Many people are unaware that being a blood donor comes with several personal benefits. Keep reading to find out how it can improve your health

January is Blood Donor Month, so to honor the observance, we’ll be diving into the many health benefits of donating blood.

As it turns out, the recipient of your generous donation isn’t the only one who gets to enjoy a positive outcome. In addition to aiding in someone’s medical operation or even saving their life, giving blood stimulates physiological processes in your body that can lead to improved health and well-being.

Understandably, you usually hear more about how donor blood impacts recipients’ lives. But the potential benefits for donors can be huge, and should definitely be taken into account if you’re considering giving blood. 

In fact, if you’re on the fence about it, what you learn below may end up being the deciding factor.

 

Donating Blood May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Although more research is needed, there’s scientific evidence to suggest that donating blood may lower coronary disease risk factors, such as blood viscosity and lipid profile.

According to a study from the Journal of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, the lower risk is thought to be because of the reduction of iron stores resulting from blood donation. 

While iron is an essential mineral, too much of it can cause problems in the tissues and organs it’s stored in—the liver, pancreas, heart, muscles, joints, etc. But with the reduction in iron stores from regular blood donation, the body experiences decreased oxidative stress and increased vascular function over time, which can help protect heart health. 

These health benefits of donating blood are often observed in donors with hemochromatosis—a genetic disease that causes the body to build up too much iron, eventually leading to tissue and organ damage—but they’re also frequently observed in non-afflicted donors. 

 

Giving Blood Can Improve Your Liver Health

Reducing excess iron stores in the body doesn’t just help your heart. It can also benefit your liver. According to a 2016 study from the Medical Science Monitor Journal, higher iron levels are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other chronic liver issues.

For those with too much iron, regular blood donation can help remove some of it, potentially protecting your liver from these damaging conditions.

 

Donating Blood May Reduce Your Risk of Certain Cancers

This health benefit of donating blood rarely applies to those without pre-existing conditions. 

But for people with hemochromatosis or peripheral arterial disease—a condition involving reduced arterial blood flow to the limbs, causing pain, weakness, and other symptoms—research shows that the reduction in iron from giving blood is associated with a lower risk of cancer and mortality.

 

Giving Blood Can Even Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Did you know that even if you don’t have hemochromatosis, having high levels of iron stored in your body can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes?

A study on over 32,000 women from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that:

“Higher iron stores…are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in healthy women independent of known diabetes risk factors.” 

Of course, nothing can replace a healthy diet and regular exercise when it comes to managing and preventing diabetes…

But there is evidence to suggest that regularly donating blood can reduce insulin sensitivity and the diabetes risk in people with high iron levels. 

 

Being a Blood Donor Comes With Mental & Emotional Health Benefits Too 

The health benefits of donating blood truly make this altruistic gesture a win-win.

Not only does the recipient receive a crucial, even life-saving service, but you, as the donor, can experience better well-being, reduced risk factors, and even improved mental and emotional health.

The knowledge that your donation will help one or more people with their surgeries, blood diseases, and cancer treatments is a natural mood-booster. Helping people just feels good!

In fact, a cross-sectional study from the Journal of Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy found that donating blood can improve everything, including your:

• Mood
• Concentration
• Satisfaction
• Resilience
• Spirit of initiative
• Physical well-being
• And energy levels

It’s a lot like giving to a charity. 

Knowing that your hard-earned money is going toward something positive, like feeding the hungry or providing homes for the homeless, fills you with a sense of satisfaction and pride. 

Except instead of cash, you’re donating your literal blood—your life essence. You’re sharing the most precious thing you can with another human being.

And even if you don’t experience any of the above health benefits of donating blood, you can rest assured that when you hop on that big red bus and roll up your sleeve, your donation will help someone through a tough medical situation or give them another shot at life.

Everything you need to know about El Niño & La Niña, how they affect winter weather, & what to expect in your neck of the woods

In the US, we’re experiencing our first El Niño in the past five years—and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it packs a punch.

The El Niño from 2018-2019 brought wetter weather to the southern US while leaving the north warmer and drier, as they typically do. However, it’s no match for the one we’re seeing this year, which has the potential to be the strongest on record.

