HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: The colder months are just gearing up; it’s the perfect time for a discussion on pet safety:

Make sure microchips and tags are up to date.

Put together an emergency stash of dog food, medications and water in case you have to travel, to leave your home in a hurry or if the power goes out.

Reflective leashes and vests are a good safety in”vest”ment for walks on short winter days and long nights.

Your pets probably will fight this hint, but booties will protect their paw pads from salt and ice. If they won’t keep the booties on, wipe their feet upon coming inside.

The formula has now changed, but if you have old antifreeze, dispose of it properly. Antifreeze used to taste sweet, but of course it’s toxic.

DEAR HELOISE: We seniors can have hearing loss; it’s fairly common. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

If you have trouble following a conversation, if high voices are hard to hear, if you have a ringing in your ear, if you answer questions wrong or if the neighbors complain that your TV is too loud, have your hearing checked.

Lots of these symptoms can be treated if caught early.

— Robert P. in Los Angeles

DEAR HELOISE: With pets, we love lint rollers. They clean couches, the car interior, ourselves and the dog. When my in-laws visit, we issue them a lint roller in their guest room. There are different varieties: masking tape, hook-and-loop, washable and other types.

— Mary H. in Indiana

DEAR HELOISE: I love to wear makeup. It makes me feel pretty, but a little goes a long way. A strong made-up eye look, complete with liner, lashes and shadow, needs a subtle lip and cheek.

Or I can wear a bright matte lipstick, but then I do minimal eye makeup and, again, a pale cheek. Pretty perfect!

— Jillian J. in New York DEAR READER: Keep makeup tools clean and dry. Wash brushes once a week, and discard sponges frequently, too.

DEAR READERS: Here’s a partial list of places you may find yourself. Always locate the exits for these sites, for safety’s sake: movie theater airplane office building museum restaurant