Dear Heloise: Biting my fingernails has been a lifelong habit that I just can’t stop. I always seem to have a finger in my mouth. I’m not sure why I started. My nails are a disgrace, and at my age, it’s embarrassing. I often bite my nails without thinking. Got any hints on how to stop? — Cynthia P., Elsmere, Delaware

Cynthia, there are over-the-counter products you can buy online to give your fingers an unpleasant taste. There are also finger guards made of latex to cover your fingers. Some people have tried hypnosis, but I can’t say I personally know anyone who was successful using this method.

One thing you might try is seeing a family counselor to find out the reason why you started to bite your nails in the first place. Knowing the root of this habit might be the beginning of stopping your nail-biting. — Heloise

HELOISE’S FUDGE

Dear Heloise: As I recall, you had a fudge recipe that was a big hit here at our home. I believe it was called “Heloise’s Fudge,” and it was so easy to make. Since the holidays are around the corner, I was hoping you would print this tasty recipe. My son is going to be home this Thanksgiving, and he absolutely loved your fudge. — Connie W., Ponca City, Oklahoma

Connie, this recipe is so easy to make and such a hit with everyone that you’ll want have it on hand for all the holidays. Here it is:

4 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 large can of evaporated milk

3 (6-ounce) packages of chocolate chips

1 (10-ounce) package of miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups chopped nuts

Mix sugar and milk in a large saucepan and slowly bring to a rolling boil. Let this mixture boil for about 8 minutes. Remove saucepan from the heat and add all the chocolate chips, marshmallows and butter. Mix only until the chips and marshmallows are melted.

Add the vanilla and nuts. Spread the mixture in a large ungreased pan, allow it to cool, then cut into squares. The fudge is best stored in the refrigerator. — Heloise

TEA PARTY

Dear Heloise: I work as a private-duty nurse for the elderly. So many of my patients love to have tea throughout the day. Unfortunately, the tea seemed to cool off too quickly. Now when I make tea or coffee for one of my patients, I put it in a thermos so they can have hot tea anytime they like.

The thermos keeps the tea or coffee nice and warm all day long. This way, they don’t have to wait for a warm drink while they look at the birds, enjoy their day, or watch their favorite TV program. — Sharon H., in Houston

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH REUSE

Dear Heloise: My daughter gave me an electric toothbrush for my birthday. I already had an electric toothbrush, so I now use the old toothbrush to clean small spots in my home, such as the grout and chalking in my kitchen. (I sterilized it before using it to clean the house.) It’s so great for small spaces. — Maureen D., Eden Prairie, Minnesota

MEDICARE AND LYMPHEDEMA

Dear Heloise: In the past, Medicare has covered physical therapy for someone with lymphedema. Starting this year, Medicare now covers compression garments at no charge when prescribed by a doctor. Medicare recipients are eligible for three sets of garments every six months at no cost to the patient. In my case, that’s three pairs of compression stockings every six months.

Others might need compression sleeves or wraps. Thanks for letting people know. — Pat S., in Fort Wayne, Indiana

PLASTIC CLOTHING BAGS

Dear Heloise: Whenever I get clear plastic clothing bags from department stores or the cleaners, I fold them up and place them in one of three plastic bags that are labeled either 36-inch, 50-inch or 72-inch. I then use these bags to put my patio cushions in for the winter and store them in the garage so when I want to get these items out, the items are clean.

I also store my monthly front door floral arrangements in these bags, although clear bags don’t prevent the fading of the flowers as much.

In addition, I keep smaller but heavier plastic bags in my suitcase so that I can pack dirty clothes in them. — Marilyn Burres, via email

DRYER FILTER CLEANING

Dear Heloise: To clean the pull-out screen filter on my dryer, I have always use a dryer softener sheet that has already been thrown in the dryer. It takes the lint right off. — Mary Goodenough, Camarillo, California