Episode Number
115
Episode Show Notes / Description
Did you know blood has 4 main components, each having its own specific role in the body? Testing can help screen for a wide range of health problems.
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know blood is made up of 4 main components, each having their own specific role in the body?
• Plasma makes up about 55% of blood and is the liquid component of blood that consist of water, sugar, fat, protein, and salts. Its main job is to transport blood cells, nutrients, waste, antibodies, clotting protein, hormones, and proteins that help maintain the body’s fluid balance.
• Red blood cells account for 40-45% of the blood volume. Red blood cells only last about 120 days. They contain hemoglobin, which is an important protein in the body that transports oxygen.
• White blood cells only account for 1% of the blood but plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection.
• Platelets account for 1% of blood and help with the blood-clotting process by gathering at the site of an injury.
If you have concerns about your blood, talk to your health care provider or hematologist. A complete blood count (CBC) test can give information about the types and number of cells in your blood. It is often part of a routine physical exam to screen for a wide range of potential health problems like anemia, infections, and blood disorders. This week check to see when your last CBC test was, and if it has been more than a year, ask your primary care doctor to get an updated one.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources
• https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics
Did you know blood is made up of 4 main components, each having their own specific role in the body?
• Plasma makes up about 55% of blood and is the liquid component of blood that consist of water, sugar, fat, protein, and salts. Its main job is to transport blood cells, nutrients, waste, antibodies, clotting protein, hormones, and proteins that help maintain the body’s fluid balance.
• Red blood cells account for 40-45% of the blood volume. Red blood cells only last about 120 days. They contain hemoglobin, which is an important protein in the body that transports oxygen.
• White blood cells only account for 1% of the blood but plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection.
• Platelets account for 1% of blood and help with the blood-clotting process by gathering at the site of an injury.
If you have concerns about your blood, talk to your health care provider or hematologist. A complete blood count (CBC) test can give information about the types and number of cells in your blood. It is often part of a routine physical exam to screen for a wide range of potential health problems like anemia, infections, and blood disorders. This week check to see when your last CBC test was, and if it has been more than a year, ask your primary care doctor to get an updated one.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources
• https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics