Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about getting ready for Valentine’s Day – making sure you look and sound your best and choose the best chocolate. But while you’re thinking about celebrating Valentine’s Day, consider making a gift from the heart.
Dr. Laurie Sutor, a pathologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says your donation of one pint of blood could save up to four lives. Blood is needed for emergencies, but blood components are also needed on an ongoing basis for treating cancer, heart disease and sickle cell disease. Donating blood is easy, but you can make it even easier on yourself by drinking extra water or juice before donating, eating a non-fatty breakfast or lunch before donating, wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your veins, and by relaxing. Whether or not you have a sweetheart, this is an easy way to show you care.
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February 2009
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