How to help the planet
DEARHELOISE >> As rising levels of POLLUTION in our air, land and water can adversely affect our health and the health of the planet, what environmentally friendly tips do you recommend?
— A Reader in Los Angeles
DEARREADER>> There are no easy answers, but each of us can start in small ways to make a big impact on the planet:
• Reduce, recycle and reuse items. • Buy and use only “green appliances” that save energy.
• Treat water as a precious commodity; don’t waste it.
• Use renewable energy as much as possible.
For more hints on saving the Earth, go to: https://oceanservice. noaa.gov and www.savetheearth.org.
DEARHELOISE >> If any of your readers are planning to travel overseas this year, I strongly advise them to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security information and to make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency. You also can be warned about natural disasters or any other dangers you’d wish to avoid. In an emergency, contact your nearest embassy or consulate, or call 888- 4074747 (in the U.S. and Canada) or 202501- 4444 (if calling from other countries). — Robert D., Washington, D.C.
DEARHELOISE >> Please tell your readers to never withhold information about their health or about any medication they might be taking when seeing their doctors. As physicians, we’ve heard and seen it all, so there is no need to feel embarrassed about a health concern. No matter how unimportant it may seem, tell your doc- tor about any and all medications you’re taking, including birth control (no matter what kind you use), and vitamins or food supplements. This is very important because one drug may cancel out another drug or cause a severe interaction with bad outcomes. — Doctor G. in Oregon
DEARHELOISE >> We get phone calls saying the grandchildren are hurt or some other reason why we should wire money quickly. However, our family has a password, and when scammers call, we say, “What is the password?” They usually hang up quickly. Never use a family name or pet’s name, but perhaps a comical name that no one else would guess correctly. — K.K in Anaheim, Calif.
DEARK.K>> This is a clever idea. Recently, we’ve noticed calls from people who claim to be from well-known companies here in the U.S. However, when you ask them to recite your address, or other pertinent information, they can’t. It’s just another moneymaking scam.
GERM KILLER?
DEARHELOISE >> Can vinegar really kill germs? — Pam F., Dillon, S.C.
DEARPAMF. >> Pam, if you’re looking for a cheap, safe, green cleaner, try white vinegar. It’s been a common disinfectant for several centuries. Researchers found that the acetic acids in vinegar kill bacteria by destroying their cell structure.
Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@ Heloise.com.