June 14th, 2024 is identified as World Blood Donor Day, celebrating 20 years of honoring and expressing gratitude to blood donors throughout the globe. The theme for this year is "20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors," which highlights the long-lasting effects of voluntary blood donation throughout the previous two decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) is in charge of organising the day, which strives to increase blood donation rates and public awareness of the vital need for safe blood. Donating blood is an easy yet effective approach to save lives since it is necessary for operations, cancer treatments, and emergency care. The event this year invites more individuals to join this life-saving endeavour while honouring the generosity of former and current contributors.[1]

How Does Blood Donation Help?

Blood donation is essential because it can save lives in several ways. Donating blood gives people in need of treatment access to a valuable resource. For example, blood transfusions are frequently necessary for individuals involved in major accidents to restore lost blood. The difference between life and death might be this. 

In addition, a lot of surgical patients require blood to make sure they have enough both before and after the procedure. These procedures might not be possible in the absence of a sufficient blood supply. Similarly, because chemotherapy and other therapies can lower blood cell counts, cancer patients frequently require blood transfusions. Frequent blood donations guarantee that these patients have access to the supplies they require to fend against disease and heal.

Individuals with long-term illnesses like sickle cell disease or severe anaemia, who need frequent transfusions to be healthy, also need blood donors. You may directly support their continued care and enhance their quality of life by giving blood.

On World Blood Donor Day, we get the opportunity to honour and appreciate the selflessness of blood donors. It's a day to express gratitude to those whose donations have saved lives. It also serves as a beginning, urging more individuals to Aditya Birla regularly. Because blood can be divided into numerous components including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, each of which can be utilised to treat different illnesses, every donation can benefit several individuals.

The day also serves to inform the public about the simplicity and safety of blood donation. The procedure is safe and causes little discomfort, and it typically takes less than an hour. World Blood Donor Day seeks to eliminate misunderstandings and anxieties about blood donation via education, encouraging more people to give.

Who can be Blood Donors?

Individuals who donate blood do so willingly to save lives. Donating blood is essential because it supplies the blood required for medical procedures, cancer treatments, long-term diseases, and severe injuries. A blood donor can be almost anybody in good health, weighing at least 110 pounds, and between the ages of 16 and 65 (or older in some areas).

Key criteria for blood donors include the following:

• Age and Weight: Most places ask donors to be 110 pounds (50 kg) or older, have parental permission, and be at least 16 years old. Certain areas have upper age restrictions, often ranging from 65 to 70 years old, but with a doctor's clearance, healthy seniors can frequently donate.

• Health: Donors should feel well and be able to carry out their regular activities. They should also be in good general health. Fever, the flu, or some chronic conditions might prevent a person from donating organs either temporarily or permanently.

• Travel and Lifestyle: Prior visits to specific areas, especially those afflicted with malaria or other infectious illnesses, may have an impact on eligibility. There may need to be a waiting time before donating due to lifestyle variables such as recent tattoos or piercings. 

• Medications and Medical Conditions: Donors may be prevented from donating by certain medications and medical conditions. Prospective donors must talk to the blood donation facility about their medical background.

• Time Between Donations: Generally, donors of whole blood must wait eight weeks between donations. Donations of plasma and platelets occur at distinct, frequently shorter times.

Donating blood not only makes a community healthier, but it also has the potential to save many lives. It's a small yet impactful act of kindness and humanity that has enormous positive effects on society.

Health Benefits of Blood Donation

Blood donation benefits the donor's health. The following points are a few health benefits of blood donation:

• Better Heart Health: Giving blood regularly keeps your body's iron levels in a healthy range. Your cardiovascular health may be impacted by oxidative damage caused by an excess of iron. Giving blood helps cut down on extra iron, which in turn lowers the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

• Improved Blood Flow: Donating blood can keep your blood from being overly sticky and thick, which can improve circulation and lower your chance of blood clots. This makes it possible for your organs to get nutrients and oxygen more effectively.

• Lower Cancer Risk: Donating blood helps manage iron levels, which may lower the risk of some cancers, such as liver, colon, lung, and throat cancers since excessive iron levels are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

• Free Health Check-Up: Before blood donation, you get a basic health examination that includes measurements of your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and haemoglobin levels. This mini-physical can aid in the early detection of any health problems, and a free indirect health screening is provided by the testing of your blood for a variety of diseases.

• Stimulation of Blood Cell Production: Your body begins to replace any blood lost during donation. This initiates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. Your body replaces the given red blood cells with new ones in a few days after replenishing the plasma. This procedure guarantees that your body continues to function properly and helps maintain the health of your blood.

What to consume after giving blood?

After donating blood, it's critical to focus on hydrating and replenishing lost nutrients. These are some fundamental rules on what to eat:

1. Hydration: Drink a lot of liquids to replace lost volume. While water is ideal, juices or sports drinks can also be helpful. Attempt to drink 16 ounces more of liquids within the next 24 hours.

2. Iron-rich Meals: Adding iron-rich foods to your diet will help recover your iron levels because blood donation can lower them. Among the best choices are:

3. Red meat, such as liver or steak:

• Non-veg (e.g., turkey or chicken)
• Fish, such as tuna or salmon
• leafy greens, such as kale or spinach

4. Legumes: beans and lentils cereals enhanced with vitamins

5. Vitamin C: This vitamin facilitates the body's more effective absorption of iron. Combine meals high in iron with vitamin C sources, such as:

• Citrus fruits, such as grapefruits and oranges
• Berries, such as strawberry
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a quick and healthy recovery after donating blood.

Myths on Blood Donation

2024's World Blood Donor Day is an excellent opportunity to eliminate some widespread misconceptions about blood donation. Contrary to popular belief, donating blood is a straightforward action that saves numerous lives.

Myth 1: Giving blood hurts.

Reality: Most donors report that the procedure is not very painful, however, they may experience a brief pang when the needle is inserted. When you consider the potential lives you may save, the slight inconvenience is well worth it.

Myth 2: Giving blood can spread illnesses.

Reality: Giving blood is an extremely safe procedure. There is no chance of infection because all of the used needles and equipment are sterile and disposable.

Myth 3: It takes time to donate blood.

Reality: It usually takes an hour to complete the full process, which includes registration, a mini-physical, donation, and a little recuperation period. The actual blood donation only takes ten minutes or less.

Myth 4: After giving, you must take a long time to relax.

Reality: Most donors get right back to their regular activities right away. You can carry on as normal, however, you might want to avoid doing any hard lifting or vigorous activity for the remainder of the day. 

Myth 5: Donating blood is harmful to your health.

Reality: Blood donation keeps you healthy and physically fit. Ultimately the pre-medical health check-ups during the purchase of health insurance, you pass with flying colours. To learn more about what is included in the medical check-ups you can connect with our customer care advisor at 7551196989. 

There are the best health insurance companies that provide health coverage at low premium rates for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Blood Donor Day 2024 serves as a touching reminder of the critical role blood donors play in saving lives and enhancing healthcare worldwide. This year's theme, "20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors," emphasises the profound impact a single donation can have, and promotes a sense of community and shared responsibility. By raising awareness and encouraging more people to donate, we can ensure a stable and safe blood supply, crucial for emergency responses and routine medical treatments alike. As we celebrate the selfless contributions of donors, let's commit to supporting and expanding these lifesaving efforts, ensuring that everyone in need has access to this vital resource.

Reference

[1]https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2024#:~:text=On%20World%20Blood%20Donor%20Day,giving%3A%20thank%20you%20blood%20donors!