In terms of giving back to the community, one of the things that a person can do is to donate blood to hospitals and clinics. This helps patients needing blood transfusion, but is also used in medical research. Aside from this, regular blood donation benefits your body as well.

What is blood donation? Are there blood donation benefits?

Blood donation is a voluntary act wherein the person gives blood for other people to use. Blood is not only exclusive to the red cells but also other components such as plasma or platelets. These are used for people with severe blood loss, cancer patients, and mothers who experience complications during delivery.

Potential donors need to be at least 110.2 lbs in weight, with a pulse rate within 60 to 100 bpm, and with normal blood pressure. Some people are not allowed or temporarily deferred from donation. These include:

• HIV-positive individuals
• People with hepatitis
• Pregnant women
• Individuals tattooed or pierced within 6 months

People are encouraged to donate blood as the demand for blood is constant, especially for hospitals and clinics with high patient volume. Knowing the various blood donation benefits can also be something that donors can look forward to.

Blood donation benefits

Aside from contributing to the community, there are other blood donation benefits that donors experience through regular donation.

Diabetes is less common for blood donors

Studies show that donating blood regularly improves insulin production and glucose tolerance. Having less iron in the blood makes insulin more effective compared to the donor’s condition before donation. This enables regular donors to be less prone to diabetes.

Lower the risk of certain cancers

One of the possible blood donation benefits is having a smaller risk for certain cancers. Lowering the iron content of blood through blood donation may be lowering the risk of cancer and mortality. Some studies show that people who donate blood regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who are not blood donors. Although the relationship between blood donation and cancer development needs more study, blood donation may lessen the risk of having it.

Have a healthier heart by donating regularly

Among the blood donation benefits is having a healthier heart. By regularly donating blood, it is said that hypertensive donors have shown decreased blood pressure results. Donating also helps remove some of the iron concentration in the blood which can increase the formation of blood clots, causing heart attack and stroke. The excess iron can be used by other people and at the same time, give the donors more room for their blood to work more effectively.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

There are conditions that need to be followed to be able to donate blood. Knowing this may encourage people to be fit and healthy especially for those who regularly donate blood. Donors should refrain from drinking alcohol, be within a specific weight, and should not have heart, lung, or blood-related diseases. The health checkup before the blood donation also makes the person aware of the things that he or she needs to improve on.

Saves lives and improve mental state

Blood donation becomes a two-way street in terms of giving and receiving. Patients benefit from the donors by using the blood for their emergencies and transfusions. Donors get a sense of satisfaction that they are able to contribute to extending someone’s life. Blood is also used for life-changing medical research to cure diseases or make lives easier for people with rare or life-threatening problems.

Key Takeaway

Donating blood can be a fulfilling way to give back to others. It is not only the red blood cells that can be donated but also platelets and plasma. It only takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete. The exercise may give blood donation benefits to its donor. Blood donation can be a way to become healthier both physically and mentally. Lowering the body’s iron content, not only helps others but also lessens the risk of diseases associated with it.

Learn more about Medical Procedures and Surgeries here.