Things to Know: Upcoming Blood Donation Drive

Here are some important things happening around town that everyone should know about this coming week.

Events

Monday, Jan. 9. The Homewood teens ski trip, for ages 13-18 is Jan. 28. If you want to attend or send your teen, you must register by this date. For information, call Jennie at 616-7184.

Monday, Jan. 9. 6 to 8 p.m. Caltrain will hold an important informational meeting at about the Jan. 11-18 closing of Angus, San Mateo and San Bruno avenues for grade separation work. For more information, visit www.caltrain.com or call 650-508-7726. Attached their meeting notice. Please print and share this info with all of your San Bruno friends.

Friday, Jan. 13. This is the deadline to register for the January-March Recreation Youth Basketball League for second through fifth graders. The 5-on-5 basketball league is open to all boys and girls in second through fifth grades. Practices will be held at San Bruno elementary school sites after school, roughly 3 p.m., two days a week. Games will be played on Saturdays in the San Bruno Recreation Center gym. Practice days will be determined based on coach schedules and school registrations. Participants will be notified of practice days by January 19. Actual practices will begin the week of January 23. The season runs through March 24. See flier attached for more information.

So You Can Plan Accordingly

The following is the first of a two part article.

The writer of this column is a current Blood Center of the Pacific donor. The process is professional and very simple, and the needle stick is almost impossible to feel.  Try it. You will like it; those needing blood will THANK YOU.

Friday, January 20. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. school along with and the Blood Centers of the Pacific will be holding their second annual blood drive. The event will take place in the Lunardi's parking lot. Mark your calendar. No appointment is necessary.

Blood - Everybody Has It - Everybody Needs It

This red liquid carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, and carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal. It fights against infection and helps heal wounds, so we can stay healthy.

There’s no substitute for blood. If people lose blood from surgery or injury or if their bodies can’t produce enough, there is only one place to turn—volunteer blood donors.

10 Reasons to Donate Blood: 1. Blood transfusions save lives. 2. There’s no substitute for human blood. 3. Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. 4. About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood. 5. A pint of blood, separated in to components, can help up to three people. 6. Fulfills your desire to “give back” to the community. 7. You’ll receive free wellness screenings, including blood pressures, cholesterol and iron level every time you donate. 8. You’ll learn your blood type. 9. You’ll earn hero reward points toward free movie tickets, ice cream and more. 10. It’s safe, simple and saves lives.

Donation Process  1. Prospective donors first complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview. 2. The next step involves a brief physical examination of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and a test for anemia. 3. If the prescribed medical requirements are met, then a pint of blood is drawn from the donor. 4. Afterwards, donors are served refreshments while remaining seated for 15 minutes. 5. The entire process usually takes less than one hour. 6. Do not take any aspirin within 72 hours of donating. For more information, go to http://www.bloodcenters.org/ or call 1-888-393-GIVE (4483).

The second and final part of this article will appear in next Friday's column.