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What Your Blood Type Says About You: A Fun, Educational Look at Your Health and Personality
In honor of National Blood Donor Month, enjoy a bit of science and a drop of entertainment as we explore the implications of blood type.
Ketsueki-gata. It’s a term that may once have only been familiar to phlebotomists and vampires. But since the 1930s, ketsueki-gata has become a popular means of analyzing a person’s personality based on their blood type, thanks to Japanese professor Tokeji Furukawa. While there is no scientific proof tying blood types to personality types, Furukawa’s claims have been embraced in Japanese culture—much like astrology has been accepted in the U.S.*
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From a Western health science perspective, the four primary blood types are differentiated from each other based on their antigens. Antigens are found on the surface of the red blood cells and help dictate how effectively our immune system works. The connection to immunology has had health education researchers making a correlation between personal health patterns and blood types for centuries.
Though you’re not likely to ever study the blood-related personality types in a health science degree program, it is fun to decide for yourself whether ketsueki-gata principles apply to you. Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of our own hemoglobin, according to Western medicine and ketsueki-gata.
Health Implications Associated With Blood Types*
| BLOOD TYPE | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mosquitos are less attracted to you than to other blood types | 20% higher change of developing stomach cancer compared with types O and B 5% increased risk of heart disease compared with type |
| B | Type B has 50,000 times the number of strains of friendly bacteria than A or O types | 11% increased risk of heart disease than type O AB or B women have a raised risk of developing ovarian cancer |
| AB | Type AB+ is the universal plasma donor | 23% increased risk of heart disease compared with type O Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing preeclampsia |
| O | Type O can donate red blood cells to anyone Lower risk for pancreatic cancer Lower risk of dying from malaria | More likely to get ulcers Higher risk of rupturing an Achilles tendon Mosquitos are highly attracted to you |
Ketsueki-Gata Personalities Associated With Blood Types*
| BLOOD TYPE | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| A | Earnest, creative, sensible, reserved, patient, and responsible | Stubborn and tense |
| B | Passionate, active nature, creative, and strong | Selfish, irresponsible, unforgiving, and erratic |
| AB | Cool, controlled, rational, and adaptable | Critical, indecisive, forgetful, and irresponsible |
| O | Confident, self-determined, strong-willed, and intuitive | Self-centered, cold, unpredictable, and a potential workaholic |
Whatever level of credibility you might find in ketsueki-gata, if you’re serious about exploring health sciences or finding a career in the field of health education, you might consider earning an online health degree, such as an MS in Health Education and Promotion. This degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge to make an impact on human health in multiple environments—including those we share with mosquitos. With an MS in Health Education and Promotion you can teach at a college of university, work as a researcher, or even take on the role of a consultant. Regardless, you’ll be helping others live a more healthy lifestyle.
And regardless of whether you’re A, B, AB, or O, donating blood is always a positive contribution to your community.
*Mother Nature Network, “What Your Blood Type Says About You,” on the Internet at www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/what-your-blood-type-says-about-you.