DEAR HELOISE: We have all been at the doctor's sitting in the waiting room before our appointment. There are signs posted about the flu and minimizing the spread of it (especially during flu season). However, waiting rooms are filled with magazines handled by patients, sick and well.
My hint is to bring your own reading material. This way, if you are sick, you do not make others sick.
-- Patsy G., via email
DEAR HELOISE: I am a proud grandmother of my first grandchild. I have a hint that is worth sharing.
I was getting ready to travel with my daughter and granddaughter on a road trip in their car. I realized that I really didn't know how to work the infant car seat, with all its straps and latches. So, we practiced before leaving, and I am glad we did. Now, if there is an emergency, I feel confident.
-- Elaine S. in Indiana
DEAR READER: This is an important hint for anyone traveling or just driving around town with an infant or small child in a car seat. If you have any doubts, call your fire station to see if they will check the seat for you.
DEAR HELOISE: With my father moving to a smaller residence, I helped him go through his belongings and furniture, deciding what he would keep and donate/throw away. Larger furniture items with drawers were emptied and labeled with sticky notes on the outside with the word "empty" on the note. This kept us from having to check the drawers "one more time."
We also used sticky notes on furniture to label the pieces that were moving with dad and the others that had other plans, such as "donate," "coming to pick up," etc.
-- Rachel A., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Before moving, I was concerned about all the cables, video-game consoles and hookups connected to the TV. I took a picture before disconnecting anything. It made it much easier to put everything back together.
-- Jim S. in Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: I have small children in my home, and my concern in the kitchen is to prevent accidents. I taught them that when the light over the stove is on, they are not to touch it or any pan, because it is hot.
-- Shelby L.,
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Style on 01/24/2017