Regular blood donation an anti-aging therapy – Haematologist

By Lilian U. Okoro

Regular blood donation is an “anti-aging therapy” as it gives opportunity for a fresh blood circulation in the body system, says Haematologists at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.

Prof. Titi Adeyemo, Head, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, made the assertion on Wednesday in Lagos during a voluntary blood donation exercise at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Lagos office premises.

Adeyemo, also a Consultant Haematologist, explained that blood donation kept the bone marrow active, which in turn kept the individual younger.

“Blood donation is a process of body renewal because each time an individual donates a pint of blood, the bone marrow kicks into the exercise by being more active as it gives opportunity for fresh blood circulation in the body system.

“So, if the individual does that regularly, it slows down ageing.

“Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active and once the bone marrow is active, it keeps the individual younger.

“Also, some evidence have shown that regular blood donors stand the opportunity to live longer to an additional five years extra than people who are not regular blood donors because their bone marrow is continually renewed,” Adeyemo said.

In his remarks, Mr Adeyinka Adewale, the Unit Head, Blood Donor Recruitment, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, reiterated the benefits of regular blood donation.

Adewale said that regular blood donation not only reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke/heart attack, depression, but it also elongates life and help in relieving excess cholesterol in the body.

He explained that an individual between the age of 18 to 65 years could donate blood at three months intervals, which translated to donating blood up to three or four times a year.

Adewale underscored the need for more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation, calling for more advocacy in Nigeria as most people did not understand the importance of blood donation.

“The benefits of blood donation cannot be overemphasised. Blood is an important resource both for planned treatment and urgent medical interventions.

“It saves lives; and can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions to live, even with a higher quality of life and can also support complex medical and surgical procedures.

“It is very safe for people between 18 and 65 years of age to donate blood three or four times a year,” Adewale said.

Adewale, who decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donor, where relatives were forced to donate blood, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.

According to him, the department goes out as often as it gets invitations to come for blood donation drive.

“The essence of going to seek blood donation is to supplement the blood that are being generated within the hospital,” he added.