because you cared enough to take a couple hours off your schedule to donate blood.
About the author
Anubha Mishra An expressive observer. A free-spirited young woman, paving her own way through the chaos we call life.
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THE MESSIAH DEBABRATA GHOSH
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ebabrata Ghosh, once a school teacher, has reformed the lives of thousands. His passion and empathy for the ones in need has evolved into a magical revolution which saves many lives with what appears to be a blessed miracle to the Santhal tribe. The Santhal tribe being one of the largest tribe in West Bengal, has popped up several times in the Indian history. Beginning from the “Santhal uprising� of 1855 to their unique agricultural style during the pre independence era, they have significantly made their mark However, with increasing influence of the western world, the tribe has found the shadows and evils of modernization and globalization creep up on them. Debabrata Ghosh worked on improving the
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lifestyle of a chunk of villages (Dihika Block) and significantly succeeded in bridging the gap between the modern world and the natives. He looked into embellishing the art forms, the culture, the health and living circumstances of these people, thus aiming to provide each individual a wholesome environment to thrive and develop in. He took intense measures to educate the youth of these tribes and tried to revive the Santhali literature with persistent efforts.. Our hero worked with the tribe for over twenty-five years and overcame huge obstacles. One such obstacle was that the Santhal people were against blood donation due to their superstitious beliefs and upbringing. Being an outsider, Debabrata Ghosh was aware that mere counselling will not have any influence over the lifelong beliefs of the na
stones in the heart and lives of his people. The major ones being his work regarding education of women before marriage, rehabilitation of alcoholics, cultivating cultural inclination and primarily the Damodar Adibasi Development Society project. .The man with several facets, few being those of a journalist, a sportsman and an artist, gave several dimensions to this bunch of people he calls his own. He shouldered the responsibilities of bringing all the positive aspects of the developed world to the ones who were falling behind, even when he did not have to. He was a messiah who addressed a society which is seldom overlooked and imparted the lesson In the hour of need, the villagers realized that of justice and empathy to all who had the forthere was not enough supply of blood in the tune of hearing his story. He hospital to meet the stands by his actions which demands of the required blood types. The villagers’ awareness of silently scream that all humans are alike at the core Their awareness of the the blood shortage situation made and discrimination and igsituation made them see them see through the fog of their norance is utterly vile and through the fog of their prejudices, and when prejudices, and when time came, uncalled for. time came, the solu- the solutions came flooding too. tions came flooding too. One among the Santals boldAbout the author ly stepped forward to donate blood. Debabrata Ghosh smiled from a distance, knowing how empathy, the urge to survive and the need to save one’s own kind, could break the shackles of superstition over time. That particular moment was a milestone for the tribe as well as Debabrata Ghosh. It was a defining moment which only led uphill to progressive health conditions. The purpose was served. The tribe broke free. Following that, several blood donation camps and awareness programs were orgaSamardita Ghosh nized. Several tribal people, irrespective of gender and age (excluding individuals unAn introverted insomniac. der eighteen), thereafter followed the footI literally drink energy from steps of the first one who broke the chains romcoms and owe my to step into a better and progressive world. tives. He instead did what was within his reach. His research led him to the fact that the region suffered from high infant mortality primarily due to shortage of blood. He suggested grouping of blood to be carried out in the villages so that when in need, the specific blood types could be requested at once from the district hospital. Once the grouping of blood was over with, he rested his hold on the system and restricted further instructions, allowing them to continue as usual. His main objective was perhaps to bring forth mass awareness of the idea of blood donation.
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Debabrata Ghosh built several other mile
daydreaming to the sci-fi genre. Also, Writing is my soulmate!
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oes the thought of donating blood petrify you? Are you one of those people who wish to donate blood but cannot because of their fear of syringes? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then fear not. We are here to rescue you. A quick reading of the below mentioned facts will not only provide you with indispensable information about the precautions to be taken before and after blood donation, but will also bust some common myths that surround this selfless and noble act.
