Donating blood

Abstract

The need for blood doesn't stop during the holidays, but unfortunately, many donations do. That's one reason why January has traditionally been National Volunteer Blood Donor Month—to remind people of the dwindling supply at their local blood banks and encourage them to take an hour of their time to help others. Anyone who is at least 17 years old and meets the weight minimum (about 110 pounds at most blood banks) can give, if health requirements are met. For example, you should not donate if you recently had a cold or flu, are taking antibiotics, or have ever had hepatitis or participated in high-risk sexual or injected-drug activities.