DEAR READERS: Today is Sept. 11, Patriot Day. Take a moment to remember why we honor this day, and why we are so privileged to live in a country where we are free, because of the brave.
DEAR READERS: Have you gotten spam text messages? Companies use computer software to put together random phone numbers that then shoot out text messages to these numbers, in the hopes of getting a nibble. It's a new way to advertise.
To put a halt to this, report the spam to your cell provider. To stop legit text messages from companies you've done business with, replying "STOP" usually does the trick.
DEAR HELOISE: Here's my hint for getting ahead in school. I always sit in the front row of the classroom, for the following reasons:
• It's easier to see the blackboard.
• I won't be distracted by other students.
• I won't be afraid to ask questions.
-- Gina T., Texas
DEAR READER: Never feel intimidated to ask questions. The question you ask is what everyone else is wondering, too.
DEAR HELOISE: I had bad headaches, and my doctor asked me if I'd ever been checked for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Turns out, my jaws were out of line. My dentist made me a mouthpiece, and no more headaches.
-- Candy S., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: My dermatologist recommends that I use a moisturizer on my face to help with a skin disorder.
Why do men's moisturizers have such pungent scents? My guess is that most of us men prefer fragrance-free over the perfume smell that most manufacturers are using in their products.
-- James Cobb in Texas
DEAR READER: Ask your doctor if a moisturizer labeled for "Sensitive Skin" might work OK for you. These usually are fragrance-free.
DEAR HELOISE: When faced with trying to read print that is too small to see easily on medications or products, take a picture of it with your smartphone and then use your fingers to enlarge the photo and text.
-- Becky L. in San Antonio
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Style on 09/11/2018