A Blood Giver, A Life Giver

Blood is life. To a patient who needs blood, a blood donation can save his life. That’s why we are encouraged to donate blood, and the Philippine Red Cross has designated July as Blood Donors’ Month. A healthy person may donate blood every three months.

Nemrick Kiel Umali, a Davao Catholic Herald Contributor, beat the deadline yesterday July 30 to give his 22nd bag in the Philippine National Red Cross in Digos City. He needs 6 more donations to earn the Bronze medal award the Philippine Red Cross gives to those who have donated a total of 28 bags. A donor of 75 bags earns the Silver medal and a Gold medal goes to the donor of 100 bags! Quite a number of donors in Digos City have been given the bronze and a few have been given the silver medals. None has received yet the gold medal although a few in Metro Manila have received it.

More than the prestige of receiving these medals are the benefits that blood donation can give to the donor. Health benefits of donating blood include good health and a reduced risk of cancer. It helps in reducing the risk of damage to the liver and pancreas and may help in improving cardiovascular health and reduce obesity as well. The donor also gets tested for the following diseases: HIV, Malaria, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Above all, the knowledge that you have helped save the life of your fellowman is enough encouragement to make you want to donate again.