An Act Of Godly Deed - The Shadows Of Life #2

India is a blood deprived country, despite of having 1.2 billion people, India faces blood shortage of 3 Million units. The problem can be sorted if an additional 2 percentage of Indians start donating blood.
 
The shelf life of a blood unit is 35-42 days hence the stock has to be replenished every once in a while. Statistics show that there are 234 million major operations in India, 63 million trauma-induced surgeries, 31 million cancer-related procedures and 10 million pregnancy related complications which require blood transfusions.

Apart from these there are also disorders like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia and haemophilia that require repeated blood transfusions.

Some quick facts about blood

1.  Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors.
2. When someone is given a blood transfusion, it’s best to give them blood that’s the same type as their own. 
3. Some blood types are ‘universal’, which means they can be given to anyone. O negative red cells can be given to anyone, and are often used in emergencies. AB plasma, positive or negative, can be also given to anyone.

 
Donating blood has it’s own perks, well apart from act of good deed you received a bundle of health benefits.

Hemochromatosis 
Health benefits of blood donation include reduced risk of hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. This may be inherited or may be caused due to alcoholism, anaemia or other disorders. Regular blood donation may help in reducing iron overload.

Anti-cancer benefits
Blood donation may also help in lowering risk of cancer. By donating blood, the iron stores in the body are maintained at healthy levels. And the reduction in iron levels in the body is linked with low cancer risk.

Healthy heart and liver
Blood donation is beneficial in reducing risk of heart and liver ailments caused by iron overload in the body. Intake of iron rich diet may increase the iron levels in the body and since only limited proportions can be absorbed excess iron gets stored in heart, liver and pancreas. This in turn increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, damage to pancreas, and heart abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms. Blood donation helps in maintaining the iron levels and reduces the risk of various health ailments.

Weight loss​
Regular blood donation reduces the weight of the donors. This is helpful to those who are obese and are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. However, the blood donation should not be very frequent and you may consult your doctor before donating blood to avoid any health issues.

New blood cells
After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and in turn helps in maintaining good health.

Remember to donate blood and remember that a normal interval between whole blood donations is 16 weeks (minimum 12 weeks) but no more than three donations a year are collected from female donors because of their more precarious iron status.
 
To give blood you need neither extra strength nor extra food, and you will save a life.
 
-Leo Rahul Narula
Member of Leo Club Of Juhu