Blood

Each year, thousands of people rely on receiving donated blood and blood products to stay alive.
Certain injuries and illnesses can quickly cause a person's blood levels to drop. Without enough blood, they will not receive enough oxygen in their body, resulting in death.

Many hospitals and medical centers utilize donated blood to save the lives of their patients.

What are the advantages of donating blood?
While donated blood is beneficial for people in need, some medical professionals maintain that donating blood also benefits the donor.

Reduces iron levels

Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. However, too much iron can be harmful to a person's health. It can deposit into different organs of the body, such as the liver and heart, and affect the way those organs functions.

Helps people feel good about themselves

Donating blood has the power to impact up to three people who need the blood to survive.

Knowing that they have made a difference to the lives of others can relieve a person's stress and make them feel mentally well or better about themselves than they did before.

Burns calories

Donating blood burns up to 650 calories per donation, according to the St. Mary's Medical Center, Blue Springs, MO. While giving blood should not be an alternative to exercise, the calories burned might be seen as of occasional benefit by some.

In the right person, blood donation offers many health benefits with few risks. Blood banks usually take every precaution possible to help a blood donor give their blood safely