National Donor Day 2025 - Learn How You Can Contribute On This Day

Author: Megha Agarwal on Feb 20,2024

National Donor Day is observed annually on February 14th. The day of observance is wholly dedicated to spreading awareness and educating people about organ donation, eye donation, and tissue donation. It is by education and spreading awareness we all can move forward, save, and heal more and more lives. At the same time, we can also honor the legacy of the donors, their generous contributions, and their compassion. 

 

National Donor Day 2025 is the right time to focus on organs, tissues, skin, eyes, blood and platelets, and even bone marrow donations. We all come together on this day to recognize and honor those who have either given or received the "gift of life" through various donations. The day also honors people and families who are currently waiting to receive life saving transplants and those who have died waiting for these lifesaving organs because they were not donated well in time. 

 

Correcting People's Common Myths Of Saying No To Organ Donation 

 

This National Donor Day 2025, we are here to break some myths about why people say no to organ donation.

 

I have never really given it a thought. 

 

If you think about thousands of people who are currently waiting to receive transplants, your organ donations can actually help keep someone alive. You will end up saving at least one life dying from organ failure. 

 

I don't intend on supporting the consequences of somebody's negative lifestyle. 

 

Here's the real truth - Only approximately 5% of people waiting for an organ transplant are substance abusers. 

 

I have a disease/diabetes. I don't think I could donate my organs. 

 

You can donate any and all of your organs, even if you have a disease or diabetes. Often, organ recipients have later become organ donors themselves. 

 

Signing up would be time-consuming. 

 

It is straightforward to register online and takes much less time than you think. Think about it, if you were dying of organ failure, wouldn't you and your loved ones appreciate someone making time for you? Even just a minute of their lives? 

 

I can't do it; I am too old. 

 

You are never too old or too sick to save someone's life by donating your organs. 

 

Significance of National Donor Day 2025

 

National Donor Day 2025 is a day of significance for everyone around the world. Here's why:

 

Promoting a different form of love

 

National Donor Day 2025 is the perfect time for Americans to display and promote a different kind of love for people who are waiting for organ donations. This is the day when people are encouraged to come together and help other organ transplant recipients by joining various registries. 

 

Organ donors can save as many as eight lives and heal over 75 lives with their generosity. It is a fantastic way to promote your love with others worldwide. 

 

It offers you control over your final wishes. 

 

When you join the organ donation registry, you declare your intentions to donate your precious organs right after you die. Most people around you might not understand why organ donation is so important. Once you decide to register yourself on one of these registries, you must discuss with your family members to ensure your last wishes are honored. It is wise to put such significant wishes for your family in writing, to instruct your next of kin to provide the necessary documentation and information on your medical as well as social history. 

 

It offers you the opportunity to replace myths with accurate information. 

 

Millions of people are awaiting transplants today than there were in the past years. Unfortunately, multiple misconceptions surround the topic, especially about becoming an organ donor. Therefore, it is extremely important to get your facts right. 

 

For example, some people believe that physical defects and illnesses can keep you from being an organ donor. However, it is false. There are also people who think that physicians might not try as hard to save your life if they come to know about your "intentions" of being an organ donor. Being an organ donor definitely does not discount a doctor's priority - to save lives! 

 

Things to know about organ donation while you are alive

 

Here are a few things you should know about organ donation this National Donor Day 2025: 

 

Organs you can donate while you are alive. 

 

This National Donor Day 2025, know the organs you can donate while you are alive: 

 

1. One of your kidneys. It is one of the most common organs to be donated. A person can live with just one kidney dispensing waste from their body. 

2. One of your liver lobes. The cells in your liver lobes can refresh and grow again until your liver comes back to its original state and size. This can happen in a pretty short time for the recipient as well as the donor. 

3. Lung or a part of your lungs, a part of your intestines, and a part of your pancreas. These organs will not regrow like your liver. However, the portion you will donate and the portion that remains in your body will function at the same capacity as before. 

 

Tissues you can donate while you are alive.

You can easily donate:

1. Your skin after certain surgeries like a tummy tuck. 

2. Your bones, after getting a knee or a hip replacement surgery. 

3. A few healthy cells from your bone marrow or your umbilical cord. 

4. Amnion, which can be easily donated after childbirth. 

5. Blood, both RBCs, and WBCs, along with platelets. 

 

You can easily donate blood as well as bone marrow multiple times during your lifetime. They can multiply and reproduce again. Your body will replace them once you donate. 

