By Rebecca Feldhaus
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-919540.mp3
Murray, KY – After a few minutes of questions and some simple tests, it takes between just five and ten minutes. However the thought of it can be too much to stomach. Donating blood is a regular activity for many, and a nightmare for others. For those who do choose to donate, the reason why is mostly the same; because it helps someone else. But some studies show, blood donation could benefit both the donor and the recipient.
Larry Doyle has been giving blood since he was a student at Auburn University in the 50s. His first donation was in response to a student body challenge to give blood. Doyle explains why he continues to give.
"Actually there aren't enough volunteers to go around. The demand outweighs the supply, so I think it's just a part of citizenship."
Doyle is part of one demographic some health care professionals believe benefit most from donating blood. Being a man in his 60s, he fits into the category at a higher risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular ailments.
Louisville-based cardiologist and president for the Kentuckiana chapter of the American Heart Association Dr. Jesse Adams explains the theories.
"There have been studies over the years that suggest there's a decrease risk of heart disease in those that give blood. And in the magnitude of the benefit, it's been reported up to about a 30 percent decline, which is very large."
These studies suggest by lowering the level of iron in the blood stream, it lowers the risk of heart disease and any other cardiovascular issues. A 12-year-old study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed men who donated blood at least once a year were 88 percent less likely to have a heart attack than non-donors.
Post-menopausal women's health might also profit from blood donation because they don't lose the iron they once did during menstruation. Adams mentions the reduction of free-radicals as another plus when donating.
"They tend to be pro-inflammatory and have been shown to increase the risk for heart disease and the risk for cancer. There have been studies that suggest with blood transfusion that there can be benefit with lower risk for cancer in the future."
Adams says studies are still inconclusive, but cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong has a very similar list of healthy reasons to give blood on his web site. It mentions a physical check up through blood testing, lowering iron levels, reducing the risk for cancer, reducing heart attack risk and replenishing blood. Adams does agree with many of these factors, though he does provide the disclaimer that the studies are not decisive.
Giving blood is a touchy subject for some, even hospital employees. Murray Calloway County Hospital laboratory coordinator Theresa Starks does more paperwork than needlework. She explains.
"I don't particularly like needles myself, but I give. It's not unbearable. If I can do it, anybody can do it."
For those preparing to give blood, there are some considerations both before and after. To be eligible to give blood, a person must fulfill certain qualifications like weighing at least 110 pounds, being in good health, and they can't have been in jail for more than 72 hours. If someone has traveled outside the United States, there are other questions. Afterwards, patients are given snacks and juice and encouraged to stay for at least 15 minutes to ensure their safety.
Larry Doyle not only gives blood, he volunteers his time to organize drives in the community. He's been a donor so long, he has what some might call a pretty impressive record for giving.
"I think mine's up around eight or nine gallons, something like that."
That's between 64 and 72 pints of blood over a lifetime. It might seem like a lot of blood, but considering Murray Calloway County Hospital goes through 150 to 200 pints monthly, they need more donors like Doyle. MCCH is currently in critical need of O-positive and A-positive blood types. To donate, contact your local Red Cross or hospital.