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE YOU DONATE
Get a good night’s sleep:
Donating blood when your body is not fully rested is not such a good idea. So make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before the donation.
Drink extra water: Dehydrated donors take three times as long to finish the blood donating process, which means you might just have to sit down and wait with the needle sticking around. On the contrary, greater amounts of water would make it easier to locate the veins and obtain blood. So make sure you hydrate properly and drink around 16 oz. of water or non alcoholic fluids before donation. 10
Don’t skip breakfast: Indulge in a hearty and healthy breakfast before you donate blood; something like eggs or wholewheat bread is perfect. Avoid fried foods like burgers and colas, as these can interfere with the pre-requisite blood tests that take place prior to blood donation.
Eat iron rich food: It is crucial to maintain an iron rich diet by consuming foods such as beans, spinach, fruits, etc. Iron deficiency leads to low haemoglobin level in the body making an individual unfit for donation. For safe donation, haemoglobin of an individual must be above the minimum value i.e. 12.5 g/dL.
PRECAUTIONS AFTER YOU DONATE
Eat well and increase your liquid intake: It is advisable to drink an extra 4 glasses of water over the next 24 hours. Alcohol should be avoided for at least a day.
Avoid heavy work and exercise: Do not lift heavy objects and avoid physical activity. If you start to feel drowsy or nauseous, lie down and take cool liquids. Your blood is a gift whose value you have not yet realized. It can save numerous lives. In fact, if you start donating at the age of 18, and do it every 90 days till you are 60, you could potentially save more than 500 lives!
In case the needle site starts to bleed,: Apply pressure to it and raise your arm straight up for about 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops. About the author
Amit, a patient of the Beta Thalassaemia Major disorder, needs blood transfusions every three weeks. “Without blood transfusions, it would be game over for me,� said Amit when asked to comment on how blood donation saved his life. Just take a moment to sit back and think about how many lives your blood can save, and the smiles it can bring on the faces of those related to the diseased. Truly marvellous, is not it? So what is holding you back? Go ahead and visit your nearest hospital. It will cost you nothing but will save a life!
Muskan Ahuja A 19 year old student of English literature, I am a proud owner of my home bakery Risata. You can find me reading books, watching TV or listening to songs when I am not baking.
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Vanshika Agarwal is a painter
and creates magic through her work. There is a painting which shows a mother’s womb. Vanshika describes the concept of the painting as “save life donate blood”. She goes on to explain, “The baby in the womb is a symbol of new life so it shows that your blood can give someone a new life. The red hand is donating blood to the brown hands which are the needy ones. As blood touched their body, they become alive.” 12
Read her interview on page 25!
FUN AND GAMES
Across: 1. I occur when there is excess glucose in your blood and get caught when high blood sugar levels are found in your body 4. I am present in the red blood cells and transport oxygen 5. I am sugar to your blood 9. I am cancer of your blood and bone marrow Down: 2. I am a rare type of Anemia in which your bone marrow does not make enough blood. 3. I make sure you don’t bleed too much after getting cut 4. I impair the ability to make blood clots and I am likely an inherited disease 6. I protect against infectious diseases and foriegn invaders, I am a blood cell, my colour is __________ 8. I develop when you lack the required healthy Red Blood Cells or haemoglobin
LEAD THE DONOR TO THE HOSPITAL
Check solutions in our next edition! 13
WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD? Blood is precious. It is scarce and cannot be synthesised. Any person who has experienced blood loss due to a major accident, chemotherapy, etc., may be in urgent need of blood. It is also needed for regular transfusions for people with conditions such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. It is also used to make products such as clotting factor for haemophilia. In spite of a huge population, our country experiences shortage of blood supply mainly because everyone does not donate it and not everyone can. The most frequent questions asked by any new donor are as follows: “Who can donate blood?” “What is the eligibility criteria which is followed while determining if an individual is fit to donate?” “Why one needs to fulfil the eligibility criteria?” “What rules out such a large proportion of people as potential donors?” A person with proper physical and mental health can donate blood. Blood from an unhealthy and/or infected person can result in unwanted infections and medical complications.”
