4 Benefits You Get When Donating Blood

July 21, 2017

You might be one of those people who are being encouraged to donate blood solely for the benefit of others who are in need. But did you know that donating blood has several benefits for you, too? Aside from having that good feeling of being able to help and save lives, you get these awesome benefits, as well:

1. Gives you a free health check up

Before you can donate blood, you will have to undergo several blood tests… for free! This is to ensure that the blood you donate is healthy and is free from diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, that can be passed on through transfusions. So not only the health of the patient in need of blood can be saved, but yours, too, by getting to monitor your blood for possible illnesses.

Although donating blood regularly can provide your blood a free health check, it still isn’t enough to ensure the safety of your overall health. Worry not, you can make it possible by getting a health card that will cover your healthcare expenses. Get one that is not only affordable but also provides both inpatient and outpatient benefits, such as HealthSure Card. Now, getting health protection doesn’t have to be expensive!

2. Reduces the risk of liver cancer

Studies have shown that donating blood can reduce the risk of liver cancer by keeping your iron stores at a healthy level. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2008 ran a test to see which group showed a decrease in their iron stores and the results were outstanding: those who donated blood regularly reduced their risk of having cancer; while those who didn’t, have a higher risk.

If liver cancer is prominent in your family, chances are, you wouldn’t be able to help yourself from worrying and overthinking of the possibility of you getting it despite knowing that blood transfusion reduces that risk. To help you ease your mind, get a health insurance plan that will help you cover your hospitalization expenses once you are diagnosed with a terminal illness such as cancer. It won’t cost you a lot, lowest premium is not even over thirteen pesos per day!

3. Reduces the risk of heart and liver disease

It has been proven that donating blood can reduce the risk of heart and liver diseases caused by high level of iron stores in the body. Since the amount of iron absorbed by the body is only limited, the excess gets stored in the heart, liver, and pancreas. Over time, this will eventually lead to heart and liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure, heart abnormalities and damage to the pancreas, Organic Facts reported.

For some cases, some people can’t donate their blood because they aren’t eligible, this increases their risk of being sick with these diseases. Should you be one of them, the best way to protect yourself is to eat a healthy diet, consult your doctor regularly and get your health and savings protection in the form of health insurance that provides coverage for critical illness. This will give you additional cash assistance when you get diagnosed.

4. Helps you burn calories

Who would’ve thought, right? According to a study done by the University of California, you burn approximately 650 calories for every one pint of blood you donate. 650 calories! That’s like running in place for an hour! Although blood donation could help you lose your weight, this should not be your sole mean for weight loss as you can only do this once in every two to three months.

If you’re into losing weight, it’s best to do your routine exercise, maintain your healthy diet, and keep a positive mindset to achieve the fit bod you’ve always wanted. Remember that there is no shortcut to everything!

July is National Blood Donor’s Month. Take advantage of this event to donate blood and save lives!

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