Blood donation provides several health benefits for donors. It lowers cancer risk by maintaining healthy iron levels, helps the heart, liver, and pancreas by preventing excess iron storage, burns 650 calories to aid weight loss, stimulates production of new blood cells, and provides a free health checkup that screens for infections and checks vital signs as part of the donation process. Teachers are encouraged to donate blood and help save lives as part of their role as heroes.

1. Blood Donation is good for your Health
Many of us speak of our interests to become a hero in our own way, nonetheless, a small needle prick and a
portion of your time can make you one. In fact, the Philippine Red Cross uses an advertising slogan that says “A
little pain, a life to gain”, indeed, it is a sure thing that blood donation is a vital and valuable act one can do, thereby
making you a Hero in someone else’s life. As you give a gift of life, you will end up receiving it as well through the
proven benefits of bloodletting.
According to Organic Facts, a reference online, these are some of the benefits of blood donation:
1. Anti-cancer Benefits
It lowers your risk for cancer since blood donation maintains your body’s iron stores in healthy levels and
iron stores is directly proportional to your risk for cancer.
2. Fit Heart and Liver
An excess intake of iron-rich foods can heighten your risk in contracting ailments such as liver cirrhosis,
abnormalities in your heart, and damage to your pancreas since these organs are the main storage of iron.
To help maintain the levels of stored iron in your heart, liver, and pancreas, curl up your sleeves and save a
life and you will end up saving yours.
3. Aids in Weight Loss/Burns Calories
A one-time participation in a bloodletting activity makes a donor shed 650 kcal thus, assists himin his body
weight control measures.
4. Birth of new blood cells
Each time you donate blood, your body signals to replenish the losses giving way to the production of
brand new blood cells which is vital to maintaining good health status.
5. Availment of a free Health check up
Inclusive in a blood donation process is a free health check-up since only those who are physically fit can
become a blood donor. To mention a few, your vital signs such as blood pressure abnormalities, heart rate,
respiratory rate, and temperature will be checked, also your weight and hemoglobin levels will also be
assessed. Furthermore, after your blood donation, blood components will be screened for certain blood
infections.
Moreover, per Division Advisory dated July 13, 2016, the Department of Education – Regional Office
initiated advocacy on Blood Donation Activity with the theme “Dugong Guro, Dugong Bayani, Alay ko, Buhay
Mo” in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross during the celebration of the World Teacher’s Day on October 5,
2016. Dare to endure the pain for a life-long gain, dare to be a Hero!
KEZIAH FATIMA M. UN
ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE VI