{"id":5148,"date":"2019-03-23T09:40:17","date_gmt":"2019-03-23T16:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/?p=5148"},"modified":"2025-04-08T02:18:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T09:18:25","slug":"giving-blood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/giving-blood\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving Blood: What to Expect & 5 Benefits of Donating"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While I wouldn\u2019t go as far as saying that I am a trypanophobic, the sight of needles and blood do make me nervous to a certain degree. And that is why giving blood<\/em> was on my bucket list<\/a> for so long without a checkmark next to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as I always say, sometimes you need to push through the fear and look at the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. And there are plenty of advantages when it comes to donating blood. From cancer treatments to high-risk surgeries, you take a little part in helping save lives. It is a random act of kindness<\/a> where you lose nothing, but gain a priceless altruistic feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Expect from Giving Blood: Donation Benefits, Needle Gauge & More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Benefits of Donating Blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In case you haven’t thought about it before, here are a few benefits and advantages of giving blood:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we were busy gobbling down cheeseburgers and French fries over the years (I\u2019m guilty of this too!), our blood thickens significantly. When blood viscosity increases, so does the risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. One easy way you can lower blood viscosity is by donating blood regularly. Studies have shown that it lowers the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the bad guy!), hence, decreasing the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lowers the Risk of Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though by a very slim margin, a study conducted by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute<\/a> showed that donation of blood maintains iron stores in the body at healthy levels.  These lower iron levels are associated with the a lower risk of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Liver Stays Healthy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron load can also cause irreversible damage to your heart and liver. When you donate blood, you deplete the iron stores which helps to prevent iron-linked liver diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Reduces Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We may take it quite lightly, but helping our fellow humans has a major effect on us. Positive vibes, guys! Research has shown that through blood donation, people have felt happier, lighter and a part of the community. It reduces stress and offers a sense of belonging. You simply feel better about yourself when you do something good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. It’s a Free Mini-Checkup!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us are too consumed with our day-to-day lives to visit our family physicians regularly. When you go to donate blood, you get a free examination that typically includes blood work, pulse, blood pressure, hemoglobin level and body temperature. The mini-health screening can detect some underlying infections and whether you are at a risk of heart disease or not. This is definitely not meant to replace seeing your doctor regularly, but it is like getting a free in between check-up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Expect When Giving Blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll be honest, it is not all cupcakes and butterflies (though there might be cupcakes waiting for you afterwards!). Donating blood is slightly uncomfortable, but usually just for a second or two when you are pricked. The first needle is typically a quick pinch in the finger just to test your iron levels to make sure you are a candidate for giving blood. If you pass, then you are pricked one more time with the withdrawal needle. Other than that, there is usually no pain when the blood is being drawn. If you are in a good health, you shouldn\u2019t face any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the needle is removed and you stand up, you may feel a little dizzy and lightheaded. If that is the case, lie down for a while, eat something (which they usually provide for you) and drink lots of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My Experience:<\/strong> If the thought of giving blood really makes you nervous, then bring someone for support. On my first time I needed my mom for some security and strength. She had given blood many times before and convinced me that the feeling of saving lives would far outweigh the fear of that needle piercing my poor, unscathed arm (she was right!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the volunteers at Blood Bank of the Redwoods also made me feel comfortable and were so accommodating to my annoying requests; to place my chair adjoining my moms, to use the smallest needle possible while giving blood (they said they did, but may have been fibbing) and to take many photos as proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like in most cases, the anticipation was far worse than the pain. Actually, the little finger prick was worth than the bigger needle! With my needle in, I was told to relax for the next 7-8 minutes until my one-pint of blood (enough to save 3 lives) was withdrawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the procedure I got up from my lounge chair slowly, fully expecting to feel hazy, but there was nothing. Really, nothing. We headed over to the hodge-podge of grub suited for a children\u2019s birthday party, and I quickly reached for the Chips Ahoy feeling that I deserved to indulge in this sugary, high calorie treat. I just got done giving blood for Gods sake!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Here is what you need to know before you donate blood for the first time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n