"7"^^ . . . . "8"^^ . "3"^^ . "2012-04-18T00:00:00"^^ . "5"^^ . "Here are the DO's and DON'Ts... \n\nDO get over ur fear of needles. ...cuz someday you, a loved one, or a friend might need a blood transfusion and you should be cognizant that that blood came from a donor so... DO Pay it Forward!\nDON'T forget to bring picture ID ...duh?! It's self explanatory.\n\nDO be sure to eat a high protein meal (w/ Vit C) the night before your donation. DON'T consume caffeine or anything that might decrease iron absorption.\nDO expect a mini-physical... it's a current reading of your vital signs--temp, HR, BP. DON'T worry... u'll get ur cholesterol level too ...just gotta look at ur online profile.\nAlso... DO know that donating blood helps to lower your blood pressure!!! Yay!\n\nDO make a pit stop at the restroom ...cuz having the urge to pee while sitting in the cold donation room really sucks!\nDON'T be impatient. It takes about 15 minutes (or less) to fill a pint. ...faster for athletes, longer for less active folks. \n\nDO load up on the FREE snacks! They are individually packaged, so... DON'T forget to pack a few to bring home! \nDO remember to stay hydrated throughout the day! \nDON'T forget that the bandage must stay on for at least 4-6 hours! ...or else you'll end up blood staining your clothes!\n\nLastly, DO consider donating platelets on your next donation. \nAnd, DON'T forget that paying it forward means donating more than once! \n\nSERVICE: ***** [Super nice & fast... most are friendly, but one or two could smile a bit more.]\nAMBIANCE: ***** [It's cooler inside, sometimes too cool that it constricts my blood vessels.]\nFOOD: **** [Unlimited water, OJ, pineapple, apple, grape, cranberry juices & snacks!] \nPRICE: FREE! [Actually, UBS pays u! ...in redemption points & FREE tix to local shows.] \nOVERALL: ***** [5-stars! ...cuz sometimes it's not about the Service, or the Ambiance, or the Food, or the Price... it's all about PAYING IT FORWARD!]\n\nDonate Blood.\nNuff said."^^ .