Give blood, share love on Valentine’s Day

Published 10:57 pm Thursday, February 11, 2010

You can share the gift of life and show your love not only to your Valentine’s but your fellow man, too, Sunday during a blood drive at Maplesville Baptist Church.

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old and in good general health. All donors must have a photo ID or American Red Cross donor card.

The Red Cross gives the following tips for people considering giving blood:

Double your fluid intake in the 48 hours leading up to the blood drive.

Eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as the day of, the blood drive.

Eat iron-rich foods, such as lean beef, broccoli, eggs, green, shrimp or dried beans.

Consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Get a good’s night sleep before donating blood.

If you are sick or cannot donate for other reasons, consider asking a friend of family member to give in your place.