January is the National Blood Donor Month. According to the American Red Cross, every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and 1 donation can save up to 3 lives. Declared in 1970 by President Richard Nixon, this campaign was aimed at spreading awareness and encouraging regular and first-time donors to donate blood.

This acknowledgement is also aimed at encouraging donors to give blood, thus making the world a healthier. Additionally, the opportunity to donate blood comes with a personal level of satisfaction that cannot be satisfied through material giving. It makes us appreciate the gift of life and good health, especially in this COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, if you can, donate blood today and save a life ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Eligibility for Blood Donation

Despite the advanced technology in our world today, blood manufacture is yet to be achieved, thus, blood must come from a human donor. However, blood in human beings is not the same and there are certain requirements to be met for blood donation:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Be free of bloodborne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Malaria and Brucellosis, just to mention a few.
• Provide information on medical conditions, medications you are taking and recent travel.
• Must wait 56 days between blood donation to allow complete blood supply replenishment.

It is important to note that whole blood has a shelf life of 42 days while platelets have a 5-day shelf life. American Red Cross states that winter months experience a decline in donations, yet this is when blood is needed most. There is, therefore, a need for a constant supply of new blood for medical emergencies.

Health Benefits of Donating Blood

• Reduce the Risk of Hemochromatosis

Donating blood reduces the risk of hemochromatosis, a health condition caused by excess iron absorption by the body. Hemochromatosis could be inherited or caused by anemia, alcoholism or other health conditions. Regular donation reduces iron overload.

• Reveal Potential Health Problems

Prior to donating blood, you receive a minor physical examination to check your blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin or body temperature. Such examinations can reveal health issues you did not know existed.

• Lower Your Risk of Developing Cancer

By donating blood, there is a reduction in iron levels in the body which is associated with lower risk for cancer. The body’s iron stores are maintained at healthy levels.

• Maintain A Healthy Heart and Liver

In relation to iron regulation in the body, donating blood once a year could reduce your risk of a heart attack by 88%. High iron levels in the blood tend to constrict blood vessels which could result in a heart attack. Additionally, excess iron could be stored in the liver which could increase the risk of liver failure.

• Stimulate the Production of Blood Cells

After a donation, the body begins to replenish the lost blood which stimulates the production of new blood cells. This production of new blood cells helps maintain good health.

• Helps Your Mental State

Donating blood can be similar to volunteer work as giving your blood to strangers gets them the help they desperately need. This altruistic behavior has positive effects on happiness and personal satisfaction. Such voluntary activities have also been found to reduce the risk of depression among older adults.

As we hope for a better year, consider giving the gift of life by donating blood to save a life. Find your nearest blood bank via the American Red Cross:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

❤️Save a Life Today, Give the Gift of Life, Donate Blood ❤️