Blood donors all over the world save the lives of people in need of blood transfusion, thereby bringing benefits to society, and possibly moral satisfaction from this, but is it useful to donate blood for the donors themselves?
Who can donate blood?
To begin with, it should be noted that not every person is lucky enough to become a donor, but everyone can try. To do this, you just need to come to the blood transfusion station with a passport. Here, before they take your blood for donation, they will definitely carry out its analysis. Firstly, they will determine the Rh factor and blood group, secondly, they will carry out a general blood test, and finally, they will do an analysis for the presence of viruses transmitted through the blood, such as hepatitis C and B viruses, HIV, syphilis. Even going through this study is already useful, because it is very important to know if you have such dangerous diseases.
In addition to the blood test, you will also have a doctor's examination to determine your health condition and whether you are ready to become a donor. In addition to all of the above, there are restrictions for donors such as: surgery, tattooing or piercing within six months before donating blood. The minimum allowable donor weight is 50 kg. Pregnant and lactating women cannot be donors, as well as women during menstruation, and in the week before and after.
Donating blood: useful or harmful?
When loved ones are in trouble and they urgently need blood for a transfusion, few people think about whether it is harmful to donate blood. And he does the right thing, as experts say that donating blood is beneficial for the donor. The advantages of donation are as follows:
- Stimulation of the renewal of the body and blood formation.
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including correction of blood pressure. Statistical studies have shown that male donors are less prone to heart attacks.
- Activation of the body's immune system.
- There is an unloading of the liver and spleen, and the prevention of their diseases.
- Regular donation of blood develops the body's resistance to blood loss, which will help you in case of injury or accident.
Despite all the benefits of donation, there are additional restrictions after donating blood and on the frequency of donating it:
- Men should donate blood a maximum of 5 times a year, women 4.
- Any physical activity should be excluded until the end of the day of donating blood (including carrying heavy loads)
- Within 2 days after donating blood, you must drink at least 2 liters of fluid, and regularly eat well.
- After donating blood, it is useful to consume the following products: chocolate, hematogen.
Now you know whether it is useful to donate blood. And if you are interested in donation, you can seek advice by calling the Blood Service: 8 800 333 33 30 (free in Russia).
Donation of blood and its components is widespread today. This is one of the ways to help people who have suffered a lot of blood loss as a result of complications during operations or in accidents. There are a lot of such people. As more and more volunteers respond to the call to donate, the question arises - is it beneficial to donate blood for donation to men and women? What changes occur in the body if you donate part of your own blood to other people several times a year? Let's figure it out.
Checking regularly for infections
If you often provide yourself as a blood donor, then before each collection of material, your blood is checked for infections. This allows the donor to constantly monitor his own health, and in case of any abnormalities, immediately start treatment. Most people do not have this opportunity, because they rarely go to the hospital for tests, so they learn about their ailments only when the disease manifests itself on a physical level and progresses. This is one of the good things about why being a donor is beneficial. But that's not all, by donating blood, a person literally heals his body.
What are the health benefits of donation?
Bloodletting is believed to have a healing effect when done in small quantities. When a volunteer donates his blood to a sick person, he gives about 450 g of life-saving fluid. The loss of such a volume is insignificant and cannot harm the donor in any way.
Donating blood for donation allows you to accustom your body to small blood loss. In the event of a situation, for example, an accident or a serious operation, the body of a person who has repeatedly donated blood will find itself, as it were, in an already familiar situation. It activates processes that allow you to quickly replenish the lost volume of red blood cells.
Small blood loss contributes to the rejuvenation of the body, its self-purification and cell renewal. This process makes it possible to rest the liver a little, which usually processes the spent red blood cells. In contrast, the bone marrow works harder to produce new blood cells to replace what has been lost. Moderate blood loss has a good effect on the cardiovascular system.
Donating blood for the donor's body is a little stress, due to which its protective functions are activated. The immune system is on alert, which makes donors less likely to get colds and viral diseases.
According to American doctors, people who donate blood regularly are less susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, since their veins are constantly cleared of excess bad cholesterol. According to the results of several studies, donation prolongs life by at least 5 years.
Donating blood for donation is also useful from a psychological point of view. By helping others, you get joy and satisfaction, and such emotions are needed by every person. They are known to promote well-being. Well, for a patient who needs your blood, the benefits are obvious - you will save his life.
