Because the blood you donate helps to give someone another chance at life — and you’ll feel great knowing you made a difference!
This post is sponsored by Blood Systems, however the opinion expressed are my own.
When’s the last time you stopped to really appreciate all the good things that A, B, AB, and O provide? You are not alone! Before doing my research for this article, I didn’t really think about the significance of A, B, AB, and O.
Without A, B, AB, and O blood types, life would – quite literally – be non-existent. The blood that runs through our veins is sometimes taken for granted. But one day you, your family, or your friend may need a blood transfusion to save your life. Therefore, the need for donations of every blood type is crucial.
Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion, and one in seven people entering hospitals also need a blood transfusion. Worldwide, millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusions, from cancer patients to those living with challenging health conditions, pregnant women and their newborns. People rely on the blood that is already on hospital shelves to save lives, and we can all help blood centers be ready by ensuring blood is available before it’s needed. To think, one whole blood donation has the potential to help up to three patients. You can donate blood every 56 days, and up to six times a year.
Many enjoy the awesome feeling of helping to save lives, and while donating blood should be an act of helping those in need, it can also greatly benefit the receiver. You, like me, may not be convinced by the good in itself. However, here is the cherry on top that got me! Apparently, there are also a few health benefits in it for the blood donor. Say what you want about my reasons, but here are two benefits of being a blood donor outside of the good in itself.
A Free Mini-Physical
Before anyone is able to give blood, a quick health check-up is first required. This is a physical assessment of the heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and hemoglobin test for anemia. I’d say, for those who are uninsured, this is an easy way to receive a quick health check-up while doing good for others.
Burn Calories Resulting in Weight Loss
While it’s not a weight loss plan, according to the University of California, San Diego, you’ll burn calories as a result of regular blood donations. After a donor gives blood, fluid weight loss is rapidly replaced, but replacement of blood solids consumes roughly 350 calories. With a double red cell donation, one could burn up to 700 calories (twice the 350).
There you go! Shared benefits in being a blood donor. Now, go ahead, roll up your sleeves, be a part of the Missing Type Campaign and start saving lives — including yours.
Schedule your blood donation appointment today in Brooklyn, or outside of Brooklyn, check here for the donation center nearest to you: https://www.missingtypeus.org/.
