First Monday Health Tip

The first Monday of the month is when I step away from being a writer and use this blog to promote something associated with my first career. So sit back and enjoy your Labor Day Holiday while I give some advice.

 I know writers have a wide variety of 'day jobs.' One of my favorite, James Rollins, is a veterinarian. In my other life, I'm a health and PE teacher. For many years I worked in the evenings as a fitness instructor and I spent a few summers working in health clubs. I'm not a doctor or nurse, but I feel confident in these monthly offerings to promote some healthful living.

This month, I want to encourage you to share your health with others. Give blood. Someone needs it. I started donating blood on a regular basis in college and have continued whenever I could. I had some months off when I was pregnant or breastfeeding one of the brood, but I always get back in the old reclining chair and let those blood bank workers poke me with needles.

I'm a great donater. I have excellent veins that fill those plastic bags in just a few minutes. I was disappointed to get turned away last time because my iron was too low. That was the first time I'd been turned away for that. In college I couldn't give sometimes because my blood pressure was too low. I added some iron supplements to my routine so I can donate later this week.

How about you? Do you give blood? Afraid of those needles? Please take a few minutes and save a life.