Blood Donors: Stop the Swoon

 
Ever fainted after giving blood? Drink water first.

by Dave Caruso

Some 150,000 blood donors a year faint or feel dizzy. Richard Stein, MD, chief of cardiology at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, says most never donate blood again. That's bad news for the already low US blood reserves.

The solution: Two hours beforehand, start sipping 16 to 20 ounces of water (even better: half water, half sports drink). You're building a fluid reserve to rapidly replenish blood volume, which will help prevent fainting.

More tips: Lie down awhile after donating, and when you get up, do it slowly.

Ready to donate again? Call (800) GIVE LIFE (448-3543).

taked from
http://www.prevention.com