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Therefore, safe transfusion of blood is important for the well-being of a person. To ensure the donation of only healthy blood, a person is supposed to get a physical exam followed by the filling of a questionnaire about his/her medical history prior to donation. Once collected, the blood is then carefully checked for diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS before preservation for blood transfusions. Blood donation does not have any serious impact on one’s health as the blood is regenerated quite fast. But donating blood too frequently can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. It is essentially because of the iron containing haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body. Iron is lost during donation which is compensated by mobilization of iron from body’s iron stores and absorption of more iron from food. Any major iron deficiency can result in iron deficiency anaemia which is why a person must wait for at least 3 months before next donation and blood haemoglobin levels are checked prior to every donation.
But blood samples cannot be tested for every disease suffered by donor and many of them may have serious effect on the recipient’s health, sometimes these even prove to be fatal. It may also lead to serious impacts on the donor’s life as an infected individual may experience excess blood loss to fight the infection. Therefore, it is necessary for the person to be truthful about his/her health before blood donation to ensure that the recipient does not receive infected or unfit blood. Healthy blood may help thousands of lives to be saved. Donate Wisely, Make an informed choice!
The donor must fulfill the following norms: 1. Age between 18-60 years 2. Haemoglobin at least 12.5 g/dL 3. Normal pulse rate between 50-100 mm with no irregularities 4. Normal blood pressure (between 120/80 140/90) 5. Body weight more than 46 Kgs
The following medical conditions make a candidate unfit for donation: 1. Is treated for rabies or had jaundice in past one year. 2. Had a tattoo or piercing, received blood, had a major surgery or illness, or contacted a person with jaundice or hepatitis in past 6 months 3. Had donated blood or blood products or treated for malaria in past 3 months 4. Had any immunizations in past month 5. Had dental work or taken aspirin in past 72 hours 6. Is suffering from cold, flu, pregnancy or is breast feeding 7. Have diabetes, heart illness, liver, kidney or lung infection, blood disease, etc. 8. Is on steroids or on hormonal supplements 9. Is addicted to drugs or have multiple sexual partners 10. Have taken alcohol in past 12 hours
About the author: Akanksha Jain. 20. A quirky introvert. 15
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Organ preservation has seen introduction of multiple solutions for the purpose, one of the most recent being celsior solution. Originally meant for the heart, it is also used for lung, kidney and liver transplantation. Blood donation has come a long way from direct to indirect transfusion. As effective ways have been introduced for the former, it must not be mistaken to be an impossible task. However, with indirect transfusion available, clotting gets delayed or prevented with the vessel acting as an intermediary. Anticoagulants used in medical equipment not only assist in thinning the blood to prevent coagulation; they also help in the prevention and/or progression of diseases. Your blood does not harm the receiver; it’s a win-win for both parties. Leukodepletion is coined from two different terms: “leukocytes” and “depletion”. What leukocytes do is that they distinguish between the self and the foreign cells in the body through human leukocyte agents which are unique just like your fingerprints. You can imagine what happens when foreign agents are identified by the immune systems. Adverse reactions take place which are avoided by this method. Moreover, 1. It decreases risk of transfusion related lung injury (TRALI) 2. Reduces non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (occur within 24 hours of transfusion which include an unexpected temperature rise, occasionally accompanied by chills) 3. Reduces CMV transmission (shedding of virus in body fluids such as urine, saliva etc) and 4. Improved chances of finding an organ transplant match if required. Since other means for this are time consuming and expensive, filtration bags (interal
Since other means for this are time consuming and expensive, filtration (integral filter bags or double filter bags) serves more than 90% of leukodepletion’s purpose and to add to that, the cell loss is minimal.
