Donating a unit of blood does not harm your body because your body produces 2 million red blood cells every second. Blood donation does not mean risking your life but it is your contribution towards saving lives. The blood is divided into its basic three components, the Red Blood Cells, the White Blood Cells and the Blood Platelets which are used as per the requirement.
In India alone, 1 million people die every year due to road accidents and thrice the number of people are injured. Those who survive in the accidents face further problems in the hospitals because of blood loss and low availability of blood in blood banks. Surprisingly only one woman out of ten people donates blood. There are various myths that stop men and women both from donating blood.
Myth 1:
Blood donation is a painful process.
Fact: No blood donation is not at all painful. It only involves a needle prick and temporary discomfort.
Myth 2:
Blood donation causes blood deficiency
Fact: Blood donation does not cause blood deficiency. The blood volume is revived within 48 hours. If the person has good eating habits he can donate blood four times a year.
Myth 3:
People with diabetes cannot donate blood
Fact: People with diabetes can donate blood as long as their sugar level is within the permitted range.
Myth 4:
Blood donation leads to obesity
Fact: People who eat more and avoid exercise after donating blood may gain weight. Blood donation directly does not result in weight gain.
Myth 5:
There is risk of getting exposed to severe infections like HIV
Fact: A person will not face the risk of getting exposed to infections like HIV until he ensures that the needle used are sterilized or are new.