Rules for donating blood for donation
If you want to participate in the donation program, then you should familiarize yourself with the rules, recommendations and restrictions in this regard. Anyone who does not have infectious diseases, aged 18 and over, can become a donor. The limitation of the upper age threshold was removed not so long ago, so even people over 60 years old, provided they feel well, can become blood or plasma donors. The volunteer's weight should not be less than 50 kg, however, persons of this weight category can become donors in the absence of contraindications. No more than 300 ml of blood is taken from such people.
Men can donate blood no more than 5 times a year, while women are allowed to do this 4 times within 12 months. Women should not donate blood more often. Such a restriction makes sense for them, since each month their body loses a small amount of blood during menstruation. The break between fences must be at least two months. During this time, the body of a healthy person is fully restored.
Preparation for sampling blood or its fractions includes a complete healthy diet (refusal of fatty foods, smoked, fried) for 2-3 days before the procedure. During this period, you can not take any medications, as well as refrain from alcohol. Immediately before the procedure, the donor is examined and tested for the presence of various infections. If everything is in order, the person is admitted to this procedure, he is allowed to become a donor. Rest is recommended to the donor after the procedure. You can not engage in heavy physical labor, make long trips. During the recovery period, it is advisable to include beef liver, pomegranate, and cranberries in the diet.
Donating blood for donation is not only a useful, but an honorable procedure that allows you to do good unselfishly to other people, giving them a piece of yourself so that they can live. For such actions, the state rewards donors who have undergone this procedure more than 40 times in their lives, benefits and annual payments, provides them with additional time off and vouchers to a sanatorium.
If you think donating blood is harmful, then this article is for you. Blood loss is a process that the body has evolved to adapt to during fights and wars. For a healthy person, the loss of the standard dose of blood, which is equal to 450 ml, does not in any way affect physiological functions and well-being. What's more, bloodletting has a healing effect. In addition, now in order to donate blood, you need to undergo a thorough medical examination, and the doctor will tell you in detail how to donate blood correctly, and will not allow even the slightest risk to your health, since the state cares about the safety of donors and patients.
In our time, many potential donors are interested in the question, is it useful to donate blood?
The benefit of donation for the body lies in the fact that during blood loss, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the immune system, pancreas, atherosclerosis, digestive disorders are prevented and resistance to blood loss in accidents, operations, burns or accidents is developed. Also, donation can remove ballast from the body in the form of excess blood and its elements, prolong your youth by stimulating bleeding and self-renewal of the body and, of course, bring considerable satisfaction from the good deed you have implemented. Do you still doubt whether it is useful to donate blood?
Donation activates the bleeding system - red bone marrow cells, and increases immunity. The body is affected by the unloading of the spleen and liver, and according to the latest data, the risk of atherosclerosis, thrombus formation and coronary heart disease is reduced. Finnish scientists claim that men who donate blood have a tenfold lower risk of heart attack, and American researchers report that male donors are much less likely to suffer from heart attacks. Regular blood flow keeps cholesterol low.
When donating blood, prevention of all so-called "storage diseases", which include gout, indigestion and pancreatic activity, as well as diseases of the basal metabolism and liver, takes place. Blood loss is also useful for preventive purposes.
If you are still in doubt whether it is beneficial to donate blood, remember that those donors who donate blood on a regular basis are among the healthiest people in the world! According to the WHO, donors live 5 years longer than the average person.
Blood donors do not have to worry about their health, since absolutely all procedures are performed with disposable sterile systems under the supervision of a doctor.
A capable person who has reached the age of 18, has undergone a medical examination and has a permanent registration can become a donor. He is entitled to two days off, one of which falls on the day of donating blood, and the second one at the choice of the donor himself, determination of the blood group, blood test, blood test for diseases such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, as well as a doctor's examination.
Infection of the donor is absolutely excluded, since doctors use individual disposable systems for blood sampling, and the sensations from blood loss are purely individual, but most donors do not experience any pain at all. Some people feel a surge of cheerfulness and a desire to work, and absolutely everyone feels a lot of positive emotions from the fact that they helped save their lives!
Within 30-40 days, the blood composition is completely restored. The blood donation process is completely safe and does not cause any harm to the body. To ensure complete safety, the donor's blood is quarantined and after six months the donor must undergo a second examination, according to the results of which the blood is supplied to city hospitals. So do you think it is good to donate blood?
