A: Yes, you can give blood safely, just like anyone else in good health. On the day you donate, avoid strenuous, muscular activity such as lifting, pushing, or picking up heavy objects for five hours after giving blood. Drink an extra four glasses (8 ounces) of non-alcoholic liquids on that day as well. These recommendations are the same for all blood donors, whether they are actively involved in sports or not.

Q: Can I practice or compete right after giving blood?

A: It is not a good idea to practice vigorously or compete right after giving blood. When you give blood, you temporarily lose some body fluids. It takes several hours for your body to replenish itself. A lot of strenuous activity could cause dehydration; therefore, if you must practice after donating, take it easy, and if you are scheduled to compete the day of a blood drive, don’t give blood.

Q: I have heard that giving blood regularly could eventually affect my physical strength. Is that true?

A: No. After donating, your plasma, red blood cells and platelets are decreased, but only temporarily. Because your body contains more blood then needed, this does not significantly affect your overall strength or ability to perform. Even after a blood donation, there are still plenty of red cells that remain. On the day you give blood, just remember to take it easy at practice and drink plenty of fluids. Use common sense. If you must compete on the day of a blood drive, then don’t give blood. It takes approximately 24 hours for your body to replace the unit of blood donated.

Q: Why is it so important that I give blood?

A: Each day, thousands of patients need blood. One donation can help treat more that one patient. Blood is usually separated into four parts: red cells that help patients who have experienced an accident and patients with blood disorders; platelets control bleeding in patients with leukemia and other cancers; plasma helps patients suffering from burns; cryoprecipitate helps patients with hemophilia. These are just a few examples of the many people who are given a second chance at life thanks to blood donors. By donating blood regularly, you help ensure that there is always enough blood available for people in need of transfusions.

So, how about sharing your good health?