With 2022 finally upon us, you probably have a lot on your mind, from exciting new plans and fun activities to the well-being of friends and family, and, of course, your health.
You’re not alone. Many people end up joining a gym, eating healthy or taking up asport to honor a commitment they made to themselves the year prior.
Hospital patients want to be healthy, too … and they can only hope generous donors like you carve a little time out of their day to give blood.
Just how badly do they need your help, anyway? Let’s take a look at some fast facts:
- Someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds.
- One in 7 people entering a hospital needs blood.
- 4.5 million Americans will need a blood transfusion each year.
OK, so patients really need blood. But blood donation doesn’t only benefit the sick or wounded — it also benefits you.
That’s because maintaining good health is about more than just bench-pressing your own body weight or keeping your heart rate up on the treadmill. It’s about your mental health, too. When you help others, you experience what researchers call the “warm glow,” and according to studies, volunteering actually makes you happier over time.1 Studies also show that helping people reduces stress, purges negative feelings from the brain, and improves emotional well-being.2
Make your new habit this year giving blood and saving lives. Blood donation can be a constructive way to relax because you can accomplish multiple things at once. Enjoy your “me time” as you catch up on a book or learn a new skill with a DIY video on your phone. All the while, you’ll be making an extraordinary impact on the lives of strangers … and you’ll feel absolutely amazing knowing you did.
What new habits do you want to develop this year? Cutting back on sweets or salty snacks? Exercising more? Perhaps donating blood for the first time, or donating even once or twice more than you usually do? After all, the rarest blood type is the one not on the shelf when it’s needed by a patient, and the need for blood never takes a holiday.
Create a happy and healthy new beginning for yourself and others by scheduling your blood donation today.
Published by: Jeremy T. — Vitalant Contributor
1. Jeanne Segal and Lawrence Robinson. "Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits". October 2020.
2. Healthline. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst. "The Benefits of Donating Blood". June 26, 2019.