Experts confirm the positive effect of donation on the body. In some countries, donation is part of a healthy lifestyle, along with exercise and proper nutrition.
Benefits of blood donation
According to studies conducted in Finland and the United States, people who regularly donate blood are less prone to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Also, according to the observations of foreign researchers, blood donors live 5-8 years longer than the average person.
Donating blood in a significant amount for the body is a kind of training. In the event of a car accident or other incident involving a large blood loss, the donor has a high probability of surviving.
The donor's blood is tested for various infections (for example, HIV, hepatitis and syphilis) and indicators such as hemoglobin, leukocytes, erythrocytes, etc. The blood is in quarantine for six months, after which infectious diseases that have not been identified earlier may also be found. Therefore, those who donate on a regular basis do not have to worry about their health.
Immediately after taking blood, the body begins to restore it. The bone marrow starts making new red blood cells - red blood cells. These are the cells that deliver oxygen to all organs. In addition, stem cells are formed in the bone marrow, from which the tissues of our body are formed. Thus, blood donation renews the entire human body.
And, finally, it is useful to donate blood, because the donor feels the joy of the good deed done, because thanks to him, someone's life may be saved.
Donation safety
Donating blood today is a completely safe procedure. Blood transfusion stations use disposable medical systems (needles, tubes and bags) that are sterile and open at the donor. Therefore, contrary to fears, a person has no chance of getting infected.
The blood loss experienced by the donor also poses no threat. Usually, about 450 ml of blood is taken at a time, which is no more than 10% of its total volume. Almost immediately after this procedure, a person can get up, have a cup of tea and go home. Within a day or two, the amount of blood in the donor's body will be replenished.
Requirements and contraindications
An applicant for a blood donation must be healthy, the permissible age is from 18 to 60 years. Men are recommended to donate blood no more than once every two months, women - once every three months. You will not be able to become a donor if your weight is less than 50 kg.
A person who has recently had the flu or acute respiratory infections will be able to donate blood only after a month, and after the operation, not earlier than six months later. Those who have had viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases (there are more than forty of them) are removed from donation. Medical institutions need only high-quality blood, so it is extremely important that the donor does not have any health problems.
Is it useful to donate blood: myths, facts, hope
In the fog of myths
Questions about whether it is useful to donate blood or not, despite numerous articles and TV shows about it, still arise. The older generation is much better aware of this due to the widespread free donation in the USSR since the mid-1950s. By the mid-1980s, four out of five Soviet donors were donating their blood for free. But by the beginning of the 21st century, a serious crisis began: there were only 13 donors per thousand Russians. Blood donation is now slowly improving. Unfortunately, it is largely hampered not only by the ignorance of the middle and younger generation, but also by the pseudo-sensations associated with donating blood, which are periodically launched by the yellow media. It is not surprising that there are so many myths around donation.
Tempered like blood!
Everyone who came to the transfusion center (blood transfusion station) could make sure that there was no risk of getting infected during donation: all the instruments are disposable, kept sealed, opened only before donating blood and in the presence of the donor himself. But is it beneficial to donate blood for the human body? Research proves convincingly: yes! Donating blood lowers high blood pressure. A small blood loss (450 ml), which does not significantly affect the state of a healthy person, includes several protective mechanisms in the body at once. The bone marrow begins to work actively. Old erythrocytes and leukocytes that have become harmful to the circulatory system are replaced with new ones. An additional effect is the strengthening of the immune system. Regular blood donation (for men - 5 times a year, for women - 4) adjusts the body to a certain pattern of actions in case of blood loss. Therefore, in a situation where the donor is bleeding profusely (for example, in an accident), he has a better chance of surviving. In addition, a number of tests, for which you usually need to fork out, are done free of charge before donating blood.
Scarcity kills
With the question of whether it is useful to donate blood, everything seems to be clear. But is it necessary? After all, there is already enough blood! This is truly a deadly myth for those to whom it relates. Deficiency of donated blood is felt every day and everywhere. And since 2008, when this state of affairs was recognized as threatening the country's security, too little time has passed for the situation to improve significantly. Even if you come to donate blood for mercantile purposes (to receive monetary compensation or hot meals), be aware that the principle "one donor - one saved human life" is still valid. Well, those who donate blood at the call of their hearts do not need to say anything. Such people are truly worth their weight in gold.
