Dear Readers: It's time for summer fun, sports, games and outings. Many people use a bag of frozen peas as an ice pack for an "owie," but here is something better:
The Heloise update: Make your own ice pack, and have it at the ready for the inevitable bumps and bruises!
This homemade ice pack will get cold but won't freeze solid.
It'll manipulate to fit around arms, legs, knees and shoulders.
Put 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water in a zippered freezer bag, and add a drop or two of food coloring as a reminder that it is NOT edible.
Place into a second bag, clearly label it and put it in the freezer. It turns into a slushy mixture. Wrap the bag in a thin towel, then place on the affected area for short periods of time.
Labeling the bag and coloring its contents are extremely important.-Heloise
CLEAR
COMMUNICATION
Dear Heloise: I have a hearing problem. When people left a "call-back number" on my answering machine, I had trouble deciphering the number.
My daughter suggested a new message: "For a call-back, please say your number slowly, and say it twice." I now understand every message.-Lois V., Centerville, Ohio
GENTLE CARE
Dear Heloise: A gentle, important reminder for nurses, aides and caregivers is to return bedside tray tables alongside-or in front of-their patient or loved one.
These tables contain necessary items-e.g., tissues, water, remote control, writing implements and the phone.-Karen E., Bloomfield, N.J.
PROTECT ANIMALS
Dear Heloise: When I buy soda pop in cans, it usually is held together by plastic. I cut the plastic into small pieces so no animals will get caught in it. I read your nice column daily.-Hilda C., Hamilton, Ohio
Hilda, thank you for the reminder! I hope my readers pay attention. The plastic rings can harm and kill wildlife, as well as stray animals. Please take a few seconds to cut the rings before putting them in the garbage or recycle bin.-Heloise
RECYCLE
Dear Heloise: Another use for the window cleaner for outdoors (that attaches to the garden hose): When it is empty, refill with car wash. I do use a sponge after spraying an area, then rinse.-Martha B., via email
DOUBLE BAGGING
Dear Heloise: At our self-service register at the grocery store, I put my groceries in a paper bag, which I then put in a plastic bag with handles. This is more secure when the bag is heavy to carry. This method keeps the bag clean, too, so I can reuse it.-Marie C., Cheshire, Conn.
SIGN OF
THE TIMES
Dear Heloise: People should sign their full name when sending sympathy cards. There are many Georges, Bettys, Bills, etc.-Althea S., Leavittsburg, Ohio
Dear Althea: Your reminder is a very important one, especially during sad and stressful times.-Hugs, Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate