The Surprising Benefits of Donating Blood
Blood donations are required every two seconds in the US; approximately 36,000 liters of blood are required every day. Blood donors help patients of all kinds, who have suffered accidents and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and even those who are fighting cancer.
While blood donation is essential for the survival of human beings, it is surprisingly to see that only 38% percent of the population is eligible for a blood donation. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured artificially even though modern medicine has advanced exceptionally, they can only be provided by donors.
Different kinds of patients need a different ratio of blood frequently. Patients with sickle cell disease or cancer may even need transfusions throughout their treatments while a car accident can require 100 pints of blood in just one treatment. These patients are dependent on blood donors for their existence.
This is one of the major reasons why you see posters and makeshift clinics trying to get blood donations from people. This is also why hospitals visit schools and offices to get blood donations and to sign up more donors.
The Benefits of Donating Blood For The Donor
It is not a widely kept secret that blood donations help a lot of patients however it is also beneficial for the donor as well. How? Let’s find out below:
Reveal Potential Health Problems
While it is not comparable to a doctor’s visit, blood donations can reveal health problems if any beforehand. It’s a good way to keep a lookout for cardiovascular health. Before donating blood, a mini-physical examination takes place; the pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels are checked. This can alert doctors about any health complications that you may be at risk of.
Furthermore, it also determines if you’re a healthy blood donor or not. For example; if you have high levels of iron in your system, you will be rejected as a blood donor. Regular checkups can help you get a diagnosis before it becomes life-threatening.
Keeps a check on the iron levels in the body
Going for a regular blood donation can help you to reduce the count of iron in your blood, as more iron in your blood can be harmful. This is an effective and affordable way of getting your blood contents checked.
Due to an iron overload, Hemochromatosis, a genetic disease, can find its way into your blood system; this is especially common amongst Caucasians.
Removal of red blood cells by donating blood or even in home phlebotomy services MD can keep iron levels in check.
Reduces your risk of cancer
Donating blood can reduce your risk of contracting cancer, although the link between the two is slim. This has been proven explicitly through phlebotomy services (which is the process of drawing blood).
It is an iron-reduction method that lowers the risk of cancer and mortality, according to a study published by the National Cancer Institute. When you donate blood, your iron level automatically goes down, so if you have increased blood levels, it will automatically balance out when you donate blood.
Can help your liver stay healthy
The danger of iron overload doesn’t just pose a threat to the blood but can also affect vital organs such as the liver. Recently, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has drastically increased. A major reason for this boost is the increase in iron levels in the bloodstream.
Too much iron can lead to NAFLD, Hepatitis C, and other infections related to the liver. Although there are many internal and external factors involved in these diseases, regularly donating blood can help to check on iron levels and avoid extra issues on the liver. If diagnosed on time it can save the patient from a lot of complications.
Lowers your risk of heart disease
Regular blood donation can help detect unfavorable cholesterol levels, a major cause of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Just like it helps to keep the iron levels in check for the liver, it essentially performs the same function for the heart as well.
In 2015, a study was carried out amongst patients who suffered from high blood pressure. After they donated blood, about half of them saw their blood pressure readings improve. Experts then realized that the more often a person donates, the more significant the improvement.
There are mixed opinions on whether donating regularly can help to keep the blood pressure low. However, there is no concrete evidence of this yet.
Reveal levels of Anemia
Anemia happens when you have a low count of red blood cells; these show up in a blood test as low hemoglobin, which is not a good thing. Hemoglobin is essentially a protein in your red blood cells which carries oxygen to your cells. If your hemoglobin is either high or low, it will be detected through a blood donation.
Helps in weight loss
It is estimated that donating blood can burn up to 650 calories per unit; however, any confirmed scientific studies do not exist as of yet on this notion. These benefits will be short–term and will not contribute to the weight loss journey. As it’s not possible to donate blood every day, it is recommended to donate blood only once a month.
Nevertheless, before donating blood, an examination is carried out, which can detect signs of obesity. Health specialists can then help you to manage their weight and other nutritional problems. Additionally, it can also help identify signs of anorexia, which can benefit from counseling and therapy.
It is good for your mental health
While there are certain physical benefits to donating blood, the essential benefits of donating blood are psychological. Within a few minutes of blood donation, it is guaranteed that someone somewhere will be getting the help they need. Donating blood equates to volunteer work, and you form a bond with the people you’re helping out, even if you don’t know them.
If you go to a specific location each time, you can also be more involved as you will get familiarized with the staff members and have a close insight into how everyone at the clinic is working hard to save lives.
Stepping out of your comfort zone for the greater good can help boost dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins levels in the body. Studies have shown that volunteering can help reduce depression and loneliness, especially at an older age when we crave companionship i.e. above 50.
The simple satisfaction of rolling up your sleeve and taking action to help someone out can you make you feel good about yourself. Donating one unit of blood can save up to three lives, according to a study carried out by the American Red Cross. It plays a vital role in the community and helps save countless lives that would otherwise face serious repercussions, including fatalities.
Benefits to general health
Experts have concluded that people who regularly donate blood enjoy a more healthy life. They have a 30% lower chance of dying from any specific ailment and a 4% less chance of developing cancer.
Although there are mixed opinions, there is no conflict because there are no adverse effects of donating blood if it is drawn by a professional. As a plus point, you also get to know your blood type, which can be handy in an emergency.
Short–Term Reactions
Donating blood may cause short-term side effects; however, it varies from person to person. Temporary reactions include; dizziness, feeling faint, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, bleeding from the needle prick, bleeding from under the skin, or bruising. These symptoms last a maximum of 24 hours. To reduce these symptoms, you can drink fluids, eat something and lie down. After a blood draw, foods that can help are red meat, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals and snacks.
A person may experience low blood pressure, muscle contractions, breathing difficulty, fainting, vomiting, and convulsions in rare cases. It can also negatively affect athletic performance for a short period, as drawing blood reduces iron levels while cardiovascular and respiratory systems are also affected.
Your blood volume will be back to normal after a couple of hours, and your iron levels will be restored in a couple of months. All in all, the effects are minimal and pose no threat to the donor.
Considering becoming a regular donor? Keep these pointers in mind
Now that you have gained insight into the benefits of blood donation and are considering becoming a blood donor, these are a few steps to keep in mind:
Get a good night’s sleep before going for the donation; once you have arrived at the center, they will ask you to complete several simple steps before drawing blood. These steps include; registering yourself as a donor, completing a medical history chart, and undergoing a mini-physical examination. These steps ensure that you’re in the clear for donating blood so that there is no harm to you and the person you’re donating blood to.
To donate blood in the US, the individuals must be seventeen years old and above, they should weigh at least 110 pounds, have good overall health, and provide two sources of identification when donating for the first time. Also, a form will be filled with the necessary details.
The phlebotomist will apply an alcohol pad to the designated area and insert a new and sterile needle into the vein during the donation. The needle will be attached to the blood collection equipment, tubing, and a bag. This entire process will take about 6-10 minutes.
After the donation is made, the phlebotomist will apply pressure with soft cotton gauze and dressing to the donor’s arm. There is a 10 – 15 minute break during which the donor receives some refreshments. If there is bleeding after, it is advised to apply pressure and raise the arm for a few minutes. Alternatively, if there is bleeding or bruising under the skin, the donor should apply a cold pack intermittently for 24 hours and then alternate it with warm packs.
Now more than ever, it is easier to donate blood all over the country. With the development of technology, everything is available at the tip of your fingertips with the click of a button. Similar to in-home mobile lab phlebotomy services and commercial mobile lab services VA, it is now possible to donate blood from the comfort of your home. In primitive times we would have to go to the hospital to register ourselves and make donations, typically waiting in a long line. However, it is now possible to register yourselves over the phone. Once your registration is done, the phlebotomist will come to your home at the prescribed time and set you up for a blood donation.
Phlebotomy on Wheels is providing in-home phlebotomy services in VA and MD. You can obtain all the benefits of a donor while sitting at your home. Their services include but are not limited to blood draws, blood tests, and urine tests, saliva kits, paternity testing, and glucose tolerance.
Contact them today at 443- 8647 – 3647 to procure their state-of-the-art services.