The holidays are over, it’s a new year and winter is in full swing. You know what that means: it's time to donate blood!
While blood donation may not have actually been the first thing that came to mind, January really is a great time to consider this life-saving act. According to Nancy Canfield, Benefits Coordinator at Chester County Hospital, “During the winter months, blood donations plummet due to holiday festivities, snow and inclement weather, and the peak of cold and flu season.”
To boost the nation’s blood supply, January is designated as National Blood Donor Month. Whether you’re an experienced blood donor, or you’re considering it for the first time, there are plenty of reasons to give blood this month — starting with saving lives.
This year, as a result of COVID-19 and the delta variant outbreak, blood donations are even more critical. In September 2021, donor turnout hit the lowest levels of the year.
Saving lives is the most essential — and most well-known — benefit of donating blood.
However, there are a few perks that you might not be aware of. Here are 3 benefits of donating blood that may come as a surprise.
1. Blood Donation Comes With a Free, Quick and Easy Health Assessment.
While other people's lives and well-being may be on your mind when you donate blood, you'll also get a free mini-health assessment of your own in return.
Before blood donation, a trained staff member will check your:
- Blood Pressure: Untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of health complications such as heart attack and stroke. Unfortunately, high blood pressure doesn't always have symptoms and is often referred to as the "silent killer".
- Pulse: Your pulse rate — how many times your heart beats per minute — can let you know how well your heart is working. If your heart rate is too slow, too fast, or irregular, that can point to an underlying health condition, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Hemoglobin: This essential protein in your blood contains iron, and it has the important job of carrying oxygen to tissues in your body. If your hemoglobin is too low (called anemia), that might indicate a health concern.
All of these factors can help you better understand your own health. If you have questions about your results on your health assessment, talk to your Chester County Hospital primary care provider.
2. Blood Donation Helps You Learn Your Blood Type and Rh Factor.
Your blood has always been an essential component of your livelihood — but do you know what type of blood is in your body?
When you donate blood, you’ll learn two important aspects of your blood:
- Your blood type
- Your Rh factor
There are four major blood groups — A, B, AB and O. These are determined by whether or not A and B proteins (called antigens) are on the surface of your red blood cells. There’s also the Rh factor, which can either be present (+) or absent (-). This indicates whether or not you have this surface cell protein.
The combination of these two factors leaves you with your blood type. For instance, your blood type can be A+, AB-, or O+.
Knowing your blood type can help you and your loved ones if you ever need a blood transfusion or transplant. If blood types don't match, your body might attack the donated cells and cause a severe immune response.
The Rh factor is also important in pregnancy, and testing can prevent severe anemia and jaundice in newborns.
3. Blood Donation Makes You Feel Good.
Giving — whether it’s time, money, or even your blood — provides you with a nice boost to your emotional well-being.
"Helping others through blood donation improves your emotional wellbeing, as it provides you with a sense of purpose, knowing you’re saving someone’s life," says Nancy. In short, blood donation makes you feel happy. And if these past few years have taught us anything, feeling good, healthy and connected to others are some of the greatest gifts around.
This January (and the rest of the year), consider donating blood. You'll benefit others — and you'll also benefit yourself in the process.
Sign up to donate blood by visiting the American Red Cross to schedule an appointment in your area.
If you have questions about whether you’re eligible, read about who should not be a blood donor (and other questions you might have about blood donation) or talk to your Chester County Hospital primary care provider.