Community Corner
5 Things You Should Know Before You Roll Up Your Sleeve
You can donate blood during Battle of the Badges at the Costick Center in Farmington Hills Aug. 15.
The annual Battle of the Badges American Red Cross blood drive comes to the Costick Center in Farmington Hills Aug. 15, pitting the Farmington Hills Police Department against the Fire Department in a contest for bragging rights.
But the real winners are those whose lives will be saved by the donation of blood and blood products during the event. According to the American Red Cross website, here's what you should know before you go:
1. Drink plenty of fluids.
The Red Cross recommends downing an additional 16 ounces of non-alcoholic beverages before your donation.2. Have something to eat, but skip the burgers and fries.
High fat foods can throw off the results of blood tests done before your donation. Stick to lean meats, a salad (light on the dressing and add-ins) and other low-fat foods. And include iron-rich foods.3. Bring important information.
That includes a list of your medications, your donor card, photo ID or other forms of identification.4. Relax!
If you wish, you can bring along some music to listen to during the donation process. And afterwards, steer clear of heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.5. Keep up your energy after you donate.
Take the snack the Red Cross offers to everyone after they give blood, and drink four extra 8-ounce glasses of water or other beverage (avoid alcohol) over the next 24 hours.Giving blood takes approximately an hour and a half. To make an appointment to donate on August 15, go to redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code costickcenter.
For more information, call 1-800-REDCROSS.
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