Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 - (Page 31)

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” This sentiment rings especially true as it relates to the many ways to give of yourself to help your local hospital and community. Your family’s and neighbors’ lives may someday depend on your generosity. Whether you choose to donate money, time or blood, any donation—big or small—is invaluable to the eventual recipient of your gift. ❋ the gift of life At age 18, Diane Abrams was involved in a near-fatal car crash in Kenosha, Wis. During her long hospital stay, she received multiple blood transfusions, which saved her life. Now in her 50s, she makes time to donate blood as often as she can—she feels it’s her obligation, since someone else’s donation once saved her life. I give PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK PETERMAN f you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days (the maximum allowed) until you reached 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood, potentially saving more than 1,000 lives. If this American Red Cross statistic seems overwhelming, consider this: Just one donation can save the lives of up to three people. In fact, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, and so your hospital needs your help now. “Blood donations are a vital part of how hospitals are able to provide services in emergency and non-emergency situations,” says Lesly Simmons, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross. If you are hesitant about donating, Simmons says there are a few steps you can take to ensure a pleasant experience. “Talk to the staff—they are there to make you comfortable, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to about the process. Bring a friend if that will put you at ease. Be sure to eat and drink plenty of water before you donate. Finally, it’s not a good idea to donate if you are feeling under the weather.” While eligibility requirements vary in some states and blood centers, generally you must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good general health to donate. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can still ﬁnd a way to help. You can organize a blood drive at your ofﬁce or place of worship; or, instead of receiving birthday gifts, ask your friends and loved ones to donate in your honor. Name: Dian “Once people think about e Abrams Status: Curr how it can save a life, the issues e nt D o n o r of the process fall by the wayside,” says Simmons. “This is a sacriﬁce you are able to make for the beneﬁt of others.” BLOOD DO NOR ABC12345 vim & vigor · wi nter 2008 31

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 Contents Friendly Faces For Your Health 'Tis the Season to be Safe Eat Your Veggies Joint Effort Fresh Beginnings Decades of Opportunity Keeping Score Your Big Give Roll Up Your Sleeve Tidings of Comfort and Health Blueprint for Safety The Smoke-Free Mom-to-Be Childbirth Trends Moms Choosing Midwives Community Sections Dollars & Sense Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

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