Watch your habits to avoid pain later
DEAR HELOISE: I have always gripped the steering wheel tightly with my dominant hand. I don’t think that I even knew that I was doing this. Now I have severe arthritis in my middle and ring finger on that hand. I believe that I put much stress on those two finger joints. Now when I drive I am aware of this and am more careful. It would have been better if I had realized this before I damaged my fingers, as I am in much pain from this. Just a warning to younger drivers to watch their driving habits and change them before it is too late. Thank you.
—J.M., Florence, Ala. DEAR HELOISE: I would like to submit a hint. I read your column every day and have never seen this one. I write my to-do list or important things I need to remember with bar soap on my bathroom mirror. I look at that mirror at least twice a day while brushing my teeth, and it’s the perfect place to nudge my memory of things I need to do. When I complete the task or appointment, I just wipe off the soap marks.
— Brenda, Punta Gorda, Florida
DEAR HELOISE: As someone who works in higher education and sees college students every day, I can guarantee you that a bound dictionary, thesaurus, letter opener or magnifying glass will only serve to collect dust, if they make it to their college dorm room at all.
I have found that many students value experiences more than things, especially if it gets them away from their screens and benefits their health and well-being. For example, a gift certificate for a massage, tickets to a show/play in their area, dinner at a nice restaurant, an outdoor excursion or care packages sent throughout the year.
— Elizabeth Abbey, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I use this method to avoid robo calls: When the phone rings, look at the number. If it’s a local area code and you don’t recognize the number or name, let the call go to missed calls. It could be a company you do business with and they will leave you a voicemail.
If the number is out of state and you don’t recognize it, hit the on and off buttons and the call will disconnect.
— A.C., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Pencil erasers get really dirty, and when you use them, they dirty what you’re trying to erase. Tip: Take an emery board and file the dirt off, and then they work perfectly. Thanks for all of your hints and recipes!