Lifeblood Legacy: Unveiling The Benefits Of Donating Blood

It is estimated that while India requires 8.5 million to 10 million units of blood annually, only about 7.4 million units are available. This indicates a significant mismatch between the demand and supply of blood in India, which may be fulfilled by proactive blood donation by the citizens of the nation. There are several reasons why one may refrain from donating blood. Fear of diseases and infections being transmitted is one of the reasons why people may not be eager to donate blood. Fear of needles, not being asked to donate blood, lack of information about the process of blood donation, as well as several misconceptions about donating blood, may add to people’s hesitancy to donate blood.

Blood Donation Benefits

Once you are able to get over these misconceptions and fears, you may realise that there are several benefits to donating blood. For some people, the most important benefit of all might be realising that your donation could either contribute towards saving a life or improve the quality of life for someone. Here are some of the common benefits of blood donation that you may experience after you donate blood.

• May reduce blood pressure

Approximately 33% of the urban population in India is living with hypertension. The number is 25% among the rural population of the country. Hypertension medicines are to be supported with lifestyle changes if the patient wants to see significant improvements in their quality of life. Donating blood may help in the management of high blood pressure. Studies show that giving blood up to four times a year can lead to significant improvement in blood pressure readings. However, if you are suffering from hypertension and considering blood donation, it is ideal to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first.

• May improve cardiovascular health

Regularly donating blood may help reduce the chances of heart attacks. Donating blood can help lower the viscosity of blood in your body, which may then reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots, stroke, and other such issues. Know that these benefits may not be immediate but may be prominent in the long run.

• May help with haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is a condition where the accumulation of iron in the body is higher than usual. This could be the result of various causes. If left untreated, it may lead to organ damage. One of the ways to manage haemochromatosis is phlebotomy – a process where blood is taken from the patient’s body and disposed of. However, an alternative for these patients could be blood donation, where the process is the same as phlebotomy on the patient’s end, except that the blood is used for other purposes instead of being discarded. It is usually considered safe for haemochromatosis patients to donate blood, but it may be best to consult your doctor first.

• Health check-up

To consider you an eligible donor for blood, a few basic checks/tests may be performed. This examination includes checks for your haemoglobin levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, and more. Therefore, when you are donating blood, you are also undergoing a free health check-up. You can address any problems detected in these exams by discussing them with your healthcare provider. If the conditions detected are covered by your health policy, you may make a health insurance claim. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy.

What to Know Before Donating Blood?

Donating blood is certainly a noble cause, but that does not mean that you should walk into it blindly. Before you go, acquaint yourself with the basics of the procedure. If you have a fear of needles, you may want to prepare yourself to face this, so the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Avoid doing this in a rush, as it may lead you to feel drained. Furthermore, make note of any instructions given to you before, during, and after the procedure. It is not uncommon to feel lightheaded after the procedure. Ensure that you hydrate yourself and eat nutritious food in the next couple of days, at least. If you feel uneasy after donating blood, consult your blood donation centre or your doctor immediately. While blood donations can earn you some significant benefits, it is not the only measure you can opt for to take care of your health. A way to protect your finances against the potential cost of crucial health situations, such as accidents, strokes, and more, is getting a health policy. Health insurance in India is available online as well as offline. You can get a health plan for yourself as well as your family. When buying health insurance in India, do not forget to compare plans, or consult the insurer representative to understand which of their health insurance offering may suit you best.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.