Do you know you are not only benefiting others when you donate blood, but you are benefiting your health too? The Programme Manager of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigerians (IHVN), Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar revealed regular blood donation will improve body fitness and lower calories level of a donor.
He made the revelation at a blood donation drive organized to mark the 2018 World Blood Donor Day.
Abubakar said donating a pint of blood (450ml) removes 650 calories from the body of the donor.
Speaking on this year World Blood Donor Day, he said the theme of this year celebration, “blood donation as an act of solidarity” came with a slogan, “be there for someone else”.
According to the Programme Manager, blood donation can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions have a better and longer life.
Speaking further, he said blood donation aids production of new blood cells, saying: “When blood is withdrawn, the donor’s body immediately begins to replenish the lost blood within 24 hours of donation.
“All of the red blood cells the donor loses during donation are completely replaced within one month to two months.”
Some donor who spoke to newsmen testified to how donating blood has greatly benefited their health.
Fawehinmi Akindele, a donor who is also the Safety and Security Officer, IHVN, said that there was no pain in donating blood rather there was more gain.
” I have been donating blood for 22 years now and I don’t regret it, I donate every three months and am glad my blood has been saving lives.
” I used to suffer high blood pressure but I realized that each time I donate blood, my blood pressure reduces to normal, so donating blood reduces my blood pressure tremendously,” he said.
Another donor, Ezeibe Ikechukwu said: ”I will do this over and over again because the purpose is to help someone who is dying”.
See: World Blood Donor Day: How Donating Blood Can Improve Your Health
