Giving the Gift of Life

Resolving to Give

A new year is a time of reflection and new beginnings. It is also an opportunity to make a commitment to being of service to others or taking steps to improve your overall health.

For some, the idea of a large change such as starting an exercise regime or improving your diet can feel too large in scope. If this is the case, we suggest starting with small changes. These could be as simple as drinking an extra glass of water each day, parking away from the front door of your office, or stopping by the blood center to donate whole blood or platelets.

Choice of Giving Life

Each January, the American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the important lifesaving contribution of blood and platelet volunteers. Observed each year, the month-long celebration strives to increase awareness of the importance of collecting blood during the cold-weather months. Because of the unpredictable weather and increased level of colds and flu, it is often difficult for blood centers to maintain the critical levels of lifesaving blood.

Donation Benefits

No matter the time of year, the need for ready supplies of blood is always great. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood with as many as 44,000 blood donations needed each day, according to the American Red Cross. The simple donation process takes less time than a one-hour Netflix show, and one donation can help up to three individuals, a truly win-win situation. At least one day before the donation process, make sure you are well rested, eat a balanced meal and drink plenty of water.

Donor Benefits of Giving Blood

• Potential to uncover health problems – before giving blood, a phlebotomist will take your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels.
• Reduce extra iron in the blood – removal of red blood cells during donation can remove excess iron from the blood, extra iron can constrict the blood vessels increasing the risk of a heart attack.
• Feel good by giving back – there is a psychological benefit involved in giving something to others and knowing your donation makes a difference.

Ready to Give?

During National Blood Donor Month, Aspen Mountain Medical Center encourages you to make an investment in you today and in the future. Stay tuned to learn more about upcoming blood drives at Aspen Mountain Medical Center.

At Aspen Mountain Medical Center, our simple mission is to serve the residents of Southwest Wyoming, providing the best access to multiple specialties from a home base of Rock Springs. Our 12 unique specialty offerings include anesthesiology, family medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, and gynecology, internal medicine, orthopaedics, otolaryngology (ENT), pain management, pediatrics, podiatry and spine. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling a procedure at Aspen Mountain Medical Center, providing affordable and high-quality healthcare close to home.