Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as spinach, red meat etc.
Get a good night's sleep.
Drink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids before the donation.
Remember to bring your College ID and one other form of ID.
Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors or read during the donation process.
Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.
Drink plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours to replenish any fluids you lost during donation.
Avoid exhausting physical activity for about five hours after donation.
If you feel light headed, lie down, preferably with feet elevated, until the feeling passes.
In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes. If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.
It takes eight weeks for your body to replace the iron lost while donating blood. In 60 days, return to the blood bank to donate again and save another three lives.