 

Who can donate organs?

Everyone is a great organ donor. Everyone can donate their eyes or tissues. Their age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or health does not matter at all! In fact, your age doesn't matter as well. You can donate at any age, as long as your organs are healthy. People have donated their organs after they turned 70! 

 

Donation After Life 

For organ donation, it does not matter when you die. You can still donate organs or a part of your organs to people in dire need. You can improve the world, make it a better place and save multiple lives. 

 

How can you register to be a donor after life? 

You must first decide whether you want to donate your eyes, organs, and tissues or not. The next step would be to register yourself as an organ donor in your state and country. Signing up does not mean you are legally bound to donate your organs after you die. It just means you are simply taking a pledge. Your next of kin will decide whether they want to continue with your wishes or not. 

 

Therefore, the registration process will take place multiple years before your donation is possible. However, it is the first step you take to save lives. 

 

When is organ donation possible after death? 

Organ donation after death is possible once you are tested for brain death. Healthcare professionals will run tests to find out if someone is brain dead or not. Patients that are brain dead do not have any brain activity. They can also neither breathe nor recover on their own. 

 

Doctors, upon testing, will confirm brain death and will note the time of death. After this, your organ donation process shall be possible. 

 

The Organ Procurement Organization 

If you die or are nearing death, your healthcare provider/hospital will inform the local Organ Procurement Organization and follow all federal rules. The hospital will inform the OPO about the conditions, which will be examined to understand if you are a possible donor or not. 

 

If you happen to be one, OPO will travel to the hospital. OPO will need your legal consent to procure your organs for donation. Therefore, your state's registry will be put under review. If you are a part of the registry, that will be considered your legal consent to donate organs. OPO may also ask your closest blood relative for approvals. 

 

Once the approval is received, OPO will do a medical evaluation. This will be an evaluation of your entire medical as well as social history. Your family shall receive this. 

 

What will happen to the organs that are donated?

Healthcare professionals will keep your organs on life support if needed. Artificial support will be required to keep oxygen levels intact in your body. Therefore, your medical team and OPO will constantly check every organ's condition. 

 

Transplant surgical teams will then replace the medical teams who treated the donors before they died. Your medical team, as well as your transplant surgical team, will never be the same. 

 

Surgical teams will remove the donor's tissues and organs. They will also remove the organs and other approved tissues like your bones, cornea, and skin. All cuts shall be closed. Remember, organ donations will not prevent an open casket funeral ceremony from happening! 

 

It should also be noted that organs will only stay healthy for a short period after removal from the human body. It is only a matter of minutes! OPO officials will therefore plan a speedy move for your organs. The organs will then move to hospitals where patients who require them are present. Organs can go through different routes - ambulances, commercial airplanes, road vehicles, or even helicopters! 

 

Final Words:

A donor can save and enhance the lives of as many as 75 people at one time. Make a difference in someone's life this National Donor Day 2025. You don't know how big of a blessing you could be to someone's world. 

 