Did you know? Patients needing an organ transplant were facing an issue larger than the unavailability of organs; their bodies simply refused donors from unrelated people. The first successful transplant came about by avoiding an immune response, which Joseph Murray’s team achieved by performing a kidney transplant between identical twins in 1954. This led to similar cases around the world. 17
bags or double filter bags) serves more than 90% of leukodepletion’s purpose and to add to that, the cell loss is minimal. This method works well with blood components more than it does with whole blood. This brings us to another advantage of the current day. Many components can be obtained from one unit – platelets, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells etc. Whole blood is seldom required by a person, it is best to transfuse the components a person needs based on the disease s/he has. Think of the benefits you can bestow on someone from just a single unit of blood! Further, the safety is maintained by testing donated blood for ID markers. Minimal expectations worldwide are that blood is tested for HIV, HCV, HBV (tested through NAT) and syphilis. Serology (associated with reactions and properties) and NAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) are two common molecular tests in use now-a-days. 18
Microarray testing is another popular form. These have replaced earlier techniques such as serum tests. While the possibility is present that these may be overtaken by approaching advancements in the field, it is also true that blood transfusion has never been as harmless as it is in the contemporary day. The same goes for organ transplantation. It was only in the latter half of the 20th century that anti-rejection medicines/immunosuppressive medications (ciclosporin etc) made it possible for bodies to accept organs despite coming from an unrelated person. The need for immunosuppressive medicines is higher in the initial stages of transplantation. This is enhanced by a biological agent such as Basiliximab which has proved to be effective on only those cells which are involved in allorecognition and the initiation of immune response, hence, focusing more on the problem that needs to be fixed.
Continuous research and innovation has opened new frontiers and doors when it comes to organ donation. Transplantation of various internal organs like heart, kidney, lung, liver etc has been around for a while but new advancements have paved the way for face transplants. Considered a medical miracle, face transplant can help a person recover from face disfigurement. It is not just about the revival of a look but of certain functions which are performed by the nose, jaw, ears etc. Apart from these, DNA based tests are increasingly being used to predict blood group phenotype so that medicine can be improved. There have also been some innovative advances that can isolate specialized cell populations from blood, specially the hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) that are used for stem cell transplantation. They can be further used to replace bone marrow transplantations for many types of cancer and other diseases. The lessons from the past are increasingly employed in creating benefits for the present as well as the future. While scientists are working and contributing their share to changing the face of medicine, let us also play our role and donate our blood/organ to give someone a new life.
About the author
Anureet Kaur Someone for whom silence is freedom and writing is a neat spillage. Somewhere in between these both, I make sense.
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Many components can be obtained from one unit – platelets, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells etc. Whole blood is seldom required by a person, it is best to transfuse the components a person needs based on the disease s/he has. Think of the benefits you can bestow on someone from just a single unit of blood! 19
THE ELIXIR OF LIFE Abhilasha Chhikara 19. A psychology undergrad and a bibliophile. I am a dreamer and a die hard lover of sitcoms. Coffee and pop music is my kind of high. Monotony and short talks are my poison.
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itting outside the hospital room, with her hands folded and her mouth chanting prayers, Shakuntala Devi could not thank the lord enough nor could she formulate words to express the gratitude she felt towards the stranger who had given a new life to her son. After her husband’s demise, she overcame her grief and raised her son, who became the center of her universe, to have a balanced and harmonious life. Her son, Vivek, was a software engineer and her sole purpose to life. However, her life took a tragic turn two months ago when she received a phone call one evening. She never had imagined how a phone call could change her life Completely and throw it into a spiral of choas and confusion. Her beloved Vivek had been in an accident. She could wait no more. She rushed to the hospital to see her son and was shocked to her core by the sight of her injured, blood stained son. Her mind played tricks bringing back the sour memories and flashbacks of her husband’s death leaving her teary-eyed. She couldn’t afford to lose her loved one once again. The doctors learned about the incident through some eye witnessesThey were told that the bike had flipped over as he had applied the break suddenly thus hitting his head on the guardrail nearby. 20 .
