Blood is essential to one’s life and survival. It circulates through our body and delivers essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. It also transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. Human blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It is mostly liquid, with numerous cells and proteins suspended in it, making blood “thicker” than pure water. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. Generous blood donors are the only source of blood for patients in need of a blood transfusion. That is why healthcare institutions are always in need of blood to give a lifeline to patients with serious medical conditions or to nurse them back to health.
The Philippine Red Cross estimates that more than 2,000 blood units are being transfused to patients all over the country every day. You also cannot discount the possibility that someone you know might need a blood transfusion in the near future.
But did you know that patients aren’t the only ones benefiting from blood donations? Donating blood regularly also presents a multitude of health benefits for you—the “donor”. Here are the following reasons why you should donate blood as part of your health routine: You can have a free health checkup and pathology test, can reduce the risk of Heart and Liver diseases, can Lower the risk of having cancer, can Lower your cholesterol level, help maintain body weight, can improve your mental wellbeing, it also help in developing new and healthy blood cells, and most of all you can “Save Lives”. Blood donation is safe. If you’re a healthy adult, you can donate a pint (about half a liter) of blood without endangering your health.
Donating blood is a small gesture that can have a monumental impact on the lives of several people. Giving someone the opportunity to have a new lease of life, not to mention that you are also giving your overall health a great boost.
AA VI Angelyn Intal, RND
- What is Blood?
https://www.oneblood.org/about-donating/blood-donor-basics/what-is-blood/
- Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood Regularly
https://www.makatimed.net.ph/news-and-exhibits/news/reasons-why-you-should-donate-blood-regularly