Types of Blood Donations

An alumna of Macomb Community College where she studied general business courses, Lorri Baprawski served as an auditor cum customer service representative at the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. As a resident of Lakeland, Lorri Baprawski occasionally volunteers for Blue Cross Blue Shield blood drives.

Blood drives are organized to help medical care centers and hospitals meet their need for blood supply. An adequate amount of blood is usually required to meet the urgent need for patients facing trauma and other lifesaving procedures such as blood transfusions. There are various types of blood donations.

Whole blood donation. This is the most agile type of donation as it can be transfused in its original form. Also, when the blood is separated into specific components such as plasma, red cells, and platelets, it can be used to help multiple people.

Power red donation. This type of donation uses an automated process to separate the red blood cells from other components. A donor donates a concentrated dose of red cells used to care for those needing blood transfusions.

Platelet donation. During this donation, an apheresis machine is used to collect platelets together with some plasma. Platelets are minute cells found in the blood that aid in clot formation to stop bleeding. Most often, platelets are used by patients facing life-threatening injuries and illnesses, and cancer patients.

Home Cooking and Mindfulness

Lorri Baprawski worked for 15 years as a customer service representative and internal auditor at Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Her work entailed applying skills in accounting, computer software, and data analysis. Outside of work, Lorri Baprawski enjoys biking, hiking, and cooking at home for her family and friends. She is also a trusted resource among friends in the area of cooking.

Cooking at home has numerous benefits. Among them is eating more mindfully. In an article published by Aetna, Wellness Project NYC cofounder Rachel Brown explains that since you are involved from purchasing the groceries to cooking the meal, you tend to notice more of the flavor of each ingredient in the dish. You are also naturally more aware of what you are putting into your body, and not rushing or multitasking during the meal, as often happens when eating out.

Aetna’s chief mindfulness officer Andy Lee also states that appreciating what you eat makes you feel centered. Just a single mindful bite helps a person return to the present moment, departing from the dissonant thoughts the often engulf us. It reminds us that we can connect to our simple and clear being with only one bite or one breath.