HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I keep critical medical information in the Notes app on my iPhone. This includes current medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) with dosages and schedules; allergies; surgeries and procedures; and major illnesses (along with dates). I pinned the note to keep it at the top of the list. I update the information regularly and print a copy before each visit to a doctor.
This was particularly handy when I had a heart attack. While waiting for the ambulance, I placed my phone in my purse, but forgot to print out the medical information. When the EMT started asking questions, I just handed him my phone. Everything the emergency department needed was in there as well.
— Beverly Schalon, via email
DEAR HELOISE: In a recent column, I read a hint from Paul about using powdered dishwashing soap to clean stained thermoses. This also works on pots and pans that have burnt food on them. Just sprinkle a little powdered dishwashing soap in the pot or pan, add some hot water and let it soak. The burnt food comes right off!
Thank you for all the hints!
— Mona, Dana Point, Calif.
DEAR HELOISE: I want to address the reader’s suggestion about getting rid of recipe cards. Please consider gifting these to family members. I treasure the recipes that I have in my mother’s handwriting. My daughter-in-law gave me an engraved recipe box to fill with handwritten cards for her and my grandkids.
Love reading your column in the Denver Gazette.
— Jennifer, via email
DEAR READERS: Try this easy way of cleaning artificial flowers: Mix 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the flowers (only plastic, not silk). Wipe them with a clean cloth, and they’re as good as new!
DEAR HELOISE: Three years ago, I started using a lemon-based detergent booster in my dishwasher. While the glassware sparkles beautifully, the glaze on my fine porcelain has nearly worn off, and the colors are fading on the most used and washed pieces! The main ingredient in the booster is citric acid, which — I have now discovered — should be avoided due to its effect on glazes and colors. I hope this helps other collectors of beautiful china. — B.K., in Oklahoma