HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: It’s important to make sure you get copies of all medical tests, operations, hospital stays and the doctor’s findings to keep for your records.

I recently tried to get records from a prior surgery that required a month’s hospital stay. I was told they no longer existed and the doctor had died. They would have really helped with my current medical issues. I now get copies of everything and keep them marked and in a safe place.

— Alice C. in New Jersey

DEAR READERS: The U.S. Department of State issues a safety warning system for travelers, so before visiting a foreign country, it’s important to check to see if there is a high travel warning in place. These warnings are issued on a four-point scale starting with the least dangerous.

■ Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. It’s generally safe for U.S. travelers, but there may be areas of crime or unrest.

■ Level 2: Exercise increased caution. May be susceptible to higher than normal risks, including disaster recovery, high crime or a threat of terrorism. You may not need to cancel your travel plans, but don’t ignore the warning issued.

■ Level 3: Reconsider travel. Traveling to areas under this warning should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. There may have been a natural disaster, an increased risk of kidnapping, terrorism or civil unrest.

■ Level 4: Do not travel. You are taking your life and safety into your own hands if you visit these regions. These are nations that are anti-American and will not think twice about harassing, detaining or incarcerating you.

DEAR READERS: There are a number of debt relief companies that are scamming people out of money and not delivering what they promise. Here are some warning signs:

■ It asks for fees upfront before anything has been done.

■ It tells you to stop all communication with your creditors.

■ It guarantees to reduce your debt by a specified date.

■ It demands financial information before discussing your situation.

Do your homework before selecting a debt relief company. Check with your state’s attorney general and the Consumer Protection Office (usa. gov/state-consumer) to see if there are complaints filed against the company you plan to use.

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