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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
World Blood Donor Day: Who can donate blood? Myths and facts to know
Image credits: Getty Images Every drop of blood counts when it is given to someone struggling for life. What might just be a regular donation for you, could help a person continue their life alongside their loved ones in good health. Being a donor is more than just performing a civic duty, it is being a giver, one who shares a bit of their life with the others. June 14th is being celebrated as World Donor Day around the world, urging people to donate blood and enlightening them about the importance of it. However, sometimes we hesitate to donate due to some myths we have heard around by people. Who can donate blood and what are some common myths and facts related to blood donation? Find out below! World Blood Donor Day Image credits: Getty Images Each year, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day. The day raises awareness on the need of safe blood and blood products and as a gratitude to the voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme of World Blood Donor Day changes every year and for 2025 it is 'Give blood, give hope', honouring the hope one gives with every drop of blood. The day was started in 2004, followed by its formal designation as an annual event by the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. It is celebrated particularly on June 14 to honour Karl Landsteiner, Austrian biologist and physician considered to be the "founder" of modern blood transfusion that saves thousands of lives every year. Who can donate blood? Image credits: Getty Images According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people can give blood if they are healthy. Though there are some basic eligibility criteria. Age : People between the ages of 18 and 65 can donate blood. Weight : You have to weigh at least 50 kg to be able to donate blood. Health : You must be in good health while donating blood and avoid it if you are suffering from cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection. Additionally, you can not donate if you don't meet the minimum haemoglobin level for blood donation. In some countries, the haemoglobin level of no less than 12.0 g/dl for females and 13.9g/dl for males is considered the threshold. Myths and facts to know about blood donation Image credits: Getty Images Those donating blood for the first time or after some new activity may face a problem with some myths circulating around about blood donations. These are the common myths and facts you must know before donating. Myth: People with tattoos or piercings can't donate People with fresh tattoos or piercings need to have a gap between their tattoos or piercings and blood donation. In the US, you need to wait for three months before donating in such a case, but the time period varies in different countries. Myth: I will feel weak or ill after the donation While you feel a bit lightheaded after donation, the fluids are recuperated in the body within 24 hours and the red cells fully regenerate within weeks. Myth: You can only donate with a certain blood type Every person who has a specific blood group might need blood in case of a medical condition. Thus, blood donation is not limited to a particular blood type. While O-negative is universal, every blood type comes in handy during emergencies. Myth: Vegetarians or vegans can't donate blood Healthy iron and haemoglobin levels are required for donating blood, no matter what kind of diet you follow. If you are someone suffering from iron deficiency then you could be temporarily deferred from donating but not because of a diet you consume. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
World Blood Donor Day 2025: This Health Benefit Of Donating Blood Will Surprise You
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025 is 'Give blood, give hope: together we save lives'. It is centered around the crucial need for blood and plasma donations and the importance they hold for the lives of countless patients. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to encourage regular blood donation by both new and existing donors. The theme is also aimed at consolidating support from governments and other stakeholders for investment in efforts for sustained national blood programs that, in turn, ensure universal safe blood transfusion globally. World Blood Donor Day 2025: History World Blood Donor Day was established by the WHO with the first celebration of the event in 2004. A year later, in 2005, it was officially recognised as a yearly global event by the 58th World Health Assembly. June 14 was chosen as the date for the annual observance as Austrian physician and biologist Karl Landsteiner, who is regarded as the 'founder" of modern blood transfusion, was born on this very day in 1868. Among his groundbreaking contributions to modern medical science is the discovery of the ABO blood groups. He also developed the model used to classify blood groups. Landsteiner is also partly credited with the identification of the Rhesus factor. World Blood Donor Day 2025: Significance World Blood Donor Day is a significant annual occasion that seeks to honour the compassionate worldview of voluntary blood donors. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of blood donation. Health Benefits Of Blood Donation Besides saving the lives of accident victims and patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, blood donation is also believed to have significant health benefits for the donor, including a reduced risk of heart attack. Some research also suggests that donating blood might lower the risk of developing certain cancers. Blood Donation: A Lifesaving Gift With Health Benefits For Donors Too According to Dr. Amit Saraf, Director, Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, blood donation has consistently played a crucial role in modern and historical healthcare systems, supporting a wide range of medical needs—from trauma and emergency care to routine surgeries, cancer treatments, and maternal health services. Advertisement 'Its value lies not just in emergency situations but also in the continuity of routine medical care," says Dr. Saraf. Beyond saving lives, regular blood donation offers multiple health benefits to the donors themselves. It can help maintain healthy iron levels, support cardiovascular health, and may encourage the natural regeneration of blood cells. Additionally, the routine health checks performed before donation can sometimes alert individuals to underlying health conditions, making them more aware of their personal wellbeing. 'There are well-documented health benefits for donors. It's not only about helping others—it helps you know more about your own body too," Dr. Saraf explains.
