Giving Blood is Beneficial to your Health

 

Not only can blood donation save the lives of those in need of medical attention, but it also has advantages for the donor.

At my high school, there was a blood drive, and I was thrilled to be able to help someone who might have saved their life—not to mention that I only had to donate a small amount of time. I am a universal donor because I am O negative. Since I'm fortunate enough to have something that is sorely needed and useful for so many people, I feel compelled to share it.

The American Red Cross states that giving blood not only saves hundreds of lives annually but also enables numerous medical treatments and procedures. Giving blood can benefit individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such sickle cell disease, cancer patients, accident victims, new moms who bleed during childbirth, cancer patients, people in need of operations and transplants, and those receiving treatment.

 

Someone requires blood every two seconds in the United States. The fact that the United States is currently experiencing a blood shortage emergency—the lowest number of blood donors in the last 20 years—adds even more urgency.

"Almost everyone is affected by the need for blood, whether they realize it or not, as the majority of us know someone who has had a transfusion," a Red Cross representative states. "It is impossible to produce blood; the only source is donors who are prepared to donate an hour or so of their time."

It may surprise some people to learn that blood donations benefit more than simply the beneficiaries. According to the Red Cross staff, "donating blood not only benefits in need of medical attention patients, but it also helps save lives." There are a few unexpected health benefits of blood donation.

 

Your Vital Signs to be checked by Giving Blood

According to experts, the first thing staff members do when you check into a blood donation center is assess your vital signs, blood pressure, and heart rate to determine whether you are eligible to donate. They also test your blood to check for iron deficiency, anemia, and infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

A medical problem like high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or anemia may be revealed by these screening tests, according to an expert. "This is an important evaluation, but it doesn't replace a trip to the doctor."

Vital signs from every donation are documented in each donor's safe online account, making it simple for them to monitor their health statistics, according to the Red Cross. A representative for the Red Cross adds, "You can view your vital statistical trends over time and share this information with your health care provider. It can help you monitor for health conditions like high blood pressure."

It can Improve Heart attack risk and reduce Blood Pressure

 
Bone marrow makes the protein known as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is stored in red blood cells, helps these cells to carry oxygen from your lungs into your body through your arteries. Either low or high hemoglobin levels can cause fatigue, lightheadedness, or dyspnea.

 
Donating blood lowers the blood's viscosity, which is a measurement of the blood's thickness and stickiness, for those with high hemoglobin levels. The blood's viscosity has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

High hemoglobin individuals can gain from giving blood. Lower hemoglobin levels can lower your chance of having a heart attack and stroke. Moreover, it can lower blood pressure, according to an expert.

 

Blood Donation can benefit in certain Genetic Diseases

 
The condition known as hereditary hemochromatosis results in an accumulation of extra iron in the blood. It is advantageous to donate blood for this ailment. "Regular blood donation can remove these irons, which can improve someone's health." an expert state

 

It Improves Mental Health

 
Studies reveal that other acts of kindness and giving blood can have a significant effect on wellbeing and mental health, lowering stress and elevating mood and self-esteem, among other benefits.

The donor biggest benefit is the good feeling of helping someone to save the life of in need, which no doubt touches countless other lives as well according to a Red Cross representative.

According to an expert, giving back to your community often makes you feel better. "Donating of blood can save up to three lives, which is a significant act of generosity. Your mental health will greatly benefit from knowing that you are engaged in something meaningful, an expert claims.

 

Advice to Think about Before to giving Blood

If you donate blood, which is approximately one pint, you can do so every eight weeks; if you donate Power Red, which is approximately two pints, you can do it every sixteen weeks. The actual blood donates takes eight to ten minutes on average, while the total donation process takes around an hour.

Use these pointers before to donating blood to help make sure everything goes smoothly:

 

·  To obtain an extra iron boost in the weeks before your donation, eat foods high in iron and stay away from caffeine if you often have low iron levels.

·  Get a good night's sleep the night before.

·  Eat a meal before you go to the blood donation.

·  Start drinking a lot of water the day before.

·  Refrain from drinking and using caffeine before and after giving blood.

·  If you intend to work out, do it prior to the appointment rather than after, as it's typical to feel    weak and lightheaded after giving blood.

· Bring a friend to your appointment, and while you support each other, urge them to contribute as well.

Donating blood but unsure about where to go? To locate a Red Cross location and make an appointment nearby, go to their website.

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