10 great reasons to donate blood in January!

January is National Blood Donation Month, And while blood is one of those things you don't think much about until maybe you cut yourself shaving, there are a bunch of reasons why you should. And why you should donate some of yours.

Whether due to an accident or surgery, one out of three people will need a transfusion at some point in their life. Blood is needed every two seconds, which roughly translates to about 40,000 units each day. If those numbers aren't enough to convince you to make a few deposits in your local blood bank, consider these facts:

1. Your single donation has a big impact

Spending 45 minutes to an hour donating blood can save three people. That's a pretty impressive return on your investment of time.

2. There's no substitute

Just like you, blood is completely unique and can't be manufactured or replicated.

3. Blood has a shelf life

Unlike Twinkies, which seemingly last forever, blood can only be stored for so long before it's no longer useable. Red blood cells only last 42 day and platelets just five. That's why there's a constant need.

4. Blood donations help cancer patients

Dealing with cancer is hard enough, but your donation helps them during the struggle of their life.

5. You may save a new mother's life

Pregnant women are at risk for hemorrhaging during childbirth; your donation of blood will help ensure she gets to see her baby.

6. You'll help a "preemie"

Premature babies require blood transfusions to survive; donated blood helps the most vulnerable among us.

7. You'll help with organ transplants

Imagine having to wait for a new kidney; then imagine having to postpone surgery even longer because blood supplies are low. Your donation gives someone a second chance at life.

8. Giving blood is good for your health

It's been shown to reduce your risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke. So you do something good for your soul-and your body! You can donate blood every 56 days.

9. You get a free health screening

When you donate blood, it's analyzed for the presence of various diseases, like hepatitis and HIV. You'll also find out how your cholesterol levels are doing, your resting heart rate, blood pressure and more.

10. Donating blood removes excess iron from your body

That excess often deposits itself in the liver, heart and pancreas, and can contribute to complications with diabetes and heart disease. So take the opportunity to offload some of that stuff.

11. Giving blood scores you free doughnuts and coffee

This month, the American Red Cross is teaming with Dunkin Donuts in a cool promotion: "Dunkin Donors" in New England will be given a $5 gift card from chain, and be automatically entered to win some cool autographed New England Patriots memorabilia and post-season tickets.