Here's a quick and easy way to help others and to give back in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Cox Communications, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive on Thursday, December 4th.  The drive will take place in the Rio Grande Room from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Do you think you're too squeamish to donate blood?  I used to think so too.  In fact, I'm still squeamish when it comes to needles.  I've passed out on a number of occassions at the doctor's office or at the lab.  But I'm older and wiser now...and I have a system.

• Eat a light meal before the appointment
• Tell the doctor, nurse or phlebotomist that I faint easily
• Don't look at the needles or blood
• Breath slowly in and out while thinking relaxing thoughts
• Drink juice
• Take an extra few minutes to lay there and re-cooperate
• Stand up slowly and sit back down for a while if necessary

This system never fails me.  I used to be embarrassed about my squeamishness but apparently it's fairly common.  My son, who's in the military says he's seen some pretty tough Marines go down while they are having vaccination shots administered.  Ironically, since I admitted my squeamishness and became able to laugh about it, I haven't had any issues with it.

To register for the Cox Blood Drive tomorrow, call (800) 448-3543.  To register for future Red Cross Blood Drives please visit the Red Cross website.

Don't let curtains fall on 2008 without having made a difference in your community!

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