HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: How’s your health? Here are some hints to get you in the swing for the busy summer season:

Your exercise routine might be stale. Step outside into the fresh air. Your city website will have information.

Get rid of old medications; they lose efficacy over time.

Get a physical. Get ahead of any issues you may have.

Even with longer summer days, rest still is critical. Your brain needs to unplug for an average of eight hours a day. Your immune system will thank you!

Enjoy every moment. With family, friends or solo, the warmer days are meant to be enjoyed, and maximized with your best health.

DEAR HELOISE: When going on a cruise, take a lanyard with you and have the person at the reception desk make a hole in your room key — you’ll have your key with you all the time.

If you have problems with your blood pressure, carry your own blood pressure meter. The medical center on board may charge you for taking your pressure.

If going to a foreign country, carry a small coin purse to keep the foreign money separate from your U.S. money.

Pack some of your spouse’s clothing in each other’s suitcases — just in case one gets lost, you’ll have clothing and extra shoes.

— Amy H., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I put a drop of food coloring in my rain gauge. I can see it from my kitchen window. Love your column.

— Jaye H., exas

DEAR HELOISE: This is fun for my grandchildren: We take a bathroom tissue core, coat it in peanut butter and then roll it in birdseed. It slips easily onto a tree branch for an easy bird feeder.

— Grandma Jo, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I bought plastic, reusable ice cubes. They are great to use on a little one’s boo-boos, and no leaky mess.

— Marilyn, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I got dirty working outside today, and my hands really needed my regular remedy.

I soaked my hands in warm water with a denture-cleaning tablet for five to 10 minutes and scrubbed with a nailbrush.

This helps remove dirt and whitens bare fingernails stained by nail polish.

— Dee in California