Every blood donor is a hero’ was the theme of the World Blood Donor Day, which took place yesterday. There are several benefits to donating according to the Dubai Health Authority, including regular blood pressure and haemoglobin checks, preventing build-up of iron, the activation of bone marrow to produce fresh blood cells and, most importantly, to make a difference to the community. Dr Douglas Blackall, a pathology consultant at Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, told Gulf News the most obvious benefit of regular blood donation is a powerful sense of emotional well-being. Dr Blackall said donors also benefit from the mini-physical examination performed as part of the screening process.“This helps donors to get in better touch with their own health,” he said. “Regular blood donation has been linked to a decreased risk for cancer and heart disease. “All-in-all, blood donation directly benefits patients in need of transfusion and has a positive effect on blood donors.” from gulfnews.com