World Blood Donor Day is observed every year on June 14. According to Red Cross Blood Organisation, every two seconds someone in the US needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood or blood products like red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Blood donation not only makes the receiver’s life good but also helps the donor to maintain good health and several other benefits are associated with it.

Benefits of Blood Donation

1. Improves Heart Health: Donating blood improves your overall cardiovascular health. Intake of iron-rich diet may increase the iron levels in the body and excess iron gets stored in heart, liver and pancreas and increases the risk of heart abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms. Blood donation helps in maintain the iron levels and reduces the risk of various health ailments.

2. Reduces Cancer Risk: A study conducted by a blood centre in the US, donating blood to help lower risk of cancer. Consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risk of cancers, including liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancers. Risk levels drop in correlation with how often participants donate blood. Also, reduction in the iron levels is directly associated with low cancer risk.

3. Burns Calories: Blood donation has also been found to help those wishing to lose weight. Donating 450 ml of blood burns 650 calories in donor’s body. This is helpful for those who are obese and are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. Although, consult with your doctor to avoid any health issues.

4. Enhances Production of New Blood Cells: When blood is withdrawn, the donor’s body immediately begins to replenish the lost blood. New cells are produced by the bone marrow within 48 hours of donation and all the red blood cells are completely replaced within one to two months. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently.

5. Free Health Examination: A physical examination is conducted before donating blood. As a result, the person could identify unknown health concerns as a part of the blood donation process. These health issues could include blood pressure concerns and low blood counts. Blood is also tested for some major diseases and the donor is immediately informed in strict confidentiality if any of these tests show positive results.

6. Feel Good About Themselves: Donating blood has the power to impact up to three people who need blood to survive. Knowing that they have made a difference to the lives of others can relieve a person’s stress and make them feel mentally well or better about themselves than they did before.

Before donating, people must register for donation, complete a medical history and have a mini-physical examination. These steps help ensure that a person has not been exposed to diseases that could be spread to others by blood donations. Donated blood can only last for a certain time and must be used before it expires. As a result, blood banks and hospitals have almost a continuous need for donated blood. Donate blood, save a life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2018 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).