(blog)

On June 14, Ukraine traditionally celebrates World Blood Donor Day. This is not only a holiday for those who have already contributed to saving lives, but also a call to everyone to take part. On this day, the corridors of hospitals and blood banks are crowded with volunteers who have come to “celebrate” this day and help sick people get the blood they need. Some companies even order buses for their employees so that they can go to the donor center together if they wish.

In times of war, when every day not only the military but also ordinary city residents are threatened with their lives, the need for blood donations is extremely high. All charitable organizations urge people to unite to replenish the reserves, because it is your blood that can save lives.

Donated blood, its components, and preparations are in great demand:

• Maternity hospitals – to compensate for blood loss during difficult deliveries;
• Military hospitals – blood is constantly needed by the boys and girls who defend the country;
• Surgical departments – transfusion of blood components is an integral part of surgical operations;
• Burn centers – constant transfusions of plasma are needed as the main fluid that helps to recover from burns of varying degrees;
• Oncology departments – a child undergoing treatment for cancer needs about 40 donors throughout the treatment.

Blood and its components are needed:

• patients with blood diseases (anemia, hemophilia, etc.)
• people with chronic diseases for whom blood components are vital;
• victims of serious accidents, natural disasters, etc.

This charity will have beneficial consequences not only for the patient but also for the donor. For example:

• Donation stimulates the heart, liver, and spleen.
• Regular donation reduces the risk of developing thrombosis and cancer.
• Systemic donors generally get sick less and live longer, which may be due to the benefits of the donation itself, as well as to the fact that such people lead a healthier lifestyle.
• Donated blood is tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, and before donating it, a person’s hemoglobin level and some other blood parameters are checked. So, donation is a good way to control your health to a certain extent.

The warm glow effect, when a person feels joy from doing a good deed, also affects health, including mental health.