Dear Readers: Today's Sound Off is about the deceptive photographs on food packaging/drive-thrus:
"Dear Heloise: I'm so tired of seeing photographs on frozen-food packages and drive-thrus that show a delicious-looking item, but when you get it home, the item looks nothing like the picture. I recently bought frozen lasagna in the 'family pack' for a quick dinner for
my two children and myself. The portions were small, and the lasagna inside was nothing like the photograph on the box. To me, that's deceptive advertising!"-Belinda M., Sparks, Nev.
Belinda, I've noticed the same thing. Manufacturers, are you listening?-Heloise
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Here are some items you might consider taking to someone who is in the hospital (but always check with the nurses to see what is allowed in a patient's room):
- A small room freshener (no candles) to freshen the room.
- A packet of mints or breath fresheners is always nice.
- Various magazines/books on subjects that interest the patient.
- Hand/body lotion-unscented is best-or moist towelettes.
-Heloise
TO TATTOO OR
NOT TO TATTOO?
Dear Heloise: My 16-year-old son is bugging me
about getting a tattoo. I don't care for tattoos, but I don't know what to say except "No." Are there any dangers to tattooing? How do I get him to reconsider a mark like that, which will be with him for many years?-Linda K., Upland, Calif.
Linda, tell your son to think before he inks. Tattoos can and have
killed job opportunities for many people. There are some serious issues to
consider:
- Infections: Dirty needles can pass infections from one person to another.
- Allergies: Allergies to various inks can occur.
- Scarring: Unwanted scar tissue may cause scarring when getting or removing a tattoo.
- Granulomas: These are small knots or lumps that form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as tattoo pigment.
- You may not like the results: There are tattoo artists whose work is not professional. Skill varies from one artist to another. There is no way to be certain that the ink used is safe.
-Heloise
ADOPT A
BEST FRIEND
Dear Heloise: Do any of your readers need a best friend? Adopt a pet at any local shelter or animal-rescue organization. So many irresponsible people don't spay or neuter their pets, and that produces too many unwanted pets. A pet is a wonderful companion, and the health benefits of having a pet are well-documented. So, you can adopt a best friend at any local shelter.-Glenda T., Frankfort, Ky.
Glenda, I agree. A pet is a wonderful comfort and companion. I've adopted many animals and have loved each of them. A pet also can teach children compassion and responsibility.-Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: [email protected]
King Features Syndicate