Patrick Van Amburgh, an educator in New York, emphasizes the importance of community service through blood donation. He provides three key tips for first-time donors: eat iron-rich foods to ensure adequate iron levels, get a good night's sleep before donating, and stay hydrated to facilitate the donation process. Following these preparations can enhance the safety and comfort of the blood donation experience.

1. Three Things to Do Before Giving
Blood
Patrick Van Amburgh

2. Introduction
• An educator based in the greater New York area, Patrick Van
Amburgh is a strong believer in community service. One of the ways
Patrick Van Amburgh gives back to his community is by donating
blood whenever possible.
Giving blood may be intimidating to those who have never donated.
If you’re a first-time donor, here are a few preparation tips that can
help make your experience safe, comfortable, and successful.
- Eat plenty of iron-rich foods. Having high levels of iron in your
blood is important. If your iron is low, you may not be allowed to
donate. A day or two before your donation, you can boost your iron
by eating dark, leafy greens, red meat, fish, raisins, beans, and
fortified cereals.

3. Before Giving Blood
• - Get a good night’s sleep. Giving blood can put
considerable stress on your body if you’re not
sufficiently rested, so turn in early the night before you
donate.
- Stay hydrated. Having enough fluids in your body will
make the blood-giving process much easier. In fact,
dehydrated donors can take up to three times longer to
finish giving the same amount of blood. Stay away
from dehydrating drinks such as caffeinated or
alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of water and juice the
day before you donate, and have an extra large glass of
water immediately before your donation.