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Strength and ToningWith the absence of weights or fast movements, Bikram Yoga develops great strength galvanizing muscles throughout the body as they maintain Bikram yoga positions for extended durations.4. Posture and AlignmentAn important function of the Bikram series is to correct imbalances and improve posture by strengthening core, spine, and stabilizing muscles.5. Increased Focus on the MindWithstanding the heat and ensuring concentration on breath and movement, train the brain to focus and maintain composure under pressure.6. Stress Release and Emotional BalanceSimilar to any other yoga practice, it helps to foster the mind-body connection instrumental in stress relief, anxiety, and mood swings.7. Cardiovascular BenefitsWhile being a low-impact exercise, Bikram shares cardiovascular conditioning features with moderate aerobic exercise due to its production of intense environments.8. Weight LossRegular sessions can help burn calories and boost metabolism, making it easier to manage or reduce weight over time.Discover more: How Yoga Supports Mental Health and Reduces AnxietyBikram Yoga Poses: The 26 Asanas Bikram Yoga has a structured format of 26 poses each designed to develop certain muscle groups and organs. Together these poses provide an entire workout. Here is an overview of some of Bikram Yoga asanas and their associated benefits:1. Standing Deep Breathing (Pranayama)To oxygenate the body and prepare it for the workout.2. Half Moon Pose with Hands to Feet PosePromotes spine flexibility and strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders.3. Awkward PoseFocuses on the thighs, calves, and spine while developing balance and coordination.4. Eagle PoseIncreases flexibility in the hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles, and helps with circulation.5. Standing Head to Knee PoseExercises concentration, balance, leg-building, and abdominal muscles.6. Standing Bow Pulling PoseBuilds circulation, leg strength, and improves spine elasticity.7. Balancing Stick PoseBuilds cardiovascular strength and full-body alignment.8. Standing Separate Leg Stretching PoseStretches the spine and hamstrings and aids in digestion.9. Triangle PosePerhaps the one of the best for Bikram Yoga positions for flexibility, strength, and detoxification.10. Tree Pose and Toe StandBuild ankle strength and posture, and balance.11. Dead Body Pose (Savasana)Allows absorption of benefits by the body and resting in between the sequences.12. Wind-Removing PoseAssists digestion and massages the colon.13. Cobra PoseStrengthens the lower back and tones the buttocks.14. Bow and Locust PosesOpen chest and shoulders; strengthen the spine and legs.15. Fixed Firm PoseImproves flexibility of the knee and ankle; strengthens lower limbs. 16. Half Tortoise PoseEnhances mental clarity and balances blood pressure.17. Camel PoseOpens the chest, improving spine flexibility and relieving emotional tension.18. Rabbit PoseStretches the spine and calms the nervous system.19. Head To Knee Pose With Stretching PoseStimulates internal organs and helps with digestion.20. Spine Twisting PoseImproves spinal mobility and blood circulation.21. Blowing in Firm Pose (Kapalabhati)Lung cleansing and invigorating the body to close the session.Bikram Yoga Advantages Over Traditional YogaIf you are considering whether Bikram Yoga could be your path, consider its advantages over any other style of yoga or fitness regime:1. Consistency of StructureUnlike vinyasa and hatha where routines may vary, in Bikram you can expect the structure to remain predictable. This allows you to keep track of your own progress over time.2. Fully Integrated Body WorkoutThis class moves through all systems and parts of the body-from muscles to joints and from organic systems to glands-Hence the class gives a truly holistic workout.3. Detox and RecoveryThe heat of the room induces a profuse sweat, promoting toxin elimination and muscle repair. Bikram Yoga is the choice of many athletes for post-workout recovery.4. Mental and Physical ToughnessThe atmosphere is deliberately taxing. Getting through the heat builds up mental strength and grit that are essential to both fitness and life.Who Can Practice Bikram Yoga?Bikram Yoga is appropriate for every fitness level, keeping scope from beginner to the advanced practitioners. But, it does require being in a small mental sphere of mind-especially for the first few sessions. You must consult your doctor if pregnant, have cardiovascular problems, or are sensitive to extreme heat.Don't Miss: 5 things to Remember to Practice Safe Yoga and Avoid InjuriesTips for First-TimersIf you're planning for your first session, here are some tips to prepare you:Have plenty of water before and after class to replace the fluids lost through sweating.Show up earlier to get acclimatized to the heated atmosphere.Take comfortable clothing, which is light and breathable.Bring along your yoga mat, towel, and water bottle.How to Add Bikram Yoga to Your Fitness RoutineYou don't need to replace your entire workout plan. Bikram Yoga can complement other forms of fitness like weight training, cardio, or running. Aim for 2-3 sessions per week to start, and increase frequency as your stamina improves.Pair it with strength training to enhance flexibility and mobility.Use it on rest days as active recovery.Add it as your main workout if you're looking for a low-impact but high-benefit alternative.Explore more: Unlocking The Miraculous Benefits of Ashtanga Vinyasa YogaConclusionBikram Yoga is more than just a series of asanas-it's a transformative journey for the body and mind. From increased flexibility and detoxification to improved mental focus and cardiovascular health, the benefits of Bikram Yoga are numerous and well-documented.By committing to the practice, you'll not only notice physical improvements but also gain a deeper sense of discipline, self-awareness, and inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone starting fresh on your wellness journey, Bikram Yoga can completely reshape your fitness routine-one sweaty, focused session at a time.

