It’s National Blood Donor Month

Make a difference during National Blood Donor Month!

Make a difference in someone’s life and donate blood this month. January is National Blood Donor Month! Every two seconds someone is in desperate need of blood; by donating blood you could save up to three lives. Be a hero and donate! Before you donate there are a few things to know.

Eligibility.

You need to be eligible to donate blood. The basic requirements are based on your age, weight, and general health.

• You must be at least 17 years old (some states permit 16 year olds) and have parent permission if you’re a minor.
• You must weigh at least 110 lbs.
• You must be in good general health.

These eligibility requirements are vital to keeping you and blood recipients safe. If you’ve gotten a tattoo or piercing lately, are taking medications, or have traveled to a foreign country recently, be sure to check the full eligibility requirements before you decide to donate.

The Day Before.

The day before you donate there are a few preparations that you should make: be sure to drink lots of water, eat foods with lots of iron to fill you with more oxygen-carrying red blood cells, and be sure to get a good night’s sleep.

The Donation.

Before you head over to the donation center, make sure that you wear loose clothing and you bring an I.D. Also be sure to bring a list of any medications. You’ll check in, fill out some paperwork, have a min-physical just to make sure you’re healthy, and then you’ll be good to donate. After the process, you’ll get plenty of snacks to help you refuel.

Robert J. Los Insurance Agency proudly supports the local community. Located in Hamburg, New York, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs. Contact us for more information.