5 reasons why you should donate blood

According to Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS), approximately every 10 minutes in Kenya someone needs blood.

Unfortunately, many patients who require transfusions do not have access to the much-needed safe blood. This inaccessibility contributes to the tragedy of preventable deaths in Kenya.

Barclays Bank Kenya launch a countrywide blood drive

Here are five reasons why you should donate blood

Regular blood donation reduces the risk of haemochromatosis. Haemochromatosis is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. When one regularly donates blood it may help in reducing iron overload.
It boosts the production of new blood cells which can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently. This is because when one donates blood the body immediately starts to replenish the lost blood as well as replace the lost red blood cells.
It may help lower your risk of developing cancer. As mentioned earlier, donating blood keeps iron levels in the blood in check. Consequently, reduced iron levels are associated with a lower cancer risk.
Donating blood brings joy; donors feel happy that their gesture will positively impact another life. Furthermore, according to science acts of kindness boost our serotonin levels. This hormone is responsible for our feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
It burns calories thus boosting one’s fitness. It is estimated that donating 450 ml burns 650 calories in donor’s body.

Some facts about blood donation:

Those who qualify for blood donation should be aged between 16-65 years, weigh above 50 kg and practice a safe sexual lifestyle.
The recipients of blood donations include: patients with anemia, cancer and leukemia, people undergoing surgical operations, accidents victims and those who suffer complications during pregnancy.
If you want to donate blood regularly, you should wait 3 months between donations for men and 4 months for women.

Here is where you can donate blood in Kenya.