[Avodah] donating blood

[ira rosen]

Toby Katz wrote:

"BTW for some men, and possibly some post-menopausal women, giving  blood
may
not be "harming yourself' and may actually have a health  /benefit/, because
some people have too /much/ iron in their blood and when the  excess is not
shed by menstruation or by giving blood, extra iron can be  harmful.  You
could
look it up (I'm too rushed to look it up myself right  now) or maybe some
doctor here can confirm."

CNN article on the subject:

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/26/give.blood.wmd/

Seems that this is an assumption rather than a confirmed fact.  I've also
heard that cholesterol is lowered, and donation is good for the heart (BTW -
I run blood drives about 4 times a year).

And now for something a bit beyond halacha - the Pakistan Red Crescent
Society answer on their FAQs page:

*Q. What are the benefits of blood donation?*
------------------------------

A. Blood donation improves overall health. All organs and entire body
functions more efficiently.

• Blood donation reduces blood cholesterol, artgry clogging, risk of heart
attack and high blood pressure.
a. Blood donors live longer than non-donors.
b. It is SADQA & ZAKAT of your body.

[Islam's version of Tzedakah/Ma'aser]

c. Allah rewards you for saving all humanity.
d. You gain tlic pleasure and nearness of Allah & the Prophet (PBUH) for
your humanitarian service of saving human lives.
e. It enhances your self esteem and confidence as a "*Life Saver*" and
a "*National
Hero*"!

Food for thought?

Ira
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