If you’re a healthy young woman, why not spread the health by donating blood? It’s an easy way to give back to the community and maybe even save someone’s life. Plus tomorrow, June 14, is World Blood Donation Day . According to the Red Cross, someone in the US needs blood every two seconds , yet less than 10 percent of eligible adults donate annually. Each pint of blood donated has the potential to save three people’s lives. If you’re 17 or over and weigh at least 110 pounds, you are eligible, with a few exceptions. You can’t give if you’re sick or on antibiotics, and new tattoos and travel to certain countries require a waiting period

. But otherwise, there’s no reason to wait – especially if you have type O blood, since your blood is accepted by all other blood types. Here’s what to expect from your first blood-giving experience. Before donating, make sure you are well-fed (preferably with iron-rich foods), well hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep. When you arrive, you’ll sit through a quick physical exam, where a technician will take your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature to make sure you’re healthy. You’ll fill out a form with your basic demographic info, and a staffer will ask you questions about your health and medical history. Learn what happens next.

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What to Expect When Giving Blood