It can save lives.
The American Red Cross estimates that one blood donation can save up to three lives.
In the United States, one person needs blood every 2 seconds.
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Before donating blood, know your iron level and heart disease risk.
Donating blood may also improve your mental health.
A healthcare provider will perform a simple physical exam and take yourvital signs.
They will measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Blood donation health screenings do not replace annual health physicals with your primary healthcare provider.
Do not donate blood if you feel ill or are concerned that you may have a bloodborne illness.
Why Do People Need Blood Transfusions?
There are several reasons why a person might require ablood transfusion.
Donating blood may affect your risk of heart disease.
Regularly donating blood makes it less viscous, so the blood can flow more easily and with less resistance.
Less viscous blood may lower your risk of heart disease because it puts less strain on the heart.
This may also cause less damage to the lining of the blood vessels.
Does Donating Blood Detox Your Body?
The body naturally detoxifies through theliver, and regular blood donations may help remove chemicals from the blood.
Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances(PFAS) are chemical compounds in several household products.
These chemicals may raise the risk of developmental delays, cancer, obesity, and fertility issues.
One study found that people who regularly gave blood had lower levels of PFAs.
More research is needed to determine whether blood donations help detoxify the body.
Side Effects of Donating Blood
Donating blood is safe for most healthy adults.
After donating blood, drink plenty of water and eatiron-rich foods.
You may need to wait to donate blood if you recently traveled outside the country.
Traveling to a country with high rates ofmalariacan put you and others at risk.
Ask a healthcare provider how long to wait to donate blood after international travel.
Healthy adults can plan to donate blood every 56 days, up to six times yearly.
They should wait eight weeks between whole blood donations and 16 weeks for red blood cell donations.
It is possible to donateplateletsevery seven days, up to 24 times per year.
What Happens During the Donation?
You may be feeling unsure or anxious about donating blood.
Knowing what to expect can help.
When you arrive at a donation site, you will be asked to check in and provide photo identification.
A trained healthcare provider will perform a quick physical exam and blood draw.
To donate whole blood, you will sit in a chair or recliner.
You may lie down, especially if you feel dizzy during or after the procedure.
A healthcare provider will inspect the veins in your arm and clean a small skin area.
They will insert a sterile needle and connect the tubing to collect blood.
After donating blood, consider staying at the site to rest.
Most organizations provide water and snacks to people after their donation.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous, tell the healthcare provider.
The same advice can be given before and after donating blood.
To make your blood donation experience faster and easier, plan to wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirt.
You may also bring a book or listen to music or a podcast during the procedure.
After donating blood, rest with your legs elevated.
Avoid high-intensity physical workouts that day.
Plan to eat iron-rich foods like eggs, salmon, or whole grains.
If you feel unwell after giving blood, tell one of the staff members right away.
Summary
Blood donation is a voluntary procedure in which blood is removed and donated.
Research has found that helping others improves mood, enhances emotional well-being, and increases a sense of belonging.
Regularly donating blood may also lower one’s risk of heart disease.
When donating blood, plan to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Rest after the procedure and eat a small snack.
If you feel unwell after blood donation, tell an onsite staff member.
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