Have you tried donating your blood to those who are in need? How about donating it to a mass blood donation site? If you have, then thank you for saving live. People get into accidents and suffer tragedies every day, and a lot of these patients need blood assistance. There are also people who have blood conditions who need continuous blood transfusions, which is why donating blood is really important. However, did you know that they’re not the only ones who benefit from this activity? You can benefit from it, too! As a matter of fact, donating blood has countless perks which may surprise you. Keep reading to learn more!
Blood Donation…
Each and every day, blood transfusions save the lives of people all over the world. Donating blood is good not just for the ones who need it, but also for you who donated. Donations take place in professional settings or pop-up clinics at places such as a hospital, a clinic or a blood bank, and they are carried out by medical experts. Donors must ensure they are in good health in order to avoid giving any conditions to the recipient. Donating blood can help treat those who suffer from chronic anemia, bleeding conditions, cancer and many other blood-related conditions. It can also help you in the future if you store some blood for later use.
If you are looking to donate, you’ll undergo a small health examination, which includes a checklist to disclaim any blood pressure issues or infectious conditions. If you’ve had any vaccinations or have recently had surgery, or if you have the flu, a cold, diabetes or cancer, you need to speak to a doctor before donating blood. Pregnant women should also inquire first.
Health Benefits of Blood Donation
Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of blood donation:
- Helps stimulate blood cell production. After donating blood, your body will work to replenish the blood loss.
- Aids in weight loss. Regularly donating blood may help reduce overall weight of the donor. This is beneficial for those at risk of cardiovascular diseases and those who are obese. Still, you shouldn’t donate blood often, so don’t rely on this method.
- Helps maintain a healthy liver and heart. Blood donation is essential in reducing the risk of liver and heart conditions, and it helps maintain iron levels.
- Possesses anti-cancer properties. Donating blood lowers your risk of cancer by maintaining the iron stores in the body. This is one of the best health benefits of blood donation.
- Helps prevent hemochromatosis. If you donate your blood, you are reducing your risk of developing hemochromatosis, a condition which arises because of excess iron absorption. Regular blood donation may help reduce any iron overload in the body, but make sure that you meet the standard eligibility criteria of being a donor.
The Process of Blood Donation
It’s always a good thing to make a plan in advance for a blood donation. You need to consult your doctor before donating your blood, and if you have any health concerns or issues, your doctor must know about them before you can donate. You should also maintain a healthy diet, particularly in the few weeks before donating. On the day, make sure you are well hydrated and wearing comfortable clothes. If you are taking any medications or undergoing treatments, be sure to inform the blood bank.
How Often Can You Donate Blood?
A donor must wait about 8 weeks between each appointment and 16 weeks between power red donation. Avoid donating if you have any underlying conditions, and always consult with team members onsite before beginning.
