Have you donated blood anytime within the past 6 months? One year? 5 years? Ever? The most common answer to this question today is ‘I don’t have plenty blood in my body’. We never do anyway. Are you between the ages of 18-65 years and have a weight greater than 50kg? If yes, you have passed the first test on the path to blood donation. The male population especially have no excuses. Males tend to have a higher blood volume and don’t lose blood monthly through menstruation unlike females. What do you stand to gain if you donate blood?
Anyone conversant with the procedure of blood donation must know of the ‘free’ health checkups they get each time they donate. Normally, before blood is collected from a donor, the pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, hemoglobin levels are all checked. In addition to this, tests for the hepatitis B, C and HIV are run. This free mini-physical can offer excellent insight into your health. It can effectively detect problems that could indicate an underlying medical condition or risk factors for certain diseases. As they always say, ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed’.
The next few benefits are all as a result of a single reason. Let’s discuss iron and the blood. Iron is an important component of the blood haemoglobin which is responsible for carrying oxygen. In healthy humans iron is not lost through any means, it’s simply recycled over and over again for use. This is especially true for the male population as menstruating females lose some iron during every period. Normally, iron is stored in the liver. Sometimes, iron levels might build up to a level that is toxic in the human body in a condition known as hemochromatosis. The liver may get overloaded with iron which affects liver function and may eventually end up in liver failure. The same is true for the heart which is at a risk of excess iron deposition. Blood donation reduces your risk of developing hemochromatosis! However, it should be known that hemochromatosis could be due to other causes such as alcoholism, thalassemia and anemia.
We should always remember that blood donation is meant to save lives. In fact, it is estimated that one donation might save up to three lives. This means that there’s a greater good in that you’re helping someone somewhere live a better life. Is that a benefit? Yes, it is!
Donate blood today! Remain healthy!
Reference: www.brmsonline.com
