When you think of the holidays, you might think of family, friends, and fun. But did you know that it is also a time when blood donations are in high demand? According to the American Red Cross, winter is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. That is because of busy holiday schedules and bad weather, often resulting in canceled blood drives. Furthermore, seasonal illnesses such as flu force potential donors to forgo their blood donations.
This is one of the reasons why National Blood Donor Month has taken place each January since 1970. More than 50 years ago –on December 31, 1969 –President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed.
Donating blood saves many lives and improves health for many people. According to the World Health Organization, "blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets, and plasma."
Someone needs blood every few seconds in the United States. And more than 4.5 million Americans would die every year without lifesaving blood transfusions. National Blood Donor Month helps us remember these vital statistics.
It is true that donating blood can help save a life. Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and only about 4% of the population donates annually. When you donate blood, it can be used for people who are undergoing surgery or are recovering from an accident or illness. It is also used by cancer patients who need chemotherapy treatments.
But giving up some of your own blood does not just help others – it helps you as well. Here are just some of the benefits of donating blood.
Before you are allowed to donate, your vital signs will be checked to make sure you are fit enough for the procedure. This exam might turn up a condition that needs medical attention, such as high blood pressure or heart arrhythmia. In addition, you will be screened for infectious diseases you might be unaware of.
Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. This is because for those with high hemoglobin levels, donating blood helps to lower blood viscosity, which is often associated with the formation of blood clots. People with a condition called hereditary hemochromatosis must have blood removed regularly to prevent the buildup of iron. Fortunately, this blood can benefit others.
One blood donation can save up to three lives. People usually donate because it feels good to help others, and altruism and volunteering have been linked to positive health outcomes, including a lower risk for depression and greater longevity.
Once you’ve made the decision to donate and made the effort to go along to your appointment, you want to be sure that you can actually donate. If you plan to donate blood, here are some tips:
Staying hydrated makes it easier to find your veins, and prevents you from feeling light-headed after donating.
Do not skip breakfast, and be sure to eat snacks offered to you. Eating regularly before donating will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Ensuring that your diet contains foods rich in iron - such as meats and green leafy vegetables – will help to keep you feeling well during and after donation.
Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting on the day of your donation – both before and after you’ve donated.
Keeping your body in a rested state is important to give it a chance to replenish the fluids lost during donation, which will help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you well. Light exercise such as walking is fine, but please make sure that you are fully recovered and hydrated prior to your donation.
We recommend that you have a full night’s sleep of between 7 and 9 hours the night before your donation. This will help you to feel more alert when you donate, which will in turn reduce the risk of feeling unwell.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2022/06/14/default-calendar/world-blood-donor-day-2022
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/