HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: My veterinarian has diagnosed my dog as overweight. She says, as it is with people, extra pounds usually appear as a result of the animal eating too much food and not getting enough exercise.

There are other conditions that can contribute to your dog being overweight: hormone imbalance, the animal’s breed and temperament, and diseases.

Being overweight can be a contributing factor for diseases like diabetes, pancreatitis, heart and liver disease, and arthritis.

The cure for overweight? It’s a slow and steady process, according to the doctor, with small portions of a nutritionally sound diet and no snacking. Up the exercise.

Make sure the whole family knows the dog is on a diet.

— Elizabeth A. in Ohio DEAR READER: Readers, check with your veterinarians for their expertise.

DEAR HELOISE: I use baking soda for underarm deodorant.

— Donald B., via email DEAR READER: Baking soda also can keep foot odors at bay, and it’s cheap, safe and readily available.

No time to shampoo? Sprinkle a tiny amount of baking soda down the part in your hair and brush. The baking soda will absorb excess oils.

DEAR HELOISE: Can I store clothes in plastic containers in the attic?

— Alicia J., via email DEAR READER: Clothes need to “breathe” and be exposed to circulating air. Storing clothes in plastic bins doesn’t allow for this. Also, mold and mildew can accumulate. If you live in an area of high humidity, hang clothes, and cover with a cloth garment bag or cotton sheet.

P.S. A cedar chest is OK.

DEAR HELOISE: This is what I did to lose weight: My rule is just to eat one helping of each thing. I rarely eat bread or potatoes. No eating between meals. No counting calories.

When at a buffet or large family meal, I take only one scoop of each item — no second helpings. If I’m hungry for sweets, I eat a small piece of candy (I keep mini candy bars on hand).

I exercise two hours a week at a health club. I’ve painlessly lost 30 pounds, and I look and feel better after doing this for seven months.

— Annie in Nebraska DEAR READER: Solid advice for the new year.