But what exactly is an El Niño (and a La Niña), and how do these climate patterns affect weather conditions in the US? Keep reading for a full breakdown, complete with several common questions you may have.

 

What is an El Niño Winter?

El Niño, or “The Boy,” is a climate pattern that disrupts the Pacific Ocean’s natural cycle. 

The Pacific trade winds—the winds close to the surface that blow steadily near the equator—do so from east to west, regulating the temperature of the waters. Climate experts aren’t quite sure why yet, but during El Niño, these winds weaken for a period of weeks or even months, causing the water on the surface to grow warmer than usual.

The warm water creates warmer air near the surface, which the atmosphere naturally carries upward. Then, the Pacific jet stream—the current of air that flows high above the Earth from east to west—pushes this warmer air east to the Americas. 

In the winter, this influx of high-altitude warm air primarily extends across the southern US—particularly California and the Gulf—leading to increased rainfall, flooding, and generally colder, wetter conditions on the ground. Up north, El Niño weather is usually warmer and drier, with lower-than-average snowfall. 

Is El Niño Bad for Snow?

Depending on where you live, you could experience much more or less snow than usual. 

If you live in the northeast or northwest, a strong El Niño winter will likely mean you don’t see as much of the white stuff. If you’re in the southeast or southwest—specifically in select parts of California, Nevada, and Maryland—you could see as much as ten more inches of snow than average.

How Long Will El Niño Last?

The El Niño we’re currently experiencing is projected to remain strong until anywhere from January to March 2024. Per the NOAA, both El Niño and La Niña can last anywhere from nine to twelve months, with rare cases extending over a year.

 

What is a La Niña Winter?

El Niño and La Niña (“The Girl”) are two sides of the same coin, with La Niña generally having the opposite effect on the climate and weather conditions.

So, you can expect a La Niña winter to bring drier, warmer weather to the southern US and cooler, wetter weather to the north.

Does La Niña Winter Mean More Snow?

Like during El Niño, La Niña winters usually mean more snow in select areas of the country. Most northern states enjoy more fresh powder than average during La Niña, but Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, and New York tend to see the biggest increase.

As you can imagine, La Niña winters are perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. If that’s you, depending on where you call home, 2023-2024 may not be your year.

But the good news is, El Niño years—especially strong ones like the one we’re seeing now—are usually followed by a La Niña. So get ready to shred some serious powder next year!

 

Keeping an Eye on the Kids

It’s important to remember that while El Niño and La Niña may set the stage for certain weather conditions, they don’t necessarily guarantee them.

Nevertheless, predicting these climate patterns is crucial, as they increase the chances of extreme weather—flooding, storms, extreme heat, droughts, etc.—in certain regions around the globe. Events like these can impact everything, including residents’ homes, animal habitats, businesses, internet service, power, water and supply, transportation, agriculture, etc.

These risks impact the economy on a global scale, requiring us to adapt to them as they develop to avoid disaster and keep things running smoothly.

With their Yin and Yang-like relationship, the dynamic duo of El Niño and La Niña may throw us some pretty heavy curveballs…

But when residents, businesses, farmers, and states as a whole are aware that their area is high-risk, they can better prepare for extreme conditions and minimize the damage they cause.

Stay up to date with current information on the wildland fires affecting states all across America

According to recent data, wildfires cause nearly twice the destruction per year than they did twenty years ago.

As the frequency and severity of these natural disasters grow, more and more people are put in life-threatening danger, forced to evacuate, and lose their homes. That’s why staying informed on this topic is crucial.

It can help you prepare and protect your home, stay safe, and spread awareness.

Whether you live in an at-risk area or simply want to keep up with current events, read on for the latest in wildfire news.

 

What States Are Having Wildfires Right Now?

