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Blood Facts For National Blood Donor Month

Whether you're an A, B or an O, you've got to have this to survive. We're talking about your blood. In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, here are a few facts about this life-sustaining fluid. While everyone's blood is definitely red, not everyone shares the same blood type.

In total, there are eight blood types. You are either an "A" negative or positive; B negative or positive; O negative or positive or AB negative or positive. The letters represent the certain proteins found on the red blood cells.

The positive and negative indicates whether or not your blood carries a protein called Rh. If you have this protein then your blood type is classified as positive. If not, then your blood type is negative. Blood delivers the nutrients and oxygen to our organs.

It is essential to us because it helps us fight off infections, keep warm and cool off.  If you're an averaged-sized person, you contain 1 to 1 ½ gallons of blood.

For more information about where you can donate yours, visit the American Red Cross by clicking on here.

Content provided by Oakland University

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