Science It’s a critical resource—but I have a few selfish reasons too. Boy_Anupong/Moment Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Every eight weeks or so, I head to the blood donation center in Providence bright and early. I check in and get my vitals taken (iron levels, blood pressure, and pulse) as the nurse looks over a questionnaire I’ve filled out to ensure my eligibility. Then I’m led to a chair, where I lie back. A needle goes into my arm, and the blood goes out of my vein through a tube. In the 10 short minutes, it fills a pint-size bag. During that time, I alternate between watching whatever the nurses have put on the TV that day and scrolling my phone. When it’s all done, I am treated to a plethora of snacks and a complimentary sticker. But I don’t snack too much, because my next stop is IHOP to gorge on pancakes. I enjoy the excuse to treat myself, but donating blood has some other personal benefits too.…