When a blood donor gives blood more than once a year, that person receives a mini-physical each time, creating a record of the trends in blood pressure, pulse, levels of iron and total cholesterol. Each piece of information provides an opportunity to monitor one’s health.

Giving blood is the kind of resolution that benefits individuals and their community.

Carter BloodCare will hold a blood drive on Saturday from 1-6 p.m. at the Super Wal-Mart in Lampasas.

Approximately 37 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and less than 10 percent do. There is never a shortage of blood, but there is a shortage of blood donors, said a Carter representative.

Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in general good health and present photo identification.

Donors should eat a nourishing meal prior and drink plenty of water beforehand.

For information or an appointment, call Crystal Reed at 556- 8217 or (800) DONATE-4 or visit www.carterbloodcare.org.