Photo: [LINK]
As humans, we share many of our best memories, hardships, trials and successes with other humans. Whether it be with our family, friends or coworkers. In the world of medicine and healthcare, we can also find belongingness and connection with the people around us through the life-giving practice of blood donation.
Donated blood plays a crucial role in assisting individuals who have experienced blood loss due to accidents, surgeries, or illnesses. Contributing blood is a simple yet impactful way to greatly influence someone's life. As blood donation is a voluntary act, ensuring a consistent supply for patients, especially those with critical needs, has proven to be a challenging situation.
Given that January is recognised as National Blood Donor Month, it provides a good opportunity to enhance awareness regarding the importance of blood donation, specifically in terms of its deep impact on individuals in critical need. It all started in the month of January due to the typical rise of the winter weather and seasonal illnesses. That's why this month became the time for everyone, no matter their blood type, to roll up their sleeves and help. [2]
Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Reduces the Risk of Cancer [3]
Regular blood donations can serve as a potential shield against cancer by reducing iron levels, which is known to fuel cancer growth. People who frequently donate blood are also revealed to exhibit lower risks of liver, lung, colon, stomach, and throat cancers.
However, it is important to consider as well that the applicability for each person varies. Hence, before you decide to pursue blood donation, you must consult your doctor first. Your doctor will then asses your body’s iron levels and determine whether you are eligible to donate blood.
It is necessary to understand the connection between blood donation, iron regulation, and cancer risk since these are key aspects of personalised healthcare decisions. Iron is an essential mineral in the body and plays a lot of important roles in energy production. Stock up on this essential nutrient by availing our NOW Supplements Iron!
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease [4]
Photo: [LINK]
Although there are mixed perspectives on whether blood donation effectively reduces the risk of heart disease and heart attacks, a potential association between regular blood donations and an increased risk of heart disease was found, possibly due to unfavourable cholesterol levels.
Still, regularly donating blood has been linked to lowering iron stores, which potentially decreases the risk of heart attacks, as having too much iron in the body may increase the risk of heart attacks.
While regular blood donations were initially linked to lower blood pressure, it’s important to note that just because this link exists, recent developments of knowledge suggest that such observations may be misleading and not a genuine physiological response.
Lowering blood pressure is made easy with our NOW Supplements Ultra Omega 3 Fish Oil! This cardiovascular support supplement helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and helps keep our blood clean and healthy!
Promotes Overall Well-being [5]
The capability of a single blood donation in saving up to three lives can be considered as both a humanitarian act and a pathway to personal well-being. Not only does it save lives, but it also benefits the donor's health. The overall well-being can be greatly improved as regular blood donation can reduce the risk of depression and even extend your life.
On a wider scale, blood donation is also a great way to connect with your community and make a positive impact.
Encourages a Complimentary Health Check [6]
Photo: [LINK]
One of the benefits you can get from donating blood is getting a quick check-up. Your vital signs are checked before donation to make sure you're healthy, and you'll also be screened for infectious diseases. This complementary health screening provides valuable insights into your overall well-being. It can effectively detect underlying medical conditions or risk factors for certain diseases. If anything is found, you'll be referred to a doctor for further evaluation. Plus, donating blood might reveal that you have a rare blood type, which could be helpful in an emergency. So, donating blood is not only a way to help others, but it's also a way to check up on your own health.
As you make a positive impact on others through blood donation, prioritise your own well-being with our nourishing and supportive nutritional food supplements.
Studies have found that adding psyllium husk food supplements into your diet can help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight people with hypertension. [7]
Creates Sense of Fulfilment in Helping Others [8]
Donating blood is way beyond the physical benefits you can get. It can serve as your personal journey towards a sense of fulfilment. As mentioned earlier, it is a selfless act of serving others, knowing that each donation has the potential to save lives and a lasting positive impact on others. Once you become aware of this, you tend to experience blood donation as both a rewarding and uplifting experience. Remember that the act of giving generates a sense of purpose interconnectedness, including the feelings of compassion and empathy.
References
[2] https://signaturemd.com/for-patients/concierge-doctor-blog/january-is-national-blood-donor-month/
[3] https://www.biospecialty.com/health-benefits-of-blood-donation
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-donating-blood#on-heart-disease
[5] https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/
[6] https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/
[7] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/psyllium