Sharing suitcases saves the day when luggage is lost

Dear Heloise: We recently came back from a trip, and although my husband’s luggage arrived at the hotel with us, mine was lost at the airport!

However, I had planned ahead and had packed one complete outfit, including underwear and shoes, in my husband’s bags, which I wore until the airlines could get my bags to me. I also packed a complete outfit for my husband in my bag. This way, if one of us loses their luggage, we still have something to change into until our luggage arrives.

Also, I always carry my makeup and toiletries in my carry-on bag, along with all medications and a mini first-aid kit.—Mary Jane W., Lowell, Mass.

ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS

Dear Heloise: I know doctors use electronic medical records to keep a patient’s records on file, but I don’t think I like that idea. If hackers can break into the Pentagon, what is to keep them out of medical information that I might like to keep private?—Toni C., West Palm Beach, Fla.

Toni, as technology progresses, there are better safeguards on computer programs. There are many benefits of electronic medical records:

Many providers allow patients to have an online portal to access their own records.

You have the right to ask your doctor about who would be allowed to view your medical records.

Doctors can view your medical records, medications and health concerns if you should happen to be sick or injured in another city or state.

It helps reduce the cost of medical care by reducing duplication of records.

—Heloise

DID YOU KNOW? Dear Readers: Mammals are the only animals with flaps around the ears. The pig is rated fourth in intelligence in the animal world. Fish and insects have eyes that are protected by hardened lenses because they don’t have eyelids. In the 1830s, ketchup was sold as medicine. One pound of honey requires honeybees to visit 2 million flowers for its production. The tea bag was introduced in New York in 1908 by Thomas Sullivan. —Heloise