HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: Regarding uploading pictures to your computer, I would also suggest making sure you have an online backup of all your computer files. A OPINION fire or a flood can destroy your computer and any backup devices kept in your home. And it could also destroy HELOISE the original photos that are stored at home.
As for the worry about technology getting outdated, there will always be a way to update files. You can still buy converters for floppy discs to USB drives, and floppy discs have not been used for decades. I recently uploaded 3,000 slides to my computer. I found that after 60 years, some have faded badly; that is also true for color prints. Uploading them also makes it easier to share pictures with grandchildren and others who no longer live nearby.
— Alex Magdaleno,
Camarillo, Calif. DEAR HELOISE: I recently found a way to keep from running short of essential prescription mail-order meds. I started filling two weekly pill organizers instead of one, and I refill the emptied one each week. By doing this, I know if I need to request refills ahead of time. — Margaret Bee, Houston DEAR READERS: In a recent column, there was a misprint about tire pressures. Over-inflating car tires is extremely dangerous. Tires should always be inflated to the correct pressure, and that pressure should be recommended on the tire information sticker on the driver’s side door. When they are inflated to the correct pressure, traction will be at a maximum.
DEAR HELOISE: Every January, I go through important papers and records to see if they need updating. If something were to happen to me, is there someone with authorization to get medical, banking or insurance information?
Would they know how to get my account numbers and passwords or which insurances to call? Does this person know which bills to pay and how to access my online banking? Do they have a key to the house? Do they know my burial wishes? Do they know where all of these papers are kept?
It just makes it easier for whoever has to handle my affairs in case of an emergency. This is something everyone should do, even though it’s time-consuming.
— P.H., via email