Toby Katz wrote:<br><br>"BTW for some men, and possibly some post-menopausal women, giving blood may<br>not be "harming yourself' and may actually have a health /benefit/, because<br>some people have too /much/ iron in their blood and when the excess is not
<br>shed by menstruation or by giving blood, extra iron can be harmful. You could<br>look it up (I'm too rushed to look it up myself right now) or maybe some<br>doctor here can confirm."<br><br>CNN article on the subject:
<br><br><a href="http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/26/give.blood.wmd/">http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/26/give.blood.wmd/</a><br><br>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).
<br><br>And now for something a bit beyond halacha - the Pakistan Red Crescent Society answer on their FAQs page:<br><br><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span class="PRCSShowNavBox" style="color: rgb(15, 16, 128);">
<a>Q. What are the benefits of
blood donation?</a></span></b></span>
<hr style="width: 464px; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" noshade="noshade" size="1">
<div class="PRCSSectExtSites" align="justify">
<p>A. Blood donation improves overall health. All organs and
entire body functions more efficiently.</p>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="PRCSSectExtSites" align="justify">• Blood
donation reduces blood cholesterol, artgry clogging, risk
of heart attack and high blood pressure.<br>
a. Blood donors live longer than non-donors.<br>
b. It is SADQA & ZAKAT of your body. <br><br>[Islam's version of Tzedakah/Ma'aser]<br><br>c. Allah rewards you for saving all humanity.<br>
d. You gain tlic pleasure and nearness of Allah & the
Prophet (PBUH) for your humanitarian service of saving human
lives.<br>
e. It enhances your self esteem and confidence as a "<strong>Life
Saver</strong>" and a "<strong>National Hero</strong>"!<br><br></div></blockquote>Food for thought?<br><br>Ira<div class="PRCSSectExtSites" align="justify"><br></div><blockquote>
</blockquote><br>