Some foods we purchase are not quite photogenic

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about the deceptive photographs on food packaging/drivethrus: “Dear Heloise: I’m so tired of seeing photographs on frozenfood 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 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