ashwagandha-plant-benefits

Ashwagandha Benefits and How to Use It in Your Daily Routine

In a time of unending high productivity and digital overstimulation, many seek balance, clarity, and restoration from ancient natural remedies. Ashwagandha is one of the most researched and respected of these remedies and an adaptogenic herb that has been utilized in Ayurveda medicine for thousands of years. Ashwagandha is celebrated for its usefulness and medicinal efficacy, offering a holistic remedy for modern stress, fatigue and hormonal imbalance, and other ailments.What is Ashwagandha?Sapitionally, ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is a small evergreen shrub that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and berries are the source of medicinal tonics, powders, and extracts found in Ayurvedic medicine that have been reported to rewrite the energy in the mind and body. The word "ashwagandha" translates to "smell of a horse," in Sanskrit; this is probably a reference to its distinctive aroma as well as for the strength it is believed to bestow.This herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and enhance concentration. Its adaptogenic qualities make it especially effective in helping the body manage stress responses by supporting adrenal function and promoting hormonal equilibrium. Rather than forcefully altering a biological system, Ashwagandha works to restore natural balance, which is why it remains such a trusted component in holistic health practices today.Learn More: Top 10 Herbs & Supplements: Depression Relief & StabilizersUnderstanding Adaptogenic HerbsThe idea of adaptogens is essential to understand the effects of Ashwagandha. Adaptogenic herbs are a class of restorative plants that help the body counteract the harmful effects of various physical, chemical, and biological stressors. These plants adapt their functionality based on your body's needs, whether this is tapping into the stimulatory effects to promote energy when fatigued or using the calming effects when unhinged.Adaptogens are different from pharmaceutical drugs, which target specific symptoms. Adaptogens can help address the fundamental problem of your body's stress system being out of balance because they support the body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis plays a systemic role in our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha has undergone more research than most adaptogens and is considered to be one of the most potent adaptogens. It acts as a natural modulator of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) in that it will support the uptake of challenges we face in a healthy manner while minimizing the ultimate wear and tear that chronic stress causes our body.One thing that makes adaptogens such as Ashwagandha so unique is their bidirectional activity. This means that they aren't just stimulatory or sedating but instead working with the body to adapt, normalize or more properly use their functions. Because of this, Ashwagandha may be the perfect herb for those who are dealing with anxiety, burnout, hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances, and mental fog.Ashwagandha for Stress ReliefStress mitigation is nearly always the best-known, and most universally appreciated, of all the benefits of Ashwagandha. Chronic stress is not just a mind issue-it's a body issue that can impact digestion, the immune system, sleep quality, and cardiovascular health. When the stress hormone cortisol is chronically elevated, the effects can lead to mood destabilization, poor concentration, high blood pressure, and the potential for weight gain.Ashwagandha works to mitigate stress at both the physiological and psychological levels. Clinical trials consistently show that long-term use of ashwagandha extract reduces cortisol levels, especially in patients experiencing chronic anxiety or burnout. One study published in "Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine" found that participants who consumed high-concentration ashwagandha extract experienced a 44% reduction in stress and anxiety scores, compared with placebo subjects. Participants experienced an accompanying increase in sleep quality, levels of energy and improvement in their emotional wellbeing.This makes Ashwagandha an effective herbal alternative to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications, which often come with side effects or dependency risks. Daily supplementation of Ashwagandha may offer natural and sustainable relief for people dealing with long work hours, emotional upheaval, or frequent overwhelm.Exploring the 10 Benefits of Ashwagandha1. Natural Stress Reduction and Cortisol BalanceAs already mentioned, the ability of Ashwagandha to regulate cortisol levels is one of its signature qualities. Helping your body adapt to all kinds of stressors, whether acute or chronic, allows you to avoid descending into burnout, anxiety disorders, or immune suppression due to their potential prolonged presence. Following ingestion, many people find that their stress and anxiety responses are comparably calmer and more centered, often within a few days to weeks.2. Improved Sleep Quality and RelaxationIn this day and age of insomnia and restless sleep due to stressors, screen time, and disturbed circadian rhythms, we are all developing a better appreciation for sleep than ever. Ashwagandha contains some triethylene glycol (a natural compound that promotes sleep), that when consumed does not change sleep patterns like a sedative, instead it enhances your sleep quality by conserving your energy in addition to calming the nervous system and stabilizing nighttime cortisol spikes, making it easier to both fall asleep and stay asleep.Must Read: Adaptogens Ayurvedic Herbs for Weight Loss and Relaxation3. Enhanced