As of October 10th, nine states have reported large wildfires. These include:

• Arizona – 3 fires

• • • Southwest of Flagstaff (2,180 acres)
    • Southeast of Happy Jack (9,181 acres)
    • Northeast of Young (9,644 acres)

• California – 5 fires

• • • SRF Lighting Complex (50,198 acres)
    • West of Yreka (21,725 acres)
    • Southeast of Long Barn (5,700 acres)
    • Smith River Complex (94,690 acres)
    • West of Hayfork (3,929 acres)

• Florida – 1 fire

• • • Fish Creek 2 – (150 acres)

• Louisiana – 2 fires

• • • Northwest of Forest Hill (1,636 acres)
    • Tiger Island (31,290 acres)

• Michigan – 1 fire

• • • Southwest of Powell (144 acres)

• New Mexico – 1 fire

• • • West of Corona (2,358 acres)

• Oklahoma – 1 fire

• • • Northeast of Stringtown (585 acres)

• Oregon – 5 fires

• • • Southeast of Agness (22,170 acres)
    • Northeast of Sandy (2,055 acres)
    • East of Port Orford (34,242 acres)
    • West of Sisters (25,754 acres)
    • Northeast of Chiloquin (2,663 acres)

• Utah – 2 fires

• • Northwest of Emery (2,038 acres)
  • North of Boulder (343 acres)

In total, there are 19 wildfires going on right now, with a staggering 321,940 acres burned. 

Luckily, wildland firefighters have managed to contain the blazes in Florida and Oklahoma, and the disaster in Maui—which we’ll get into further below—is almost entirely under control.

 

Why Are There So Many Fires Right Now?

There are two main factors contributing to the growing number and intensity of wildfires in America. 

The first is the fact that temperatures are rising steadily each year. Higher temperatures mean drier conditions, which make it easier for wildfires to start and spread, and make wildfire seasons last longer. 

You may have heard that this summer was the hottest on record. Well, that trend is expected to continue, which will only contribute further to the second factor: droughts.

During droughts, especially extended ones, the materials that typically catch fire—such as grass, leaves, trees, etc.—become much drier and more flammable. 

In these conditions, the chances of a wildfire breaking out are much higher, and it’s much easier for them to spread quickly when the surrounding vegetation is so dry.

 

The Situation in Maui

Even if you’ve only been casually keeping up with wildfire news, you’ve probably heard of the disaster in Maui.

In early August, what started as a brush fire in Kula, Maui, quickly turned into a blaze that spread to Olinda and Lahaina, burning well over 3,000 acres, displacing 6,000 residents, and resulting in 97 deaths.

The investigation is ongoing, but experts are pointing to downed power lines as the potential cause of the wildfire, which was made worse by the severe drought Maui was experiencing at the time. 

Luckily, however, since then, the fires are almost entirely contained. According to the County of Maui website, the Olinda wildfire is 90% contained, the Kula fire is 96% contained, and the Lahaina fire is 100% contained.

In fact, the first wave of Lahaina residents have been permitted to return to their homes—although sadly, many of them won’t have livable homes to return to.

But on the brighter side, nearly all the people who went missing during the disaster have been accounted for, and plans to begin rebuilding damaged buildings and communities are already in place.

 

How to Prepare for Wildfires

If you live in a fire-prone area, just keeping up with wildfire news isn’t enough.

In a time where it seems like there’s a new one popping up every other day, preparing yourself for the worst-case scenario is the best course of action.

The following is a quick list of precautions you can take to ensure your loved ones and home are ready to respond to a wildfire:

• Register for emergency alerts from FEMA, AirNow, the National Weather Service, and your local authorities.
• Put an emergency survival kit together with essentials like water, food, snacks, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, phone chargers, etc.
• Create and practice a wildfire emergency plan with your family regularly, identifying multiple safe evacuation routes for every room in your home.
• Create a fire safe zone anywhere from 30-100 feet around your home, keeping the lawn well-tended and removing any flammable debris, liquids, etc. 

For a full breakdown of how to handle wildfires before, during, and after they happen, check out our blog, How to Prepare for & Respond to Wildfires.

And for the fastest way to send firefighters to your home or current location, download the Rescu app. Just two taps on your smartphone or Apple Watch instantly dispatches first responders to you—no talking required.

If you’re sheltering or evacuating during a wildfire, the last thing you want to do is spend minutes on the phone talking with a dispatcher. Rescu saves you that precious time so you can focus on protecting your loved ones and getting to safety.

In an emergency, seconds save lives. With Rescu, you’ll never have to waste a second.

Click or tap below to get started today!