Indoor air pollution can be reduced with a handful of changes

DEAR READERS: As we know, the air in our homes can become polluted from house dust, cooking fumes, mold, mites, mildew, animal dander and insects. But you can take steps to limit or eliminate these kinds of indoor air pollution.

Control humidity levels in your house by keeping it between 30% and 50%. Be aware that dampness is a breeding ground for mildew, mold, bacteria and insects, so keep everything as dry as possible. Be certain to ventilate the attic and basement.

Clean and dust your house often to get rid of pollen, animal dander and dust mites. Vacuum carpets, rugs and drapery frequently.

If you realize that you have a problem, bring a professional in to look at your heating and air conditioning systems to make certain they are in top shape.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: Check to be sure that you have not tossed out the following:

1. Never throw out your medication/pill bottles with the labels on them. Remove labels first to keep the meds you take private.

2. Do not throw your credit card statements in the trash, because a thief could get the numbers from the papers.

3. Pay attention to anything you put in the trash that may contain any personal information about your family. Buy a small shredder and use it.

Heloise

We just purchased a brand-new flat-screen television. We have it set up, but howdowe clean the screen properly?

Janet in Texas

DEAR JANET: This screen should be handled carefully. Read the manufacturer’s manual before you first clean it. Take note: Some screens may have an anti-glare coating that could get damaged by some cleaners.

Before beginning to clean, unplug the TV. Wipe over the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth only. Do it lightly, because hard pressure could harm the surface. NEVER spray any cleaner directly on the screen. Wipe the dust from the back of the TV.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: Try this fun way to get your kids involved in baking cookies that everyone will want to eat.

Make a tasty game out of this family activity. Create jigsaw puzzle cookies! Here’s how:

Make a plain sugar cookie dough. Roll it out flat over a baking sheet. With a knife, cut the dough into puzzle shapes. Bake, cool and place on a wire rack. Gather your kids and make a tasty game of it by having them put the pieces back into the puzzle shape before they eat them.

Heloise

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you fax it to 210-HELOISE. Email heloise@heloise.com.