The impact of the collision severed the major vessels carrying blood to and fro from his heart. To survive, he required hundreds of units of blood to be transfused immediately. What was unfortunate was that Vivek’s blood group was AB negative, one among the rare blood groups. Between hundreds of phone calls, tears and alot of stress, Vivek had to be put on life support. The days of sleepless nights spent sitting beside her son who was hooked to machines were the gloomiest days of Shakuntala Devi’s life. Even after searching and contacting almost every blood bank, a donor with AB negative blood group could not be arranged. But Shakuntala Devi never gave up on and continued to search. Everyday with strong hopes and an optimistic feeling she contacted every riend and foe, reached out distant relatives and did all she could do but in vain. She left no stone unturned in her attempt to save the life of her only son but all she got from everywhere was a negative response. fAB negative was the rarest of rare blood groups, present in only 0.6% of the population, making it more difficult to arrange. However, a few days laters she came to know about a Youth-run Non-Profit Organisation
working for the cause of connecting voluntary blood donors with those who need blood across cities. She contacted the organisation which assured her of getting help as soon as possible. It was only in seven hours that the organisation succeeded in finding a donor with AB negative blood. The doctors soon started the transfusion. Seeing the complication of the case it took the doctors four hours to make his condition stable. After those long and dreadful four hours, Shakuntala Devi could finally see her son coming out of the operation theatre with assurance laced in the doctor’s voice. “He’s going to be fine”: said the doctor. Those words worked as an elixir for Shakuntala Devi who sighed a breath of relief. Sitting in the hospital room beside a sound asleep Vivek, she prays, “Thank you, God. You heard my prayers.” with a trembling voice and ‘tears of joy’ well up in her eyes. On her request, the NGO agreed to share the details of the donor which are otherwise kept confidential. She is waiting to meet the good Samaritan who gave a new life to her son. She personally wanted to express her gratitude to the noble soul for his selfless act of donating blood. Only after going through the trauma of facing blood shortage for her loved one, Shakuntala Devi realised how truly important it is to donate blood. Thinking of every 1 out of 3 people requiring a blood transfusion in their lifetime, it is difficult to comprehend what their families go through in a country which faces a shortage of 3 million blood units. .It had happened with her and so she knew it could happen with anyone. As her contribution for this cause, Shakuntala Devi made a promise to be a consistent blood donor and spread awareness through campaigns to ensure that nobody EVER has to go through what she did!
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IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr. KARAMJIT SINGH GILL (Interviewed by Anureet Kaur)
Dr. Karamjit Singh Gill, M.D. (Path.), JIPMER, Gold Medalist (Pondicherry University). He is a Professor at Pathology SGRDIMSR, Amritsar and has an experience of more than 24 years under his belt. With over 80% of his patients being diagnosed with a deficiency of Vitamin D in their blood, Dr. Gill insists on getting across information so that attention is paid to the growing need of the Sunshine vitamin in our blood.
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Why do we need Vitamin D?
From pregnancy to the infancy, from childhood to old age, every age has its own requirements for Vitamin D. In pregnant women, it results in uncomplicated pregnancy and developed immune systems while it helps infants acquire strong and healthy bones. Children are helped in growth and development such as building strong teeth and immune systems. It aids adults in protecting themselves against cancer and also in regulating blood pressure. Elderly people may have a stronger balance and reduced risks of falling. It also helps them in digestion.
Since the natural source of Vitamin D (Sunlight) is present in abundance, why are people increasingly falling a victim to it’s deficiency?
We get 97% of Vitamin D from the sun; our bodies make it when it’s exposed to the UV rays. However, people do not spend alot of time under sunlight. Ideally, 10-15 minutes of UVB per day with 40% of our skin exposed is necessary. It is best if exposed during the early hours of the day.
How can a person know that s/he is facing this deficiency?
Common symptoms include weakness in the body; a person generally feels down due to lack of Vitamin D. Obesity, bone pain, face sweat, dry and flaky skin, and an upset digestive system are some indicators of this problem.
