There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it!
According to the Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives and help someone in the need of blood every two seconds.
It turns out that donating blood doesn’t just benefit recipients. There are health benefits for donors, too, on top of the benefits that come from helping others. Donating blood has benefits for your emotional and physical health. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can reduce stress, improve your emotional well-being, benefit your physical health, and help get rid of negative feelings, and provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.
Research has found further evidence of the health benefits that come specifically from donating blood. The research is mixed on whether blood donation lowers the risk of heart disease and heart attack. A 2017 study suggests that regular blood donations are associated with increased risk of heart disease, possibly due to unfavorable cholesterol levels. However, donating blood may lower iron stores, according to a 2013 study. It may reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Consider Watching this Video to know how to keep your blood healthy.
Regular blood donations were thought to lower blood pressure. However, a study suggests these observations are deceiving and are not a real physiological response. High iron levels can also contribute to the development and growth of tumors.
Consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risks for cancers, including liver, lung, colon, stomach, and throat cancers. Risk levels dropped in correlation with how often participants donated blood. As a rule, you can safely donate blood every 56 days. When you donate blood, your body replaces the blood volume within 48 hours of donation, and all of the red blood cells you lose during donation are completely returned within four to eight weeks. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently and productively.
Blood donation is safe for healthy adults. There’s no risk of contracting disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor. Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up, until you feel better.
Donating blood is a safe process, but there are some things you should know before you give. You may also experience some bleeding at the site of the needle. Applying pressure and raising your arm for a couple of minutes will usually stop this. You may develop a bruise at the site.
There’s no doubt that donating blood can do a lot of good: Donating just one pint of blood can save more than one person’s life, according to the research. But blood donation isn’t without its disadvantages. Each donor is given a mini-physical examination, but there are still some minor side effects that could occur. These include bruising, continued bleeding, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea, pain, and physical weakness.
If you’re a blood donor, you’re a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life. Go make a donation today!
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!