Being happy is great for your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that feeling happy reduces production of the stress hormone and improves your immune system. Giving blood is a great feeling knowing you may be saving someone’s life. After donating blood most of us feeling extremely proud and happy with ourselves for doing a good deed to save life of someone.
People donated blood at some point in our lives, in the hope of helping another person in their time of need but what most of us are not aware of is the positive health benefits. Here I am sharing some facts about giving blood donation that come in mind of people before donating blood such as can you donate blood if you have high blood pressure, how many times a year can you donate blood, how much blood is taken when you donate, how frequently a person can donate blood and what are blood donation weight requirements. If you have been unsure whether donating blood is right for you, hopefully reading this article will help convince you it’s a good thing to do.
What Is Blood Donation?
Blood donation is giving some of your blood so that it can be used to help someone else. Donated blood helps people who have lost blood in an accident or who have an illness such as cancer, anemia, sickle cell disease, or hemophilia. Blood donation includes red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
How Much Blood Is Taken When You Donate
About 1 pint (480 mL) of blood is taken when you donate. It takes about 10 minutes. The whole process takes up to an hour including tests of donor before giving blood.
Test Before Blood Donation
When you donate blood, many tests are carried out on your blood to ensure you are in good health. Donated blood is tested to make sure that it is safe to use. It is very necessary that the blood donation test is taken in either hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical experts. Some of tests are describe below for your information.
Test for Iron Levels Check in Blood.
Test For Hemoglobin level In Blood
Blood Pressure Taken Before Giving Blood
HIV Test
Blood Infection check for infections
Eligibility For Blood Donation
Be in good general health and feeling well.
Be at least 17 years old.
Weight at least 50 Kg.
Not have donated blood in the last 56 days.
Who Can Not Donate Blood
Some people cannot donate blood because of some health issues. You may not be able to donate blood in these conditions.
If you are underage. Your age must be at least 17 years old to donate blood.
If you are under weight. Your weigh must be at least 50 Kg or above.
You recently donated blood. The length of time you must wait is at least 02 months.
Due to deficiency of hemoglobin in your blood.
You are pregnant.
Your blood pressure is too high or too low.
You take certain medicines.
You have serious health problems like HIV.
Having a long-term illness, such as diabetes that is not under control if diabetes is under control then you can also donate blood.
Blood Donation Process
It is always good to plan blood donation in advance. Consult your doctor before donating blood if there are any health issues. It is always good to have healthy diet weeks before the donation. ON the day of donation, make sure you are well hydrated so keep drinking plenty of fluids. One should wear comfortable clothes during the donation process. In case you are undergoing any treatment or medication it is necessary to inform the blood bank or hospital where you are donating blood.
Health Benefits of Donating Blood
It reduces the amount of iron in the body and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Boosts the production of red blood cells.
Lower Cholesterol level.
Lower the risk of cancer. By donating blood the iron stores in the body are maintained at healthy levels. A reduction in the iron level in the body is linked with low cancer risk.
Reducing Risk Of Liver Or Pancreas Damage.
Regular blood donation reduces the weight of the donors. This is helpful to those who are obese and are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
It prevents heart disease, improving cardiovascular health and reducing obesity
It burns calories. A pint of blood burns an average of 650 calories
When someone donates blood, they get a free health check up, a free blood analysis and be notified of their blood type.
After donating blood donor feel proud for doing a good deed this reduces production of the stress hormone and improves your immune system.
The body works to refill the blood loss after blood donation. These helps to stimulate the production of new blood cells to maintain good health.
How Many Times You Can Donate Blood
Donating blood is good for both the donor as well as those who need it. You can easily donate blood 3-4 times in a year. There are at least 02 months or 8 week gap between donations of blood, it means if you donate a bottle of blood then after 2 months you are eligible to donate again. Donating blood many time in a year is not risky nor any disadvantage of health but it is advised to consult your doctor before doing it.
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