Blood donation is considered to be a good karma and a noble cause. You are helping people who need blood in emergency situations by donating yours. Blood donated by a single person can save up to three lives. But many times people are worried about donating blood considering the after effects of donating blood. Some consider it to be a very painful process and avoid donating. Not all of these myths are true about donating blood. Here are the facts and the myths related to donating blood that you need to know.
Some Myths and Facts about Blood Donation
Myth – Blood donation is very painful.
Fact – This is a very common myth stating that the blood donation process is very painful for the donor. The truth is, blood donation is a painless process except the pinching feeling you get while the needle is pricked.
Myth – Blood should not be donated frequently.
Fact – Many people have the notion in their minds that blood should not be donated very frequently. Though this is not completely wrong, but a healthy person can easily donate about 3-4 times in a year with a minimum gap of three months between each donation.
Myth – Donating blood alters sugar levels and blood pressure in your body.
Fact – Donating blood does not alter your sugar and blood pressure at all unless your values before donation are within normal limits. Though people with diabetes who are on insulin are not allowed to donate blood.
Myth – Regular blood donation leads to obesity.
Fact – Donating blood regularly does not have any kind of effect on your weight. Though due to blood donation some people might eat more and put on weight and avoid exercising thereafter. Such practices may cause obesity but it’s completely in the hands of the donor.
Myth – A person who is fasting should not donate blood.
Fact – This fact is true. Anyone who is fasting should not donate blood on that day as one needs to have a good meal a few hours before donating blood.
Myth – Body has limited blood and we can’t give that away.
Fact – During every blood donation session only about 350ml – 450ml blood is taken away. The body makes new blood on its own after every donation session so there is always enough blood for your body.
Myth – Someone who is on medications can not donate blood.
Fact – This fact is true. If someone is on medications it is not advised to donate blood but again it depends on the type of medications they are on.
Myth – Old people can not donate blood.
Fact – People above the age of 60 who are healthy and fit can still donate blood.
Donating blood is a noble and kind act. Donating blood can save many lives and it doesn’t harm you anyway so everyone who is fit to donate should do so. Though there are many myths related to blood donating and it’s after effects on the body. Above given is a list of all the most common myths and facts related to it.