Blood Drive

Today was our blood drive at work. I donate every chance I get. In fact I take it as a personal failure if I am unable to donate. Today my hemoglobin was 14.3 which was high enough to donate two units of packed red blood cells but the phlebotomist blew my best vein and I had to donate whole blood instead. When I get home I have to put ice on my arm to keep the bruising and swelling down. I know some people are afraid of the stick but it really doesn't hurt but for a second and the whole process is over in about 20 minutes. You, too, can save a life.

I know it sounds cheesy but go for it if you can.

I want to be...

the kind of person who:

• eats lots of fresh raw fruit and vegetables

• takes long walks in the crisp fall air and gets to feel leaves crunching beneath her feet

• takes the time to do a stretching routine every day at her desk (I found a great one in Bob Anderson's book Stretching for people who sit at the computer all day.)

• uses yoga for stress relief instead of food

• donates blood - today's the day (my employer has a blood drive every 8 weeks)

• is friendly and outgoing (I'm shy)

• isn't afraid to try new healthy foods (I haven't gotten into whole grains but I'd like to)

Next week will be September, gosh where has August gone. I'll be glad for the cooler weather. I love fall. I think it's one of my favorite times of year.

More later...


****EDIT****

I was able to donate packed red blood cells today. My hemoglobin was 14.3. YES! Now it will be 16 weeks before I can donate again.

Community Blood Center

The Community Blood Center is having a blood drive at the hospital where I work. They have one every quarter. I always try to donate. I take it as a personal failure when I am unable to do so. I like to donate packed red blood cells (2 units) when my Hemoglobin is high enough. It has to be 13.3 and this morning mine was 12.9 so I had to donate whole blood. It took about an hour from start to finish and I get to do it "on the clock." They told me to eat red meat the night before donating next time. Afterwards they always provide cookies and juice. I had two oreos (I forgot how delicious they are) and a small cup of apple juice. Now I have to drink LOTS of fluids to replace what I lost.