What are the risks associated with the lack of it in our bodies?
Brittle bones, muscle weakness and pain, poor cardiovascular health, depression, and inflammation are some of the risks of not getting enough Vitamin D.
It may also lead to cancer and diabetes in some cases. Ageing people usually face more complications than the rest.
Who is in danger of suffering from deficiency of Vitamin D? How is age a factor?
Age has a role to play, the elderly and infants are more prone to this deficiency. As a person enters old age, the body loses the ability to generate the vitamin. As for infants, human breast milk contains low levels of vitamin D. Overweight people are also at risk because it is oil soluble and hides in fat. Pregnant women may also face it more than others because of high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Other than these, darkskinned people have a disadvantage too because their pigmentation blocks UVB radiation.
What are the tests a person can get checked for?
A person can go for blood tests such as Total Vitamin D or Vitamin D3.
What are some medicines that help in its treatment?
Medicines come in three forms: powdered, tablets and injectable. The purpose is to increase the dosage of the vitamin in your body. The treatment depends on the severity of it and it is best to consult a doctor for the specific treatment you need.
What are some sources that can be included in our diet? Food sources include cheese, margarine, butter, fortified milk, healthy cereals, and fatty fish.
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IN CONVERSATION WITH Vedanidhi, 18 and a first time donor, shares his experience with Khoon Organisation Interviewed by: Anureet Kaur
When did you donate blood? I donated around two weeks ago (first week of June). How will you describe your experience? It was good. I was unfamiliar with the whole process; working with them was very nice. How was Khoon’s reach and support? It was very well. They provided with refreshments and proved to be comfortable and hospitable throughout the process. I faced no problem. Do you consider Khoon to be well enough to choose it for yourself and your family/friends? I will definitely look forward to working with the organization and would recommend it to others too. Did you feel we fall short in any capacity? Is there any suggestion that you would like to give? No, you’re doing very good.
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INTERNS AT KHOON
Interviewed by Isha Mehrotra
1.How long have you been an intern at Khoon? And how did you come across this organisation? Muskan: I have been an intern in this organisation for only a few weeks. I came across it through Internshala. Vanshika: I am working with Khoon as an intern since 14 june. I came across this organization through Internshala. 2. When was the first time you donated blood? What inspired you to do it? M: I have never donated blood so far, but after reading so much about it and clearing all my doubts, I plan to do so at the earliest possible opportunity. V: I have not donated blood yet as I just turn 18 this year. I want to donate blood as soon as I get the opportunity. 3.How was Khoon’s reach and support? M: The people at Khoon have been tremendously supportive. They understand your problems,and really help you out. Plus, they are all easily accessible. V: It was amazing to reach your organizaton at such a high level.
Vanshika Agarwal is a painter and creates magic through her work. Her painting is included in this edition. (Page 12)
4. How has your experience been with Khoon? And what is your work as an intern? M: My experience with Khoon has been very enjoyable and had helped me grow as an individual. It has not only brushed up my writing skills as an intern, but has made me aware of social service and the need for it. V: It is such a nice experience and I am doing conceptual painting for the organization. 5. Will you recommend others to donate blood? M: I would definitely urge everyone to donate blood and actively take part in this noble deed. V: I would recommend people to donate blood because it doesn’t cause the donor any harm but is a savior for those in need. 6. Do you have any suggestions for our organisation, so that we can improve in future? M: Khoon is an ideal organisation, super organized and super efficient. Keep up the good work guys!
V: I think you should emphasize on spreading awareness among people that donating blood doesn’t cause any harm or it will not negatively affect your health.
Muskan Ahuja is a content writer at Khoon. Here is an insight, she shared with us about her work and the organization 25
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When a star dies, it’s light continues to shine across the universe for millenniums.
