Pack holiday presents carefully

Dear Readers: Now’s the time to get packages sent off. Here are some packing hints from the U.S. Postal Service (usps. com):

■ Cushion items. Newspaper, packing peanuts and shredded paper all can work. Insert shredded paper into fragile items to make sure they are protected.

■ A box is a simple concept, but there are rules. The box must not bulge out; it has to close flat. Use 2-inch-wide clear or brown packing tape; don’t use cellophane or masking tape. Never tie a box with string, cord or twine — it can jam the equipment. If you’re reusing a box, that’s great, but remove, cover or black out all previous labels and logos on the box. Cover the mailing label with clear packing tape so it won’t smudge.

■ Weight restrictions? You bet. Size matters. A box weighing more than 70 pounds cannot be mailed through the post office. There also are items that you cannot ship. Check out the Postal Service’s website. — Heloise

Health Information

Dear Heloise: I recommend talking to your pharmacist about medications. My doctor put me on a new medicine, but when I went to pick it up, the pharmacist said that this drug will interact with the meds I am on. It will cause severe illness.

It seems that my pharmacist might know more about medications than my doctor does. — Deb in Pennsylvania

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 HeloiseHeloise.com.