It happens that it is impossible
After such words, it would be surprising to know that donating blood is harmful. But this is true only in some cases. Donation can harm the health of those who are under 18 and over 65, who weigh less than 50 kg, whose temperature, blood pressure and hemoglobin readings do not fit within the normative limits, as well as those who spent a sleepless night or neglected breakfast in the morning ... Women during critical days, plus or minus a week, pregnant and lactating mothers should also not donate blood. In addition, there is a list of absolute (no statute of limitations) and temporary contraindications to donation.
Everything is very simple
Any transfusiologist will tell you how to donate blood correctly. I would like to draw attention to the need to have a light breakfast in the morning, give up alcohol (48 hours before donating blood and 24 hours after) and smoking (an hour before and an hour after). At the end of the procedure, you should not drive for two hours and no vaccinations should be given for at least 10 days. Having followed all the recommendations, you can easily endure a small blood loss and quickly restore your health.
The choice is yours
You can be sure that not a single drop of blood donated by you will be wasted. And don’t think about whether donating blood is useful. Alas, trouble can happen to anyone. Nobody is safe from her. And a full-fledged blood bank is a ray of hope for those who need an urgent transfusion, who are on the unsteady line between life and death. Do you have the courage to put your 450 milliliters on the cup of another person's life so that it outweighs?
Blood loss is a process to which the human body has adapted for centuries in the process of all kinds of conflicts: wars, fights. From a medical point of view, donation is natural and beneficial for a person. Experts from all over the world have repeatedly proved that this procedure has a healing effect.
The usual dose of blood that is lost during donation is 450 ml, and only platelets are taken. With such an amount of blood loss, the body does not suffer, and the state of health does not deteriorate. Today, blood donation for donation takes place under the strict supervision of doctors. Everyone who wants to donate blood will have a mandatory medical examination, first of all - since a potential donor with low hemoglobin himself needs treatment - and the types of hepatitis, which is not discussed. At the consultation, they tell in detail about how it is useful to donate blood, how it is done. Therefore, the slightest risks are excluded for health. The state takes care of the safety of people who agree to come to the blood transfusion center.
What is the benefit of donating blood for the body?
The most useful points include:
- and blood circulation in general, general human recovery;
- prevention of heart disease, spleen and liver disease;
- it has been proven that the periodic delivery of plasma makes it possible to more easily tolerate all kinds of bleeding and recover faster after them.
These advantages can be obtained without taking medications, which are to a small extent, but harmful to health, so the medical benefit of donating blood for the donor lies in the donation itself.
Is blood donation good for men?
It is useful for a modern man to donate blood from time to time, because this is how you can get rid of excess iron and various toxins. This stimulates the work of the entire hematopoietic system, trains the body, rejuvenates. The blood volume is renewed faster, which means it is restored faster. According to statistics, in men who are donors, myocardial infarction is less common than in those who have never donated blood. Through regular training of blood vessels, pressure can be returned to normal. Therefore, it is useful to donate blood to a man, because normal blood flow is maintained in all organs, and as an additional effect, a normal erection is provided until old age. For men's health, this factor is very significant.
Why is it useful to donate blood to women?
Donation is not harmful for girls, women, but on the contrary, it is very useful. It is known that the procedure prolongs life by 5-8 years, increases resistance to blood loss. It is also useful for women to donate blood for donation because all body systems are renewed, so donors age more slowly. This is especially noticeable before menopause.
There is an opinion that a woman who donated plasma before becoming pregnant will give birth to a girl.
Donation safety
The harm and benefits of donating material have been discussed for a long time. We can say with confidence that the procedure is completely safe for the donor. Blood transfusion stations use disposable blood collection instruments. They are opened in front of the donor for his confidence and calmness.
Small loss of blood volume poses no health threat. At one time, no more than 10% of the total blood volume is taken from a person. Immediately upon completion of the procedure, you can get up, drink sweet tea with crackers and go about your business. The amount of the delivered material will be replenished in just one or two days.
It is an honor to be a donor. The procedure is disinterested, it can save the life of more than one person. The state gives rewards to donors who donated plasma more than 40 times. These are annual payments and various benefits: vouchers to a sanatorium, time off.
