THE BENEFITS OF ROUTINE BLOOD DONATION

Donating blood for others is a noble act that should be imitated. However, not everyone is willing to become a donor. The reason often is because of a fear that giving blood will cause pain and negative effects after the procedure. Is that true? Let’s look at the facts.

Not everyone can donate blood because the requirements must be met and checked by The Indonesian Red Cross Society (PMI) officers before you are declared to be allowed to become a donor.

1. Physically and mentally healthy
2. Age range 17 – 65 years
3. Minimum weight 45 kg
4. Systolic blood pressure = 100 – 170 and diastolic = 70 – 100
5. Hemoglobin level (Hb) male = 12.5, female = 12
6. Interval with previous donors at least 3 months

Everyone experiences different effects after donating blood. Generally, the effects experienced are included in the mild category, so you don't need to worry.

1. Bruising and pain at the injection site. This is normal. The bruising and pain should disappear by themselves after 1 week.
2. Minor bleeding may occur where the needle is inserted. Therefore, after undergoing blood donation, the injection site will be bandaged or plastered. To prevent this bleeding, remove the bandage or plaster within 4 hours after donating blood.
3. Weak and dizzy. This is natural because after donating blood your body will experience a temporary decrease in blood pressure. Take a break for 15 minutes after you finish giving blood while eating the snacks provided. Wait until conditions improve and you are ready to return to your normal activities.

Many people only think of donating blood as a way of helping others, but actually, did you know that being a blood donor regularly also can have many health benefits for the donor as well? 

• Maintain a healthy heart and blood circulation

Donating blood can reduce the risk of blockage of blood vessels, thereby making blood flow in the body smoother and the heart beats more regularly and stable.

• Avoid the risk of cancer, stroke, heart attack

Some research shows that people who donate blood regularly have a lower risk of developing various diseases, such as heart attacks, cancer, and strokes. In addition, regular blood donation is also thought to be able to stabilize iron levels in the blood.

• Reduce the amount of bad cholesterol

Several studies have shown that the habit of donating blood can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) in the blood. Thus, the risk of plaque formation or blockage in the blood vessels can be reduced, so that blood flow and organ function can run smoothly.

• Increase the production of red blood cells

To replace the amount of blood lost, the bone marrow will produce red blood cells with new and healthy hemoglobin. This process takes several weeks. After your body gets new red blood cells, the blood will transport oxygen more effectively so that the body becomes fitter and healthier.

• Help detect certain diseases early

Free examination or screening to detect serious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and malaria. This check aims to ensure that the blood you donate is safe for use as a blood transfusion.

So, are you ready to donate blood?