Nation Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month. Thousands of patients at our hospitals are now living healthy, productive lives because blood donated by people like you was available when they needed it. This blood supply, on which we all depend, is now in jeopardy. The primary threat to our blood supply is a shortage of healthy blood donors. You and your family may never need blood, or never experience surgery, accidents or disasters. But if you do, safe blood will be available for you only if healthy prople continue to give blood to maintain the supply. Donating is safe, simple and satisfying. Your body contains about 10-12 pints of blood and the blood you give is quickly replaced. The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes and less than 10 minutes for the actual blood donation. Blood donors should be between 17 and 75 and weigh at least 110 lbs. You can visit the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance website at bloodalliance.com to get information on where you can donate. They have 14 different locations today! Usually after the holidays, the supply of blood is critically low. So, let one of your New Year's Resolutions be to "give the gift of life". You'll be glad you did.    

New Year's Resolutions

By now, many of us have made and broken New Year's Resolutions. Don't feel bad. Out of 10 people, eight won't keep their resolution for more than one month. Most resolutions involve some sort of fitness. Whether it is starting to work out, losing weight or changing a diet, they are most often directed at making us feel better about ourselves. Here are some keys to making your resolutions last: 1. Pat yourself on the back. It's hard to stick to your resolutions because benefits are delayed. 2. Avoid temptations. Avoid those places where you have overeaten, smoked, or drank and find something else to do. 3. Talk to friends and family who will support a change in behavior. 4. Stay around positive people who will encourage you. 5. Leave negative situations. 6. Finally, don't be discouraged by an occasional slip-up. Just accept the fact that you slipped and pick up again with your resolve to change.

Blood Pressure Checks this Sunday, 1/16/11 between the 8:45 and 11:00 services in the back of Leatherbury Hall.