National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is observed on October 1 to spread the importance of voluntary blood donation. The celebration was started back in 1975 by the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology. The day initially decided for the event was October 22, 1971, under the authority of Mrs K. Swaroop Krishen and Dr J.G. Buoyant. The goal of this day is to make people realise the importance of voluntary blood donation, to promote voluntary blood donation in case of emergencies, to make sure enough blood is stored in banks, and make people donate blood for other people also, besides their relatives. World Blood Donor Day 2019: Can Blood Donation Lead to Weight Gain? 7 Myths Debunked.

Blood donation has a lot of myths attached to it. From people questioning the age required to donate blood to the amount of money one can earn through this, google is full of queries on this. We have answers to some of the most asked questions on Google. World Blood Donor Day 2018: Avoid These 10 Mistakes While Donating Blood.

1. How Much Money Can You Earn by Donating Blood?

It is illegal to sell blood in India. Blood donation has to be done free of cost and neither party gets any money for it.

2. Benefits of Donating Blood?

According to the Medical Health Foundation, blood donation has a lot of benefits. Donating blood can reduce stress, help get rid of negative feelings, help you stay happier, and benefit your physical health.

3. What Happens When You Donate Blood?

When you donate blood, your body produces blood to restore the amount you lost. Within 48 hours, you will be back to the way it used to be.

4. How Long Does It Take to Recover From Blood Donation?

Your body will replace the blood volume (plasma) in about 48 hours. However, it can take upto four-eight weeks to replace all the red blood cells you donated.

5. Can Blood Donation Kill You?

No. blood donation cannot kill you. If you're sensitive to needles, you might have a hard time. People with the fear or phobia of needles may faint, but you cannot die from donating blood. It's rather healthy to donate blood.

6. Does Blood Donation Cause Weight Gain?

This is a myth that a lot of people believe. Blood donation does not cause weight gain. In fact, while your body is replacing the amount of blood you lost, it burns calories.

7. Can You Give Blood on Your Period?

You can but if your bleeding is heavy, it’s advised not to, as it may cause a loss of blood, lowering your iron level. But if you're afraid, stay away till you're done.

Blood donation might seem like a scary process but it’s easier than you think. Consult a doctor, get a check-up and if you’re fit for donation, go ahead and do it. You might save a life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2019 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).