Blood Donation
World Blood Donor Day:5 Benefits Of Donating Blood You Must Know About
“Many times, patients suffering from life-threatening conditions can be saved by blood donation. But, it must also be known that blood donation not only helps save lives, but it also has certain health benefits for the donor as well,”
Every year, World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14 to raise awareness about the need to donate blood regularly to increase the availability of safe blood and its products for patients in need. This day is also an occasion to thank donors who volunteer to donate the life-saving gift of blood. This also acts as an encouragement for others who are otherwise hesitant to volunteer for the noble cause.
“According to the World Health Organisation, blood transfusion can potentially save several lives, but many times patients needing transfusion do not have access to safe blood readily. Many times, patients suffering from life-threatening conditions can be saved by blood donation. But, it must also be known that blood donation not only helps save lives, but it also has certain health benefits for the donor as well,”
Weight loss: Timely blood donation helps in the reduction of weight and improves fitness in healthy adults. According to researchers, donating a pint of blood i.e., 450 ml helps your body burn about 650 calories. But it must not be thought of or encouraged as a weight loss plan. Doctor consultation before donating blood is a must, to avoid any health issues.
Prevents hemochromatosis: Donating blood can lower the risk or may prevent the development of hemochromatosis, a condition in which there is an excess absorption of iron by the body. Regular blood donation may lower iron overload, hence proving it beneficial for people with hemochromatosis. However, it is imperative to ensure that the mandatory standards of blood donation eligibility criteria are met by the donor with hemochromatosis.
Reduce heart disease risk: Regular blood donation keeps in check the iron levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease. A large amount of iron build-up in the body can cause oxidative damage which has proven to be a major culprit in accelerating aging, heart attacks, strokes, etc.
Lower cancer risk: Higher levels of iron in the body are an invitation to cancer. By donating blood, you can maintain healthy iron levels, thereby lowering your risk of developing cancer.
Enhance new blood cell production: Blood donation stimulates the production of new blood cells. After donating blood, your body’s system gets to work within 48 hours of donation with the help of bone marrow. New blood cells are produced and all the lost red blood cells are replaced within a span of 30 to 60 days. Hence, donating blood helps in maintaining vital health.
| S.NO | Venue |
|---|---|
| 1 | Harvypatti,Thiruparankuntram Madurai |
| 2 | Tiruparankundram,Madurai. | 3 | Virattipathu | 4 | Velammal Medical College, Madurai |
World Blood Donor Day 2021:
This day is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the significance of blood donation and to recognise the contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives.
The first World Blood Donor Day was observed by the WHO in 2004 World Blood Donor Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed every year on June 14. This day is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the significance of blood donation and to recognise the contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives.
History of World Blood Donor Day:The first World Blood Donor Day was observed by WHO in 2004 and was declared as an annual global event in the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Austrian biologist and physician, Karl Landsteiner. He is considered to be the founder of modern blood transfusion.
Significance of World Blood Donor Day: The aim is to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems. The day also provides an opportunity to call to action to governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources and put into place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.
Importance of donating blood: According to WHO, safe blood and blood products and their transfusion are critical aspects of care and public health. They save millions of lives and improve the health and quality of life of many patients every day. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not.
This year’s slogan for World Blood Donor Day: For 2021, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is ‘Give blood and keep the world-beating’. The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health. It reinforces the global call for more people all over the world to donate blood regularly and contribute to better health. A special focus of this year’s campaign will be the role of young people in ensuring a safe blood supply.