Every day, around 41,000 blood transfusions are required in just the United States. To put that in context, every two seconds, an American is in need of a blood donation. Of the 100 million people in the United States that can donate blood, a mere 9 million actually do so. However, these statistics don't imply that most people personally refuse to donate blood - lack of information and untrue myths play a greater role in this low rate of blood donation.
To help combat this, here's an overview of blood donation and what to expect:
Pros: How can blood donation help me?
1. Free Health Screening: Prior to donating, your vitals will be checked in a free health screening. You will be screened for various diseases, such as West Nile virus, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis and more. Your pulse, hemoglobin levels, temperature, and blood pressure will be taken. This screening may raise your awareness to any risk factors you may not have been already aware of.
2. Regulating Iron Levels: Donating blood also helps regulate iron levels. If you are an individual with high iron, donating some of your iron-rich blood can help reduce strain on your blood vessels. Additionally, iron-rich blood is extremely helpful in blood transfusions.
3. Regulating Blood Pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure can donate blood to reduce the viscosity of their blood, thus helping lower their blood pressure. This can ultimately reduce cardiovascular risk factors and help prevent blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
4. Better Mental Health: Not only does blood donation have benefits on your physical health, it can also make you feel good about yourself. Blood donations are extremely important and can save a person's life, and donating blood can boost your confidence in yourself for doing your part in helping save lives.
Cons: Can blood donation harm me?
1. Short-Term Side Effects: Donating blood rarely has long-term side effects, unless you are at risk of iron deficiency or cardiovascular issues. However, it can have some short-term side effects. For example, you may feel light-headed, dizzy, fatigued, or nauseous. This is due to the sudden loss of water and iron in your body, and these effects will wear off within a day.
2. Bruising: You may also get a bruise on the site of the needle. This is completely normal, and you may feel slight pain after donating blood.
What Else Should I know?
1. Know the Requirements and Eligibility: Before you decide to donate blood, know the eligibility in your area or location. In most places, you must be at least 17 years old to donate. You may also need to be above a certain weight, and be in good health. Medical conditions and medications may interfere with your eligibility to donate as well.
2. Know the Process: You should know what to expect when you donate blood. Generally, the process should go like this:
- Register to donate blood (This includes providing identification, medical
records, getting a health screening, and more.)
- You will get seated in a reclined chair and have your arm cleaned.
- A sterile needle will be inserted into your arm.
- For around 10 minutes, you will remain so, until a pint of blood has been
collected.
- The needle will be removed, and your arm will be bandaged.
3. What to do Before and After: In order to decrease your chances of feeling side-effects, try to drink extra water and eat a healthy meal before you donate blood. Get a good night of sleep before, and make sure to relax. After the donation, continue drinking water and have a snack to prevent dizziness or fatigue. Avoid heavy lifting or anything that is tiring or energy consuming.
4. Different Kinds of Blood Donation: There are various kinds of blood donation other than the main one that I have discussed. Platelets, plasma, and red blood cells are all different components that make up our blood. These can also be donated separately. A specific machine called an apheresis machine collects blood from both arms, separates out the desired component, such as platelets, plasma, or red blood cells, and returns the remaining blood back into your bloodstream.
Conclusion
Donating blood is extremely helpful to people requiring blood transfusions, who may be unable to produce enough blood on their own. Donated blood can play a huge part in saving a person's life. Staying informed about what to expect, how it can help, and how it works is the first step in helping do your part.
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