Energy and VitalityIronically, while Ashwagandha helps promote better rest, it simultaneously improves energy levels and endurance in the daytime. Understanding that it positively affects mitochondrial function and adrenal control surrounding energy regulation. It emphasizes nourishing the body's vitality rather than overstimulating it, which is essential for those who suffer from general low energy, post-illness fatigue, and age-related physical decline.4. Improved Focus, Memory, and Cognitive FunctionAshwagandha also supports brain health. Research suggests it enhances memory, cognitive function, and information processing speed. This is due to its antioxidant effects in the brain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. It may even protect against cognitive decline linked to aging or neurodegenerative disorders.5. Enhanced Immunity and ResilienceStress, poor diet, or long-term inflammation often undermines immune health. Ashwagandha increases natural killer cell activity, supports white blood cell production, and greatly reduces illness and improves infection recovery.6. Hormonal Balance for Men and WomenAshwagandha has been demonstrated to influence hormonal activity positively. In men, it increases testosterone, sperm count, and motility. In women, ashwagandha may offer relief from PMS symptoms, regulating the cycle, and fertility matters regarding stress or thyroid dysfunction. This ability to balance hormones is especially relevant during menopause or with adrenal exhaustion.7. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant PropertiesChronic inflammation is at the root of so many of the chronic diseases we see today, such as, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Ashwagandha decreases the levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP (C-reactive protein), and it is rich in antioxidant properties to protect the stones in oxidative stress. For those seeking preventative health and longevity, ashwagandha is a great addition to long-term supplemental intake.8. Cardiovascular Benefits and Heart HealthAshwagandha can positively affect the health of the heart by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol values, and improving circulation. This is primarily from its anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties.Check This Out: Best Antiviral Herbs To Heal And Boost Your Immune System9. Muscle Growth and Physical PerformanceFitness enthusiasts increasingly turn to Ashwagandha to improve strength, stamina, and muscle recovery. Studies show it increases muscle mass and decreases body fat with resistance training. It also lowers exercise-induced muscle damage, helping with faster post-workout recovery.10. Enhanced Emotional Well-being and Mood StabilityLastly, Ashwagandha helps regulate mood and emotional resilience. Its impact on serotonin pathways and cortisol regulation makes it an effective herb for managing symptoms of depression, mood swings, and emotional fatigue. It creates a sense of balance and inner calm, supporting emotional stability in facing life's challenges.How to Use Ashwagandha in Your Daily RoutineThe great thing about Ashwagandha is how easily it can be taken as part of your day-to-day life. Whether you take them as capsules (my preference), drink it as tea, or blend it in smoothies, there are a variety of options to suit your lifestyle and schedule.  Typically, the traditional form of Ashwagandha is powder. In Ayurveda, the powder is blended with warm milk, a pinch of turmeric and a spoon of honey into a soothing bedtime drink. Others blend the powder into smoothies or energy balls in the morning, especially if they are looking for some of Ashwagandha's invigorating benefits during the day.  Capsules or tablets are the most convenient forms of Ashwagandha, as they are often standardized at specific doses for concentrations of withanolides. Because they are convenient, they are good for people who travel; or busy lifestyles. Generally, the best time to take, capsules or tablets is based on your unique needs - take in the morning for more energy and focus and at night if you are looking for calming effects to aid relaxation or sleep.While Ashwagandha tea can be enjoyed on its own, it can also be combined with other calming herbs such as chamomile, tulsi, or some licorice for a particularly soothing herbal tea. Drinking ashwagandha tea in the evening will help soothe the nervous system and prepare you for a restful night's sleep.Using tinctures or liquid extracts of ashwagandha is a quick and quickly absorbed option that can be mixed with water or juice. Tinctures and liquid extracts of ashwagandha are extremely potent and best used with the guidance of a health care professional if you need to take a higher therapeutic dose.Ayurvedic massage practice uses topical ashwagandha oil or ghee for the purpose of enhancing physical calmness while also balancing the nervous system. Given the high rates of body tension and anxiety experienced by so many people today, this may serve the purpose of balance and grounding to help alleviate a state of nervous exhaustion during or after a busy routine.Also Read: Ashwagandha: Learn Its Benefits, Side Effects And MoreConclusionAshwagandha is not a passing fad in health and well-being-it is a time-tested herbal ally that continues to show its value in today's wellness landscape. Whenever there is a notion of helping the body tolerate stress more efficiently, heightening energy levels, regulating hormone production and keeping the mind sharp will help people balance, feel resilient and live life differently. Given its versatility, I believe ashwagandha can offer gentle and enduring support when needed and bring profound support for emotional burnout, sleeping challenges, physical fatigue or days of busyness.