For the last 15 years, I have been donating a unit of blood three or four times a year. I like the idea that I might be helping someone in need, and I have always imagined that it somehow was good for me too—kind of like changing the oil in the car. In fact, recent studies suggest that you can improve your long-term cardiovascular health by giving blood regularly.
I have a relatively rare blood type, A-, and thus the local blood bank is often calling to remind me to donate when their supply is running low. For the last 15 years, I have been donating a unit of blood three or four times a year.
I like the idea that I might be helping someone in need, and I have always imagined that it somehow was good for me too—kind of like changing the oil in the car. In fact, recent studies suggest that you can improve your long-term cardiovascular health by giving blood regularly.
Many of us, especially males and post-menopausal females, can gradually accumulate too much iron in the body. Too much iron stored in the body can wreak havoc throughout your system by generating free radical molecules that accelerate the aging process and increase the risks of cancer and heart disease. Giving a unit of blood is an effective way to get rid of excess iron. It will lower your blood pressure, at least temporarily. Additionally, the screening process that you undergo each time you donate blood is a free mini-checkup that includes measurements of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin level (to make sure you’re not anemic). If you have congestive heart failure, angina, or recently have had angioplasty, donating blood is not a good idea. However, you can still give blood if you have a history of stable heart disease, or take medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. So rally your courage and roll up your sleeve. It’s easier than you think, and the life you save might be your own.
Heart Institute Research Reveals Risks for Athletes
You might think that highly trained athletes would be the least likely to be at risk for sudden cardiac death, but research conducted at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute shows that may not be the case. And to some degree, race can influence the likelihood of cardiac abnormalities.
Physicians Strive to Prevent Sudden Death in Athletes
As the father of four active, healthy children, I can only imagine how devastating it would be for one of them to die suddenly from a heart ailment. And yet, a little more than a year ago, my good friend and mentor Bob Conn, went through just such a tragedy when his 22-year-old grandson, Jordan Mann, died suddenly.
10 Tips for Staying Lean Through the Holiday Season
The holiday season may be hazardous to your health.Studies show that Americans typically gain about seven pounds over the holiday season each year, and some of it stays on permanently despite the New Year's resolutions to get it off. Even more worrisome are reports showing increased risks of heart attack, dangerous cardiac rhythms, and even death during the holidays. Emotional stress, depression, over-eating, not enough exercise, and too much salt and alcohol are all likely to be playing a role. Make sure you and your family stay healthy and happy this year by following these 10 rules for safely navigating the holiday hazards.
