Hints from Heloise
Event boundary
Dear Readers: Have you ever walked in a room and completely forgotten why you went in there in the first place? This is common, and it even has a name: an event boundar y.
This psychological phenomenon is caused not by having a bad memor y, but by our brains “resetting.” Once we walk into a new space, our brains “reboot” to prepare to take in the new information in the new area.
Solution? Carry a pad and pencil with you and write down what you need from the den, kitchen or living room. This will help you remember. And, again, don’t worry; this is a normal phenomenon. — Heloise
Later, gaiter
Dear Heloise: I’ve heard mixed reviews about neck gaiters in the battle against the COVID-19 virus. Can you clarify the info that’s out there? —
Nick, of course. Let’s take a look.
A neck gaiter is an alternative to a traditional earloop mask. A gaiter is a kind of cowl-neck cloth tube you slip on over your head and then pull up the front to cover your nose and mouth.
Exper ts have found that gaiters made from non-natural fibers (spandex, polyester, etc.) can allow respirator y droplets to escape. These fibers are thinner and lighter in weight than natural fibers like cotton. Masks and gaiters made from a higher thread count, and made of a blend of cotton and poly, can provide better blockage of respirator y droplets.
The fit is vital too. If you choose a gaiter, ensure it doesn’t gap between your nose and cheek, and that it fits comfor tably over your nose and mouth, so you’re not fidgeting with it all day long.
Masks can be uncomfor table if they pull on your ears or feel tight across your face. A gaiter is looser, with no pull on the ears. Both a mask and a gaiter provide a level of prevention of transmission of COVID-19, but exper ts seemingly like the mask better. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations. — Heloise
Tarnish, darn it!
Dear Readers: We probably each have some sterling silver jewelr y, flatware or silver coins. Have you noticed that these pieces can tarnish? It’s going to happen if the silver is exposed to the air.
When sulfur, common in the air, and silver come in contact with each other, the silver will react by turning black. Store silver jewelr y in a jewelr y box, and if you do have tarnish, commercial grade cloths and cleaners work well. Use gently, and test a hidden patch first. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.