Blood Drive Set for Friday at Township Building

A blood drive has been scheduled for Friday at the Lower Southampton Township building. Those interested are invited to come between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and make a donation to the American Red Cross.

If you anticipate making a donation, please call ahead to Denise Eisemann at (215) 357,7300 ext. 312.

The American Red Cross offers some tips for making a donation at its website, including:

• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.
• Remember to bring your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of ID.
• Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
• Let the person taking your blood know if you have a preferred arm and show them any good veins that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.
• Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating. 
• Drink an extra four (8 ounce) glasses of liquids and avoid alcohol over the next 24 hours.
• Remove the wrap bandage (if you had one put on your arm) within the next hour.
• To avoid a skin rash, clean the area around the strip bandage with soap and water.
• Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
• If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure to it and raise your arm straight up for about 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
• If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness after donation, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down until you feel better. Avoid performing any activity where fainting may lead to injury for at least 24 hours.