The most precious gift you can give another human being is the gift of life. If you are able to donate blood then giving life is essentially what you are doing; your blood can be used to save the life (or lives) of others.
People need blood transfusions for many different reasons, including haemorrhaging due to pregnancy and childbirth complications, as a result of severe trauma, to replace blood lost during complex surgical or medical procedures, and as a result of conditions including cancer, thalassaemia, sickle cell, haemophilia and severe anaemia. Blood can also be used to help offer terminally ill patients better quality of life and, even if your blood is not suitable for transfusion, it can be used in other clinical areas, such as research, training and in the development of tests and treatments.
Blood can only be stored for a specific length of time, which is why it is valuable to register as a donor and provide regular samples, which entails giving blood every twelve weeks (if you are male) or sixteen weeks (if you are female) . And, although it is essentially an altruistic act, giving blood offers advantages to the donor; the very act of doing something altruistic results in reduced stress, improved emotional well-being, physical health benefits, a more positive frame of mind and a reduction in feelings of isolation. And if that isn’t enough, you also benefit from basic health screening, which can flag up underlying issues you were not aware of, such as low iron levels.
Most people are eligible donors. As long as you are fit and well, weigh over 50kg and under 158kg, and are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you are a previous donor, over 70 if you have donated in the last two years), you’re good to go!
To find out more, visit blood.co.uk
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