Every day, thousands of people need blood for different reasons, like surgeries, accidents, or illnesses.

Unfortunately, there’s not enough blood available to help everyone who needs it. This is why donating blood is so important. Whether you have done it before or are thinking about it for the first time, understanding the process can help ease any worries you might have.

Why Is donating blood so important?

Blood is something that cannot be made artificially; it can only come from kind-hearted donors. Hospitals and emergency services need a steady supply of blood to save lives, treat diseases, and help patients recover from surgeries. In fact, every second, someone needs a blood transfusion. By donating blood, you are directly helping these people in their time of need.

Here are some important things you should know about blood donation:

1. You can save multiple lives with one donation

When you donate blood, you are not just helping one person. Your blood can be separated into different components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each of these components can be used to help different patients with specific needs. For example, red blood cells are used for trauma or surgery patients, while plasma can help those with blood clotting disorders. This means that with just one donation, you could potentially save up to three lives.

2. Blood donation has health benefits for you, too

Donating blood is not only good for the recipients but also for the donors. Regular blood donation can help keep your iron levels balanced. High iron levels can be harmful to your health, so donating blood can help reduce this risk. Some studies also suggest that regular blood donation might lower the risk of heart disease.

3. It’s quick and safe

Many people worry about whether donating blood will hurt or if it is safe. The good news is that donating blood is a quick, safe, and mostly painless process. The entire blood donation process takes about an hour, but the actual blood draw only lasts about 10 minutes. After donating, most people feel fine, though it’s always a good idea to rest and have a snack before going about your day.

4. Your blood type matters

There are different blood types, such as A, B, AB, and O. Knowing your blood type can be helpful, especially since some types are more in demand than others.

For example, O-negative blood is known as the universal donor because it can be given to people of any blood type. On the other hand, AB-positive blood is the universal recipient, meaning people with this type can receive blood from any other type. When you donate, your blood is tested to find out your type, and this information will be helpful for future donations.

5. You can donate regularly

Donating blood is not just a one-time event; you can give regularly. In fact, you can donate whole blood every 56 days, or about every two months. The human body is amazing and can replenish the blood you donate in a short amount of time.

This means you can make a habit of donating and continue helping people throughout the year. Many people find great joy in knowing that they are making a difference on a regular basis.

Every human has two kidneys, but fortunately, they can survive with just one.

The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.

They also regulate various substances in the blood and play a crucial role in controlling blood pressure.

When the kidneys cannot perform these essential functions, it leads to serious health issues. Thus, kidney failure or disease occurs when the kidneys stop functioning properly.

However, many preventive measures can help avoid kidney failure. One important step is avoiding certain drinks such as:

1. Sodas and carbonated drinks

Reducing sugar-sweetened soda and carbonated drinks is important for kidney health.

A 2016 study in the journal, Nephrology found that those who drank more than four sugar-sweetened soft drinks a week had a doubled risk of developing kidney disease compared to those who drank half a serving or less.

The American Kidney Fund has also stated that drinking two or more carbonated sodas daily may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, as both carbonated and energy drinks have been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

2. Processed fruit juice

Processed fruit juice has a high sugar and calorie content that’s not good for the kidney.

In a Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, researchers found out that people who drank sugar-sweetened drinks had higher rates of chronic kidney disease compared to those who rarely had sugary beverages.

When it comes to drinking fruit juice, moderation is key.

3. Diet soda

Research has shown that diet soda is linked to the occurrence of kidney disease, though it’s a correlation and not a direct cause and effect.

A 2011 study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that those who drank two or more artificially-sweetened sodas daily were twice as likely to experience a decline in kidney function compared to those who stayed away from these beverages.

However, moderate consumption of diet soda is still better than regular soda.

4. Alcohol

Regular drinking of all types of alcoholic beverages can negatively impact kidney health.

A study published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation found that heavy drinkers in a group of 6,259 adults who self-reported their drinking habits had significantly higher rates of albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease.

5. Caffeine and energy drinks

Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks can strain the kidneys by increasing blood flow, blood pressure, and stress on the kidneys.

While some studies have connected coffee drinking to kidney damage, other studies have found no link between caffeine intake and the development of chronic renal disease.

A recent 2024 study published in Jama Network by academics at the universities of Toronto, Canada, and Padova, Italy, may explain why there are some differences.

It was discovered that for some people, coffee can be harmful to their kidneys while for others it’s not.

According to the new study, the presence of a certain gene mutation increases the likelihood of coffee causing kidney failure by threefold.

In addition to drinks, many lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise, smoking, excessive salt intake in meals, the use of painkillers and drugs like cocaine and even genetics can negatively impact kidney health.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to both dietary habits and overall lifestyle.

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. It has been used for centuries by Aboriginal Australians for its medicinal properties.

Tea tree oil is known for its many benefits, including its ability to fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is also a popular natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is a clear, liquid oil with a strong, medicinal smell. It is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant through a process called steam distillation. Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in many natural cleaning products and cosmetics.

Benefits of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has a wide range of benefits, including:

1. Fights acne

Tea tree oil is widely known for its ability to fight acne. Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, it can help kill the bacteria that cause pimples and breakouts. Applying a small amount of diluted tea tree oil to acne-prone skin can reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation, making your skin look clearer and healthier. It’s a gentle option that’s much kinder to your skin than many harsh chemical treatments.

2. Heals cuts and wounds

If you ever get a cut, scrape, or minor wound, tea tree oil can help speed up the healing process. Its antiseptic properties help prevent infections, making it a great natural alternative to over-the-counter antiseptics. Just apply a few drops of diluted tea tree oil to the affected area to clean and protect the wound from bacteria.

3. Soothes skin irritations

Tea tree oil can also be used to soothe various skin irritations, such as insect bites, rashes, and eczema. It reduces itching and redness, providing quick relief from discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with a mosquito bite or an itchy rash, tea tree oil can calm your skin and help it heal faster.

4. Treats dandruff

Dandruff can be an annoying and embarrassing problem, but tea tree oil might be the solution you’ve been looking for. When added to your shampoo, it helps reduce the amount of dandruff on your scalp by controlling the fungus that causes it. This natural treatment can leave your hair feeling fresh and flake-free, boosting your confidence.

5. Natural insect repellent

6. Keeps the home clean

Beyond personal care, tea tree oil can also be used around the house as a natural cleaner. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective against germs and bacteria, making your home a safer and cleaner place. You can add a few drops to water to create a powerful cleaning solution for surfaces, floors, and even laundry.

How to use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a potent oil and should always be diluted before use. A good rule of thumb is to mix 1 part tea tree oil with 10 parts carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Once diluted, tea tree oil can be applied topically to the skin.

Important safety information

Tea tree oil is generally safe for most people when used topically. However, it can cause skin irritation in some people. It is important to do a patch test before using tea tree oil on a large area of skin.