THE UNIDENTIFIED HERO OF WORLD WAR II 26
In 1904, an African-American middle class family in Washington, D.C. gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He was named Charles Richard Drew. Richard, his father, was a carpet layer and Nora Burrell, his mother, a teacher. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1922. He was good in athletics and thus won a scholarship in the same to Amherst College in Massachusetts. He graduated in 1926. Being an outstanding athlete as he was during his schooling years, Drew joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Later, he attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He received his MDCM (Medicinae Docterem et Chirurgiae Magistrum) in 1933 and ranked 2nd in his class of 127 students. A few years later, Drew did graduate work at Columbia University, where he earned his Doctor of Medical Science degree becoming the first African-American to do so. Drew researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to develop large-scale blood banks, early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of the Allied Forces. The research and development aspect of his blood storage work was disputed. Being the most prominent African-American in the following field, Drew protested against the practices of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation and resigned his position with the American Red Cross, which maintained the policy until 1950. In late 1940, before the U.S. entered World War II and just after earning his doctorate, Drew was recruited by John Scudder to help set up and administer an early prototype program for blood storage and preservation. He was to collect, test, and transport large quantities of blood plasma for distribution in the United Kingdom. Drew went to New York City as the medical director of the United States’ Blood for Britain project. Drew started
.what would later be known as Blood-mobiles, which were trucks containing refrigerators of stored blood that made transportation easier. This Blood for Britain project was to aid British Soldiers and Civilians by giving U.S. blood to the United Kingdom. A central location for blood collection process, where donors could go and give blood was later on created by Drew. He made sure all blood plasma was tested before it was shipped out. Drew ensured that only skilled personnel handled blood plasma to avoid the possibility of contamination. The Blood for Britain project operated successfully for five months with the total collections of almost 15,000 people donating blood, and with over 5,500 vials of blood plasmas. In 1941, Drew’s distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first African-American surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. Drew had a lengthy research, a teaching career and finally became a chief surgeon. As a result, the Blood Transfusion Betterment Association applauded Drew for his work. Out of his work, came into force the American Red Cross Blood Bank. However, the original founder of American Red Cross Blood Bank was Clara Barton. She founded the American chapter after learning of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. Red Cross has helped us in expanding our services into fields such as civil defense, CPR/AED training, HIV/AIDS education, and the provision of emotional care and support in the wake of disasters. Since 2006, Red Cross and FEMA have worked together helping government agencies and community organizations plan, coordinate and provide feeding, sheltering and family reunification services for people affected by disasters. 27
In 1869, she went to Europe and became involved in the work of the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War. She was determined to bring this organization to America but due to some controversies, Clara was forced to opt out in 1904. American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals and assists victims of international disasters and conflicts worldwide. The American Red Cross blood program started in 1940, under the leadership of Dr. Charles Drew. In 2006 the organization had over $6 billion in total revenues. Revenue from blood and blood products alone was over $2 billion. Truly, Red Cross not only teaches individuals the importance of selfless.service for the society but also instills humanitarian values in a person. Like it is said, “there is nothing stronger than the heart of a blood donor�.
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Vaibhavi Bafna
Punhelpful person at heart (all puns intended). A Psychology student believing in supernaturals
ON TRANSFUSION By Smriti Verma
It was the 9th of September: meaning, The very first session. The process would eat up the entire day. My heart, a flutter of birds. When I entered, the whiteness all around. It began, the red seeping in and out, four hours of stillness. If I’d know, I’d go and thank this savior, but I realized later, all of them were saviors, giving help in disguise. 29
BUILDING A NEW PLATFORM FOR YOUTH MOBILIZATION BLOOD DONATION AT ITS ROOTS Education, since it's very inception, has been a space for negotiation of social issues and assigning a role to the youth which goes beyond taking a charge. This can be held true for a variety of instances: whether it’s the Renaissance, or whether it’s the present time, colleges and schools often
function as peepholes for gaining an insight into issues within the society that must be fought, understood, and resolved. Given the lack of blood units in India necessary for donation, blood donation becomes one of these very central causes that students are often turned towards. Only about one percent of possible donors in India end up actually donating blood – and the most-used answer to why a particular person doesn’t donate blood is still “well, I simply didn’t think about it.”
