By Dr. David Samadi
Giving a gift is one of the most selfish acts we can do. It shows care, appreciation, and a genuine attitude of generosity. Donating blood is one such gift most of us are eligible to do. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood due to surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, or traumatic injuries, according to the American Red Cross. Why not consider donating blood yourself? The American Red Cross says that from just one blood donation, as many as three lives can be saved. While you’re saving someone’s life, giving blood impacts your health, too. Read on to find out why blood donation benefits the donor.
Ways donating blood benefits the donor
- Free health checkup
While not quite the same as going for a physical with your doctor, when you donate blood, you will receive a mini-physical before the blood draw. A health professional will check your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels, offering insight into your current health. Your blood will be screened for hepatitis B and C, HIV, West Nile Virus, syphilis, and Trypanosoma cruzi. This mini-physical can reveal health problems you were unaware of and that you would need to follow up with your primary healthcare provider.
- Reduces health effects of hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a medical condition that results in excessive iron absorption from your food, leading to an iron overload in the body. Excessive amounts of iron can build up in various organs of the body, particularly the liver, heart, and pancreas. Having too much iron in these organs can cause severe health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes, which can be life-threatening. It’s considered the most common genetic disease among Caucasians but can also be brought on by alcoholism, anemia, or other disorders. Men are more likely than women to develop hemochromatosis than women and at an earlier age. One way to reduce the body’s extra iron stores is to donate blood regularly. Donating blood helps remove red blood cells, which is the preferred treatment for anyone with excess iron in their blood.
- It helps maintain a healthy liver
Donating blood can relieve hemochromatosis, too much iron from Hepatitis C, and other liver diseases and infections. This prevents the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and other health ailments associated with the liver.
- Improves your mental outlook
Donating blood is like doing volunteer work. You’re providing a service that is truly lifesaving for others in need. While you may not know who or how someone will benefit from your altruism, just knowing you’re helping others psychologically rewards you with positive vibes. Making a difference in people’s lives by rolling up your sleeves to donate blood is a very good feeling.
What to know before donating blood
- Check with your doctor before donating blood if you have any health issues or concerns
- Minimum age requirement for donating whole blood is 17 years.; however some states do allow 16-year olds with parental consent to donate also
- Minimum weight requirement: 110 pounds. Health condition: good.
- You must provide information about medical conditions and any medications you take.
- Wait 8 weeks for whole blood donations and 16 weeks for double red cell donations.
- Platelet donations can be made every seven days, up to 24 times a year
- Eat a healthy diet weeks before the donation
- On the day of the donation, be well-hydrated and before the appointment, drink an extra 16 ounces of water
- Wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved shirt or shirt with easy-to-roll-up sleeves
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
