It's easy ... 1-888-2-DONATE!

We had a few laughs this morning on Shane's behalf ... he pulled the short straw to have his blood type tested to see if his blood type matched his personality. It turns out he's A+ and his type of blood only matched his personality a touch ... that according to me and Cheryl anyway. See Cheryl's blog for full descriptions of blood types and personalities. The big summer push is on to donate blood ... with so many people getting ready to take holidays, the stock-piling needs to be done now so if you can donate, please do - it's easy.

Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. In fact, according to a recent poll, 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.

The good news is that one blood donation - in just one hour - can save up to three lives. Canadian Blood Services is responsible for recruiting blood and bone marrow donors, as well as collecting blood, plasma, and platelets at 41 permanent collection sites and more than 19,000 donor clinics annually. So can you donate, SURE you can if you follow these simple rules: have ID with full name and signature, or full name and photograph required. You need to be between 17 and 71 birthday (regular donor), or between 17 and 61 birthday (first-time donor). To continue donating after the 71 birthday, regular donors should contact Canadian Blood Services prior to donation for further eligibility information. You need to be at least 50 kg (110 lb) and you can donate every 56 days. As for your health, you must be in good health and feeling well. You should have had something to eat and adequate sleep. You must also meet hemoglobin (iron) requirements (test done at clinic).

There are a few things that will prevent you from donating if you've recently had dental treatment (extractions, fillings, cleaning, restoration). If you've had a cleaning or filling, wait until the day after treatment and 72 hours if you've had a tooth extracted, a root canal or dental surgery. If you've a cold, flu or sore throat wait until you are fully recovered.

Donating blood does not put you at risk of disease. All needles are sterile, used only once and discarded. The usual blood collection - a "unit" - is about half a litre, or one pint. Your body soon replaces all the blood you donate.

To donate, call 1-888-2-DONATE today!

~Seanna~