India has faced and continues to face an acute shortage of safe, quality blood, not only due to the lack of blood donors, but also due to lack of awareness and blind ignorance. 30
Only one percent of eligible donors in India actually go ahead and donate blood, an amount which is shockingly small and surprising, given the fact that blood donation does not charge the donor with any damages or ailments. It’s a noble cause and leads to the saving of lives, and one that doesn’t require a lot of work from the donor. This is where the role of educational institutions comes in, where the operation of Interact Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, Social Service wings and non-governmental organizations proves to be instrumental in creating a platform for students to come forward and do their bit. This role can take various forms – whether its volunteering, donating blood, educating adults on blood donation or motivating one’s friends and family to go ahead and donate. The youth plays all kinds of roles in ensuring that the need for blood is fulfilled as the years go by
in India, and the shortage of three million units that we’re facing at the moment decreases. This is where the significance of blood camps comes in and the space they command in fulfilling the need of blood in our country. An example in point is the Rotary Blood Bank in New Delhi, connected to blood camps that take place in Rotaract Clubs and Interact Clubs, from private schools to government universities. Linked to Rotary International, these clubs are well-known to draw in young minds and help them in gaining leadership skills when it comes to social causes. Blood camps conducted by these clubs often help in fulfilling the goal with which Rotary Blood Bank was found about fifteen years ago: No one shall in Delhi for want of blood. The Rotary Blood Bank has come to be India’s most modern as well as the largest blood bank, after years and years of collecting blood from organized groups in colleges and supplying them to the needy. Yet, these are only a fraction, since National Service Scheme of colleges all over India and Delhi play a huge role in rallying student volunteers towards the cause of community service, as well as what is known among blood donation camps as “the Joy of Giving.” One of the objectives of NSS public service all over India is towards mobilizing community participation and inculcating the sense of civic responsibility among people. By making a team of student volunteers and even motivating people as young as eighteen to go ahead and donate, these college societies play a role that is far wider than any organizations because of their wide outreach. Each of these blood camps can collect upto 200 units of blood, and require prudent health checkups and the necessary equipment. With a person needing blood every two seconds in India, organizations that operate at the root level such as Blood Connect, Sankalp India Foundation, Friends2support, Indian Red Cross Society, and Save Life India play a vital role right now more than ever.
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With young leaders at the front of the cause, the situation of blood donation in India can be changed and changed quickly.
Smriti Verma I’m Smriti, from Delhi. A writer since five years, I enjoy reading fantasy and watching gameplays. Other interests include Austen, period dramas, and anything related to Sylvia Plath.
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FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD
It’s time to unravel the truth
Subscribe today to the world’s first completely blood related magazine 32
For more information, visit: www.fb.com/khoonkhas
Cupcakes baked by Muskan Ahuja,
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Dear Khoon Family, All of us, on our journeys through life, have the desire to matter; to make a difference; to make the world a happier and better place; to make our life count. At time when we cross major milestones in our lives that we stop to look back over the years and ask questions like “Have we made a difference?” and “Has it all been worthwhile?” Khoon Organization is celebrating it’s 1st Anniversary this September. You have been part of something that, in spite of it’s humble beginnings, has become a source of hope and faith for thousands of people. The best way we can thank you, our generous donors and volunteers, is to show you the photos and stories of love and life shared through Khoon over the past year. Countless lives have been saved, and circumstances of desperation and hopelessness have been transformed to futures enlivened by the opportunity for success and independence. Gifting a new life to live it all again. You have served your brothers and sisters faithfully and we have been honored to be on this incredible journey with you. We hope you find joy in the knowledge that through your sacrifice and prayers, you have played a vital role in all that has been made possible through Khoon.
Warm Regards, Chethan.M Khoon Organization
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