Health Tip: Donate Blood Safely

Donating blood generally is safe, says Mayo Clinic. New, sterile equipment should be used for each donor.

To have a safer blood-donation experience, Mayo suggests:

• Get plenty of sleep before donating and eat a healthy, low-fat meal.
• Drink an extra 16 ounces of water before the donation.
• For platelet donors, do not take aspirin for two days before donating.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for five hours after donating.

Contact the blood donor center or your doctor if you forgot to share important health information, or if you have any medical problems after giving blood.