The Details for Donating Blood
Dear Readers: Have you considered donating blood but don’t know what’s involved? The American Red Cross is always in need of blood donations, so here are a few hints:
* Before you go to your local donation center, know that you must be healthy, at least 17 years old (in most states) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
* Whole blood can be donated every 56 days.
* Drink extra water/fluids before donation, and don’t drink coffee or any drink with caffeine.
* Bring donor card, driver’s license or two other IDs, along with a list of any medications you currently are taking.
* Wear clothing that allows sleeves to be raised above your elbows easily.
You will be given a mini-physical at the donation center before donating, at which time your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin will be checked to see if you can donate that day.
Afterward, you will be given a drink and a snack!
For more information, you can go to www.redcrossblood.org, or call your local Red Cross or blood-donation center. -- Heloise
P.S.: If you can donate, please do so, and why not ask a friend or co-worker to go with you? It’s something most of us don’t often think about.
A REAL TIMESAVER
Dear Heloise: When e-mailing a quick note to a co-worker or friend, if you can, put the entire message in the “subject” line. You don’t even have to open the e-mail! -- Anna in Lancaster, Calif.
Great! Make sure everyone understands that this is your system, to avoid missed details in the body of the e-mail. “Lunch at Bob’s Restaurant at 12:30 today ... See you there!” -- Heloise
NEED A LIFT?
Dear Heloise: I read of the single person needing medical tests in your column in the (Terre Haute, Ind.) Tribune-Star. Please make people aware that I discovered that my county’s Area on Aging organization provides transportation for a very nominal (nearly free) fee, if provided enough advance notice. -- Margaret in Terre Haute, Ind.
DE-CLUTTER HINT
Dear Heloise: Agreed, we Americans have too much clutter in our homes and places of work. What to do with all those florist vases and baskets that accumulate in every home from birthdays, illnesses and so forth? The ones you can’t sell at the yard sale? The best recycler is your friendly neighborhood florist, who can sanitize them and use them again. Just give them to the florist, and be glad you are rid of them. -- Ginny in West Plains, Mo.
This is a nice idea, but please call your local florist first to make sure your items will be accepted. -- Heloise
EXTRA PIECE
Dear Heloise: Always ask for carpet remnants after buying new carpet. The remnants are good for storage shelves, closet floors, the trunk of your car and so much more! -- Sharlene in Texas
Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.
2011, King Features Syndicate
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