Dear Heloise: I sympathize to some extent with the writer in a recent column of yours lamented how doctor’s offices will say the appointment is at 10:00 a.m. but ask that you arrive at 9:30 a.m. for paperwork. However, I think it actually makes sense to do it this way. Ten a.m. is the time you could actually get called back to be seen.

If you arrive late for the paperwork appointment, you could theoretically catch up by filling the paperwork out quickly. I don’t think medical offices really expect everyone to arrive the full half hour early for paperwork, but you do need to be ready to be seen by the medical staff on time. — David J. Kupstas, Henrico, Va.

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ELDER SAFETY

Dear Heloise: For those remodeling or building a home, I suggest incorporating a traditional small shower stall in your plans. The new larger open designs are spectacular, but they also can be more dangerous for elders, who may have dizziness or balance issues. Having a nearby wall to lean on or a bar close by to grab can be a life saver. — Thanks, from an 81-year-old dizzy elder

GRAPES AND RAISINS

Dear Heloise: In a recent column, someone suggested a little red box of raisins as a healthy snack for children. Please be careful, however, if you have dogs or cats. Grapes, and especially raisins, are toxic to them. Even a small amount (as little as one raisin in some pets) can cause severe kidney failure and/or death. Contact your vet immediately if they ingest grapes or raisins, as this can be a medical emergency. So please educate your children, or better yet, for the safety of your pet, choose a different healthy snack. — Barbara, East Aurora, NY

CURSIVE WRITING

Dear Heloise: A reader says that cursive writing is obsolete, but ignores that cursive improves comprehension and retention, as it engages different areas of the brain on a deeper level and enhances fine motor coordination. It also helps students to understand the structure of words, which can help with spelling and reading development. Dependence on electronic devices can leave a person without the ability to communicate effectively in the written form if they are without the devices handy. Phones can get lost or broken. Printing and cursive are basic skills that should be taught before keyboarding, which is also necessary in today’s world. Reduce time on less important tasks before cutting basics. — Elaine Fleeman, Bakersfield, Calif.

TAKING MEDICATION

Dear Heloise: To Kat B in Phoenix: Buy an inexpensive seven-day, two-slot divided pill box. Put your weekly meds in it. You will then know if you have taken your daily medications. This is a life saver for older individuals who need to keep medications safely distributed. — Deb Hogan, Montana

LAWN MOWER WARNING

Dear Heloise: A word of warning, if one uses their lawnmower to run over or mulch fall leaves. My husband put away the riding lawn mower after doing this, and later, some of the leaves trapped under the mower deck caught fire. Luckily, he was able to hose down the blade area and avert disaster. — Linda Webb, Roland, Ark.

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