Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a couple of hints to suggest for your column:

— I rubber band my accesible parking placard to my sun visor so that when I park in a parking space, I just have to pull down the visor to expose the parking sign. It is very visible, and I do not have to hang it back up on the rearview mirror when I vacate the parking lot. I observe other drivers wgi leave their permit hanging on their mirror while driving. This is against the law in our state! I have suggested this to several friends and family members, and they like my idea as well.

— My wife and I prefer to place our wills and funeral instructions in our bank safety deposit box. Our co-personal representatives have access to the pass keys. In my opinion, this is more secure than having a safe in our home since most are not fireproof! Our funeral director also has a copy of our instructions. — Ken F., in Nebraska

REFRESHING TOYS

Dear Heloise: I’m writing about a reader’s advice that you printed regarding freshening a teddy bear. The writer suggested a used dryer sheet that was sprayed with air freshener. I would not recommend this hint! The chemicals in the air freshener and dryer sheets are not healthy for a child to ingest or inhale up close.

There must be a better way, such as lightly misting the bear with water and air-drying it outside on a spring day. — Trish, in Buffalo, New York

Trish, my personal favorite is washing the toy by hand or on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. I wash dog toys this way and usually let them dry overnight. The toy is clean, and if they are not dry by morning, I toss them in the dryer for about 15 minutes.

While a number of toy manufactures suggest using a dryer sheet, I prefer a completely clean toy whenever possible. — Heloise

LABELING PRESCRIPTIONS

Dear Heloise: Like many older adults, I now have a lot of prescription medications. The print on the labels is often small and difficult to read, especially without glasses. So, I take a colorful marker, and in big letters, I write the first two letters of the name on the tops of each prescription bottle.

This has worked really well for me; if the first two letters happen to be the same on different meds, I go to three. The trick is to make the letters big and clear. If this is a challenge for you, ask for help from someone with steady hands and good eyesight! (Thanks for your column!) — Ann L., A Loyal Reader, in Buffalo, New York

BOGUS SALES

Dear Heloise: I agree with Charles, who commented about the marketing tool of sales prices that are being given for purchasing four items versus one, especially with food items. As a “senior,” it doesn’t work for me, but what is more repulsive is that it is a huge contributor to American obesity, as people are literally eating more than they normally would to use it up on a timely basis. — Lois S., via email

Lois, sadly, we are a nation that wastes too much food. How many of us buy fruit that rots in our refrigerator? Large cartons of milk go bad sitting in the back of the refrigerator, and leftovers grow mold.

I have to agree with you. A discount on volume is great if you’re feeding a large group or frequently eating a certain food. But for the elderly, it may not be a great bargin! — Heloise