How many others here more or less regularly donate blood? I have an appointment for this after noon, yet another donation reaching back about forty years.

The demand for blood is high, and I understand that only about 3% of eligible donors ever give blood. If you have never given, you might consider so doing. Generally donations are sparse around the holidays.

Of course ,my skeptical wife thinks I just do it in order to lose a pound fast and to help myself to the provided goodies. Naturally dark chocolate and ice cream are essential to the recovery process and you are advised to "eat well" after donation, so one is only following orders.....

But you are helping others by performing a very simple, easy act.

I cannot due to a blood disorder but would in a second if I could.

I try to donate blood more or less regularly... Even though I'm a bit ashamed to admit that due to my schedule and day-to-day commitments that's really no more than about twice a year.

Personally, I see no reason why a healthy individual would not donate blood now and then at least.

We definitely need more people donating.

I was donating regularly for a few years but ended up with an iron deficiency due to that regularity. I'm currently working on getting those iron levels back up and will then be working with my doctor to get back to donating in some capacity (I detailed my experience a bit here).

I have lately also been having issues with iron deficiency. My doc advises me to take iron pills after donation for a week or so. Cooking with cast iron utensils would help as well...

Some years ago, my iron was too high, and donation helped that situation.

I donate blood 3-4 times per year. They have blood drives where I work so its easy enough to do. I only don't do it if I'm traveling and I miss their blood drive.