Researchers theorize this reduced risk could be because blood donation helps lower blood viscosity, thereby lowering the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke.ДЄdditionally, donating blood allows donors to learn their own blood type вЂ“ helpful info if youвЂ™re ever in need of a blood transfusion due to an emergency. Other studies have suggested that donating blood can actually lower donorsвЂ™ risk for cardiovascular disease. ThatвЂ™s because the built-in health screening and blood pressure checkups that occur before any blood donation procedure often alert donors to potential health concerns before they become severe. But the process of donating blood also offers several advantages for the donor, including better health. Benefits of blood donation includes donorsД«lood donation is lifesaving for patients who require additional healthy blood, platelets, plasma or red blood cells. Many sickle cell patients will require one or more blood transfusions throughout their lives to survive. This chronic, hereditary condition results in a lack of oxygen-rich blood, which can cause organ damage or even death. 3.В Patients with sickle cell anemiaДЄccording to the American Red Cross, sickle cell anemia вЂ“ also known as sickle cell disease вЂ“ affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. According to the Red Cross, five units of blood are needed every minute вЂ“ thatвЂ™s 7,200 units daily вЂ“ to help someone going through cancer treatment in the U.S.

Patients who are battling leukemia or lymphoma вЂ“ or who are receiving chemotherapy for other types of non-blood cancers вЂ“ often rely on donations of whole blood, platelets, plasma, or red blood cells when their ability to produce healthy red and white blood cells is negatively affected. Whole blood donation helps provide life-saving blood to patients whoвЂ™ve lost large amounts of their own blood in an accident. Trauma patientДЄccording to the American Red Cross, a car accident victim may need as many as 100 units of blood during their trauma recovery. When you give whole blood, your donation can be broken down into its component parts вЂ“ plasma, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells вЂ“ to help patients who need them.Д¬urious about how your blood donation helps? Here are just a few examples: 1. If you are at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and are in good overall health, you can donate whole blood. ItвЂ™s important to understand that there are four types of blood donation, with whole blood donation being the most common type. вЂњBlood donors are true heroes, and their selflessness saves lives every day.вЂќ The importance of blood donation вЂњWe rely on donated blood for so many essential healthcare procedures,вЂќ says Lynn Onesty, System Director of Laboratory Services.=. Donating blood saves lives.Д«lood donation is a quick, relatively painless procedure that offers a simple вЂ“ but profound вЂ“ way to help others.

On the fence about becoming a blood donor? DonвЂ™t be.

A negative blood type can donate to