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Be Ready To Donate Blood

WELL-BEING

When you donate blood, you are potentially saving a life. The American Red Cross estimates that someone needs blood every two seconds. Your donation makes that possible. The donation process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you should know in advance to prepare.

Donation eligibility

To donate blood, you must meet specific criteria. These include:

* Being healthy and not currently ill

* Over the age of 16 (in most states)

* Weigh at least 110 pounds

* Have not given blood in the past 56 days

When you go to donate

It can help relieve any nervousness if you know what to expect before you go. Most donation centers follow a standard process.

*Registration:verification of eligibility, checking your driver’s license, and providing your address.

*Health history:information on health conditions, medications, and recent travel.

*Health screening:checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

*The donation:takes about 8-10 minutes, during which time you will sit or lay comfortably.

*Recovery:takes 10-15 minutes, during which time you’ll receive a snack and drink and make sure you feel ready to go.

When You Should Not Donate

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, there may be other things that could temporarily disqualify you from donating.

* You are not feeling 100%. Only donate blood if you are feeling your best. If you are sick, you should wait until 24 hours after your symptoms pass.

* Certain kinds of medications and vaccinations may require a waiting period before giving blood. Check with the American Red Cross before you go.

* Low iron may cause anemia or a low blood count, making you ineligible to donate blood that day. Once your iron levels have improved, you may be able to donate.

* If you have traveled to certain countries outside the U.S., you may need to wait to donate blood.

Source: The American Red Cross

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Q & A Blood Donation

WELL-BEING

Every day, people need life-saving blood transfusions. These transfusions are possible because people donate their blood. Despite the need for donated blood, many people are afraid to donate. They may have fears about the process, needles or even their own health. Get the facts about blood donation so you can make an informed decision.

More than 4 million lives are saved each year because of blood donations.

Q: Is blood donation safe?

A: Yes. Each donation uses a new, sterile needle that is thrown away after one use. You may also be given a quick health check to be sure you’re healthy enough to donate. This may include taking your temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

Q: What if I don’t like needles?

A: Many people have a fear of needles. But blood donation is a quick process that can help save up to three lives. Facing your fears can mean the world to another person. Try listening to relaxing music, deep breathing or reading a book during your donation. Drinking fluids before donating will make donation easier and faster.

Q: Will I faint afterward?

A: Some people feel lightheaded after donating blood. But most people feel fine afterward. If this concerns you, you can have a few extra minutes to sit or lie down. You can also lower the risk of this happening by eating a healthy meal before your donation and drinking at least 16 ounces of water. When you feel well enough, slowly sit up. Blood donation only takes about 1/10th of the blood from your body. Your body replaces this lost blood quickly.

Q: Don’t they only need rare blood types?

A: Sometimes there is a public appeal for certain blood types. But all blood types are needed and valuable. If you don’t know your blood type, you can find out after your donation.

If you have any health conditions, you can ask your doctor whether blood donation is right for you.

Source: American Heart Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Find Your Fitness Personality

Fitness

Body type isn’t the only trait that determines which activities are best for you, though. You’ve probably already given some thought to what you’d like, based on whether you prefer to do activities alone or in a group; competitive or noncompetitive activities, or outdoor or indoor activities.

Finding a fitness activity that suits your personality is also a big factor in how much you’ll enjoy exercise and stick with it long enough to reap the benefits. Do any of the following descriptions of fitness personalities sound like you? If so, read the “hint for success” that pertains to each one.

The Weekend Warrior

The weekend warrior is sedentary throughout the work week and binges on exercise or sports over the weekend. Hint: Add minimal activity (even as little as 15 minutes twice per week) during the week to help condition your heart and lungs, sustain muscular endurance, and prevent strains or injuries on the weekend.

The Fanatic

The fanatic thinks that if a moderate exercise is good, then a lot is better. He or she always tries to work out a little more, a lot harder, or more intensely than others, and feels anxious and irritable if he or she misses a workout. Hint: Fitness should be a pleasure, not an addiction or ball and chain.

The Social Butterfly

The social butterfly has difficulty sticking with a solo fitness program, and loves to chat and mingle with other participants in a group. Hint: Don’t always depend on group activities or other people to enable you to meet your fitness goals. Be willing to go it alone if you must.

The Cannonball

The cannonball jumps into a fitness program with a burst of energy and determination but loses enthusiasm a few weeks later. Hint: Don’t try to do too much, too soon, or you’ll probably burn out after 2 or 3 weeks. It takes 10 to 12 weeks to start to see the results of your efforts.

The Flipper

The flipper dabbles in one activity, then quickly abandons it for another, and is related to the cannonball. Sometimes he or she may remain inactive for long intervals between flurries of activity. Hint: Real fitness results from consistent efforts, over the long term.

The Analyst

The analyst loves exercise gadgets and equipment. He or she reads lots of fitness books and magazines and likes to talk about the benefits of exercise. Hint: This is not a problem if you actually pursue the activities you’re learning about. But remember, the important thing is to get out and move.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026