Did you know that donating blood doesn’t only help save lives? It can help better your health as a donor too! Most people are unaware of the positive impact blood donations have on their own health. It’s a well-known fact that every donation you give can save as many as three lives, but who knew it was beneficial for the donor as well?
Because there is no substitute for human blood, recipients rely on the generosity of blood donors. However, the average blood donor only donates twice a year (if that). With around 8% of the population donating, each blood donation is extremely important.
Why It Is Good For Your Health
Donating blood allows you, as the donor, to receive a mini checkup. This checkup allows you to see how you are doing health-wise. During each mini physical, a phlebotomist is going to check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and iron level. After you donate, the blood is then sent to the laboratory where it is checked for abnormalities. If anything does show up in your blood, the center will notify you, which encourages you to go and be seen by your doctor for something that may not have been evident during your last doctor’s appointment.
Regular blood donations help to keep the levels of iron in the body in check too, especially if you are a male. This has been known to reduce heart disease. Because iron is an essential element for the proper functioning of the body, excessive iron buildup can result in damage. The damage caused is a major culprit implicated in accelerated aging, heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues. Blood donation has also been shown to lower the risk of cancer. Consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risks for cancers, including liver, lung, colon, stomach, and throat cancers.
Replenishing blood can also be good for the body. Donation allows for the replenishment of the donor’s blood supply, which helps the donor’s body stay healthy, function more efficiently, and work productively, because the old blood is removed, and the donor’s body then creates new blood.
In conclusion, not only do blood donations help save the lives of recipients, but they can also help improve the life of the donor. Along with the health benefits, you will also receive free things like juice and cookies, as well as the wonderful feeling of knowing you helped save someone’s life.