First blood drive of 2009 Feb. 11 Published Jan. 27, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, but only five percent of the eligible U.S. population donates blood in any given year. Gunfighters will have a chance to donate blood Feb. 11 at the community center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the base's first blood drive of 2009. To donate, a person must be healthy, 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated whole blood in the last eight weeks or double red cells in the last 16 weeks. According to the American Red Cross, "'Healthy' means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, 'healthy' also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control." "Unfortunately for the military, travel outside the United States makes many of us ineligible to donate," said Jim Koseki, 366th Medical Group laboratory services transfusion supervisor and wing blood drive chairman. "It's a tribute to the 366th Fighter Wing; even with these restrictions we have been able to meet our quota. Those who have not deployed have stepped up to ensure the safety of the deployed and the families here at home. I want every citizen in Idaho, Montana and Utah to know the sacrifices you have made and just how proud they should be of you. Thank you for all you do." For more eligibility information, visit www.redcross.org/en/eligibility or call 1-800-274-4024 to speak to a nurse. Tips for a good donation Before donating · Get a good night's sleep · Have a good breakfast or lunch · Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate -- avoid caffeine · Eat iron-rich food · Avoid fatty foods During the donation · Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow · Show the staff any "good veins" that have been used successfully in the past · Relax · Take the time to enjoy a snack and drink immediately after donating After the donation · Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours · Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation · If light headed, lie down with feet elevated until the feeling passes · In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise arm for three to five minutes; if bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours To make an appointment, visit www.givelife.org/index.cfm?Sponsor=MHAFB, the drive code is MHAFB, and enter a valid e-mail address and date of birth -- first time users will need to fill out the registration form. Select "Continue and View Blood Drives" and choose an appointment date and time. For more information, call Mr. Koseki at 828-7837.