7 Ways to save a Life ...

1. Donate Plasma

One of the coolest ways to save a life is to donate plasma. Plasma is a pale yellow liquid portion of your blood made of water and proteins which helps the body control bleeding and infections. Plasma is the basis of many therapeutics that saves thousands of lives daily. It's used in the treatment of serious disorders such as hemophilia and immune system deficiencies, and to treat victims of shock and burns. Your body has so much plasma, you could spare a little to save a life! And get this: You get paid for it! Getting paid while saving lives? Who could ask for more?

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking not only harms your body, but it harms others around you. According to the National Cancer Institute, in the United States, secondhand smoke is thought to cause about 46,000 heart disease deaths each year. There was a man who smoked about 2 or 3 packs a day around his children. When his daughter turned 29 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and only lived 6 months after her diagnosis. She never smoked a day in her life. It's sad how someone else's habit can harm others. If you want to save a life, break the habit. Quit smoking.

3. Donate to a Non-Profit Organization

Another great way to save a life is to donate money, resources, or time to a non-profit organization in the business of saving lives.There are plenty of organizations that volunteer for Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries to which you could donate! Speaking of food...

4. Start a Canned Food Drive

You could start a canned food drive in your own neighborhood! Many families and children die of starvation daily, so it's important to help provide for these people! Go door-to-door requesting canned food for the less fortunate, and distribute them to the needy! You could even spread the word to your classmates or co-workers! Giving food to those who need it is a great way to save a life!

5. Don't Be a Bystander

A bystander is someone who sees an illegal, unjust, or discriminatory act, but does nothing. Kitty Genovese was a young woman who was stabbed to death outside of her home in New York in 1964. 38 people witnessed the attack, but no one stepped in or called the police. There was a diffusion of responsibility. Everyone assumed that someone else had already called or they just didn't want to get involved. When someone's life or well-being depends on it, don't make these assumptions. Stand up and do what's right. Don't be a bystander.

6. Don't Drink and Drive

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, 9,878 people died in drunk driving crashes - one every 53 minutes. Drunk driving fatalities are 100% preventable. If you want to save a life, refrain from drunk driving, and encourage others to do the same.

7. Speak Kind Words

Suicides linked to bullying and rudeness happen extremely too often! Speak kind words to people. You never know what people are going through, and the impact kind words can have on their lives. A simple "Have a great day" and smile could save someone's life.

The business of saving lives isn't just for doctors and licensed professionals. You could save a life too with these 7 simple acts. Do you know of any other ways to save a life? Please share.