Giving blood

So I am looking to give some blood, one I never have; two I hear/read its good for males to give blood from time to time. So is there any preparations I should take before doing so and anything afterwards?

sc871 wrote:So I am looking to give some blood, one I never have; two I hear/read its good for males to give blood from time to time. So is there any preparations I should take before doing so and anything afterwards?

I gave blood only one time - I had just gotten back from a trip. I got a really bad cold afterwards. I'm not sure if my immune system was bombarded with crap from the airplane or what, but I wont be doing that again.

I think you should just be well rested and well hydrated before you donate and you'll be fine.

Thats my fear getting sick, or something else... I mean u are giving up an 1/8 or so of your blood...Is there anything to help boost immune system while your body is replenishing your system?

Any good foods to eat or avoid they day before or day of?