Label reading an interesting pastime

Dear Readers: Are you a label reader? Developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Nutrition Facts label is on most packaged foods, like cereals and breads.

It’s easy to read: Calories and serving size of the particular item are listed at the top, along with how many servings are in the package. The percent daily value of line items such as fat, iron, sodium, protein, calcium and vitamins A and C is based on what a typical person with a diet of 2,000 calories would need.

It’s important to know what ingredients are in your foods and how their nutrients contribute to your overall dietary needs.—Heloise

NEED-TO-KNOW NUMBERS Dear Heloise:

I have a worksheet that I leave for my kids when I’m not at home: Police, fire, ambulance: Dial 911 My phone number: Neighbor’s phone number: Mom’s work number: Relative’s name and number: Dad’s work number: Directions to my house: —Prepared Mom, Hartford, Ill.

SCAM ALERT Dear Heloise:

Please advise seniors that there is a scam going on to try to get your Social Security number. People call you and say they are from Medicare and that your new card is going to be coming. They need to “verify” your information; they ask for your middle name and your Social Security number. Medicare will never call you for this information.— Janet W., Norco, Calif.