Donation is practiced in different countries. In Russia, the volunteer movement is gaining momentum. He has many supporters and opponents. Supporters argue that if you donate blood at a certain frequency, it will extend life by several years. And opponents argue that donating blood is a huge stress for the body, and even during the procedure for taking blood, they can bring an infection, almost HIV. Let's try to figure out whether donating blood is useful or harmful.
Who can donate blood?
It is allowed to donate blood to men and women from 18 to 60 years old who have a permanent registration in the Russian Federation. There are certain contraindications, in the presence of which it is impossible to donate blood:
- HIV, hepatitis, or other infectious disease;
- , lactation;
- Diabetes;
- Weight less than 50 kg;
- Anemia;
- 6 - month postoperative period;
- Low pressure.
Always before donating blood, a doctor's examination is required. And only he decides who is allowed to donate blood and who is not. In any case, if you feel unwell, donating blood should be abandoned until the condition improves.
How to prepare for a blood donation?
Donating blood is a simple process on the one hand, but with improper preparation and behavior, the donor may feel bad, or the quality of the blood will decrease. After all, the main task of the donor is to give good blood that will help another person. You cannot make money on this, the material compensation is very modest. And most of the donors are acting with high moral motives. A couple of days before the procedure, alcohol and medication should be absolutely excluded. On the eve it is desirable not.
It is not recommended to donate blood while on a strict diet of kefir and apples. This is especially true for women. Because with insufficient nutrition, when the body lacks some nutrients and vitamins, one feels weakness, fatigue, and weakness. And with blood sampling, the condition may worsen up to loss of consciousness. But the skew in the opposite direction is also not needed, you should not overeat on the eve of fast food, salty, fatty foods. Better to focus on fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, kefir, cereals. On the eve of the procedure, you need to sleep well, so that on the day of delivery you feel rested and full of energy. Psychological preparation is also important. Calmness, calmness and nothing else. If a person is panicky afraid of the sight of blood, injections, then donation is most likely not his. Donating blood is a matter of personal choice.
Blood donation procedure
The blood is collected by a medical professional using disposable sterile instruments. Therefore, there is practically no risk of getting an infection after the procedure.
During this procedure, 450 ml of blood is usually taken. This is about 10% of all blood that is in the human body. Therefore, there is no threat to life or health. Women are advised to donate blood no more than 4 times a year, and men -5. This can be explained by concern for the health of the donor. Otherwise, hemoglobin in the blood may decrease, or the body will not be able to fully recover. As a result, for example, immunity may decrease, sugar levels rise. After the procedure, you need to drink warm tea with sugar and eat well. On this day, you may feel a little weakness, fatigue. Therefore, on this day you need to eat often, but a little, do not work, at least physically and go to bed early.
The effect of donating blood on the body
Taking a small amount of blood has a stimulating effect on the entire body. Previously, even bloodletting was treated for high blood pressure. Now there are more effective means to normalize blood pressure. But the positive effect of donating blood cannot be denied. In particular, the following aspects can be noted:
Benefits for donors
Donors are entitled to receive specific benefits. Allocate common and honorary donors. Honorary donors include people who were able to donate blood at least 40 times, or plasma at least 60 times. Honorary donor status guarantees more benefits. In any case, a person who donated blood can count on the following benefits:
- Two paid days off. The first is given on the very day of the procedure, the second on any day at the request of the donor. You can even join this day for a vacation;
- Food at public expense on the day of the procedure or compensation in cash;
- In the case of donating blood free of charge in the amount of double the rate for one year, the donor has the right to receive a preferential voucher for sanitary - resort treatment at the place of work or study in the first place.
Honorary donors, in addition to the above, are entitled to:
- Providing medical care out of turn in public medical institutions;
- Receiving material rewards every year;
- Getting vacation every year at the desired time;
- First of all, the right to receive a preferential voucher for sanitary - spa treatment.
Thus, we received an answer to the question: is it useful to donate blood? We learned about the positive effect of the blood donation procedure on the human body, but subject to proper preparation, as well as observing the normal regime after the procedure. In addition, it should be understood that when donating blood on a regular basis, you will have to carefully monitor your health. And together with the positive effects that blood donation has on the whole body, good health, youth, longevity are guaranteed.
Donation video
In this video, you will find out why donating blood:
