Practically Perfect Reasons to Donate Blood!
I regularly donate blood, every 8 weeks or a little more depending on how my body is feeling. Why?
I certainly don’t love being stuck with needles or spending an hour or more going through the process but I’m O- which means I’m a universal donor.
I wasn’t able to donate for many years due to low hemoglobin/ anemia, but since I’ve gotten that under control, it is something I do as often as I can.
What are the benefits to donating blood?
*It’s a good deed that helps a person in need!
*This includes people with blood disorders, chronic medical conditions, trauma victims, newborns, and people with low hemoglobin levels such as after childbirth, surgery or during cancer treatments.
*There is research showing that regular blood donation lowers the risk for cancer due to the usage and replenishment of iron stores!
*Tapping into the body’s iron stores also helps keep your heart healthy and protect against other medical issues like glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, and obesity.
*Donating blood burns up to 650 calories! And they give you snacks after if that’s your thing.
*You get a free blood analysis including COVID 19 screening to make sure your blood is safe to give to a patient so it’s a free little check up every few months.
*Renews your blood supply which means that in 24 to 48 hours you have a new blood supply, keeping things clean and running smoothly.
*If helping people and yourself be healthy isn’t enough of a benefit, most blood donation companies offer incentives such as shirts, small gifts, gift cards, stickers, etc to sweeten the deal.
Some people cannot donate due to pregnancy, low hemoglobin, low blood pressure, low heart rates, other medical conditions or exposures, but it is totally worth it if you are able!!
Some pro tips to save time and make the screening cut:
*Download the app, they’ll make scheduling so easy
*ALWAYS make an appointment, especially if you’re going to a blood drive
*See if there is a donation center near you, they are much quicker!
*Don’t forget your photo ID
*Rest, hydrate and up your iron intake the week before you donate if you tend to be on the anemic side
