Image credit: N and People’s Tonight (June 17, 2015 issue)

Do you know that donating blood does not only benefit the recipient, but the giver as well? One great benefit of giving blood is that you help others live. You see, our blood has several components such as red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these components is useful to someone needing them. As for the health benefits, you will be amazed to know that blood donation reduces the person’s risk to heart attack and cancer. Blood donation replenishes the blood production in the body and as a result it helps the body stay healthy and strong.

There are foundations that sponsor blood letting project inside the mall. So if you happen to be at the mall where a blood-letting activity is taking place, you can visit them and see if you qualify to donate blood.

You can donate blood if you…

• Are in good health
• Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
• Weigh at least 110 pounds;
• Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
• Pass the physical and health history assessments.

Potential donors are carefully screened by the Philippine Red Cross Blood Services Facilities. The screening guidelines are necessary to ensure that blood donation is safe for you and that it is safe for the person who will be receiving your blood.

*World Blood Donor Day is observed every 14th of June to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their voluntary life-saving gifts of blood. This year’s theme: “Safe blood for saving mothers“. – wiki

Image credit: Sura Nualpradid – FreeDigitalPhotos.net