Please consider Giving Blood this Holiday Season
My next appointment to give blood is in 12 days and I though it may be a good time to suggest to others considering donating as well. This is another cause I'm passionate about, not because of any personal impact, but because it's truly important, so easy and so few people actually do it. I'm sure most of you know someone who received blood products and some point in their lives.
Only 4 percent of eligible donors donate blood in Canada, and 2-3% in US.
That's really low and that needs to improve. For years I donated every 56 days then I just kinda stopped, life got a bit busy with work and travel. This summer they had a display here at the hospital and that's when I learned this statistic that only 4 percent of eligible donors donate and that's what spurred me to start again. I've donated 3 times since then, every 56 days and am once again committed to donating again. There's me a few months ago donating.
One thing that people don't realize is that donating blood is actually healthy for the donor.
It's a great chance for you body to rejuvenate itself, it's forced to make new blood cells. Having newer cells and less damaged old cells floating around has great benefits to your heart and circulation system. It's also a great way to eliminate some iron from your body, high levels of iron can be problematic. In fact blood lettings were a very common medical practice for over 2000 years up until the late 19th century.
Of course the people receiving the blood benefit even more
Many of them would die without receiving blood, so you really are saving another persons life! That's serious stuff, and I see it on a regular basis here at the hospital. This time of year less people donate due to life just getting so busy, but unfortunately it's also a time when lots of blood is required, especially due to accidents during the holidays. It causes supply problems this time of year, so if your considering it, nows the time to get out and donate. And if your like I was and just forgot to give for a while it's a good time to get back out there and donate.
If your in Canada check out blood.ca to see clinic locations and book, and where ever else you may be in the world I suggest hitting up good ol' google.
Footer by @bearone
I had no idea giving blood was good for you, maybe I'll give it a try!
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Love this post, I donate every 8 weeks like clock work. My sister donates her hair every other year. She gets light headed after donating, so she gives only a handful times a year. Either way, giving what you can saves lives and gives hope. Proud to know you are doing your part!
Thanks for making us aware during this holiday season especially. There is always a higher need during the holidays.
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Many people underestimate the importance of donations. Good post to put up for this holiday season @phelimint.
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