HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Today’s Sound Off is about the deceptive photographs on food packaging/drivethroughs:

DEAR HELOISE: I’m so tired of seeing photographs on frozen-food packages and drive-throughs that show a delicious-looking item, but when you get it home, the item looks nothing like the picture. I recently bought frozen lasagna in the “family pack” for a quick dinner for my two children and myself. The portions were small, and the lasagna inside was nothing like the photograph on the box. To me, that’s deceptive advertising!

— Belinda M., Nevada DEAR READER: Belinda, I’ve noticed the same thing. Manufacturers, are you listening?

DEAR READERS: Here are some items you might consider taking to someone who is in the hospital (but always check with the nurses to see what is allowed in a patient’s room):

A small room freshener (no candles) to freshen the room.

A packet of mints or breath fresheners is nice.

Various magazines/books on subjects that interest the patient.

Hand/body lotion — unscented is best — or moist towelettes.

DEAR HELOISE: My 16-year-old son is bugging me about getting a tattoo. I don’t care for tattoos, but I don’t know what to say except “No.” Are there any dangers to tattooing? How do I get him to reconsider a mark like that, which will be with him for many years?

— Linda K., Upland, Calif. DEAR READER: Linda, tell your son to think before he inks. Tattoos can and have killed job opportunities for many people. There are some serious issues to consider:

Infections: Dirty needles can pass infections from one person to another.

Allergies: Allergies to various inks can occur.

Scarring: Unwanted scar tissue may cause scarring when getting or removing a tattoo.

Granulomas: These are small knots or lumps that form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as tattoo pigment.

You may not like the results: There are tattoo artists whose work is not professional. Skill varies from one artist to another. There is no way to be certain that the ink used is safe.