Did you know that donating blood is not only good for those in need, but it’s also great for your health? Believe it or not, there are a number of benefits to giving blood, including: improved heart health, reduced stress levels, and even a longer life! So if you’re looking for a way to give back and improve your own health at the same time, donating blood is a great option. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of blood donation.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can:

  • Reduce stress
  • Improve emotional health
  • Boost physical health
  • Reduce negative emotions
  • Provide a sense of relatedness and reduce isolation

Health Benefits of Donating Blood

Free health checkup

When you donate blood a trained staff member performs a health check. They check your:

  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Body temperature
  • Hemoglobin levels

This quick check can potentially indicate underlying medical conditions or risk facts for certain diseases.

Your blood is also tested for diseases, including:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  • West Nile virus
  • Syphillis

Lower risk of heart attack

Regular blood donations were associated with lower iron stores in a 2013 study, reducing the risk of a heart attack. High iron stores are thought to increase the risk of a heart attack.

Criteria to donate blood in Malaysia

  • Healthy body weight: above 45kg
  • Eaten before donation
  • Age: 1st time: 18-60 yrs, Regular donor: 18-65 yrs
  • Had at least 5 hours sleep
  • Hemoglobin minimum 12.5g/dL (women) and 13.5g/dL (men)
  • No pre-existing health conditions
  • 3 months since your last blood donation
  • Women: Not pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating
  • Been in Malaysia at least 1 year (if not Malaysian citizen)
  • Identification document (original)

Want to donate blood, find the centre closest to you on the Ministry of Health, Malaysia website.