Ipswich Blood Drive on Aug. 23

The Ipswich Lions Club and Vitalant will be sponsoring a Blood Drive on August 23 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Holy Cross Hall.

To make an appointment go to vitalant.org (code: ipswich) or call Jerald Brooks, 605-380-1925.

Before you roll up your sleeve to help someone else, you are asked to take care of yourself.

• Eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours of your donation. The day before, eat a salty snack. When you donate blood, you lose about a gram of salt. Replacing it ahead of time helps keep your blood pressure normal.

• Hydrate by drinking eight to 16 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages one hour before you donate. Water is a great choice.

• Avoid/limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, iced tea and energy drinks on the day of donation.