Well so was I, so I decided to make a few guidelines for myself and would be delighted to share them with you!
So here goes:
1. Make sure you are above 18 and eligible to donate blood. You need to weigh at least 110 pounds or 50 kgs. Make sure you do not have a cold, cough, virus or stomach flu.
2. Avoid donating blood after going to the dentist- Wait 24 hrs prior if you've had a minor procedure. If its a major one, wait for a month.
3.Get a good nights sleep.
Prior to Donating:
2.Eat 3 hrs prior to the donation
3. Avoid aspirin and other pills two days prior to donation
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol
What you must eat two weeks prior to donating:
- Bread, Muffins and Cereal
- Organ meals, Shellfish, Red meats, Fish and Poultry
- Seeds and Nuts, Beans and Eggs
- Watermelons, Strawberries and Bananas
- Raisins, Dates, Prunes, Figs and Dried Apricots
- Prunes Juice, Tomato Juice and Apple Juice
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Pizza
After Donation:
1.Drink plenty of water
2. Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about 5 hrs after donation.
3. If you feel dizzy lie down with feet raised
4. Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you may have saved at least 3 lives.
blog by Sue-Ellen Pereira (Associate English Editor)
