LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Here’s one more reason to buy a shredder for your ID protection. Did you know that your pharmacy is a source for your personal information?
You normally get a printout with the prescription showing your personal information. You always should shred the paper part of the prescription. And, if possible, peel the label off the bottle and shred it as well.
- A Reader in Arkansas
DEAR HELOISE: With spring-cleaning time here, please keep nursing homes in mind for donations of clothing.
Many people arrive at nursing homes with virtually no clothing. Perhaps they have lived alone for many years, have no family, have little money, etc.
For women, tops and bottoms, especially washable elastic-waist pants, sweat shirts and pants, pull-on washable sweaters, button front or pull-on blouses, etc., are needed.
For men, washable pants, shirts, sweat shirts and pants, socks, belts, cotton T-shirts, white undershirts and T-shirts, pull-on shirts and lightweight jackets.
Also welcomed are pull on and lace-up comfortable shoes for men and women.
Seasonal sales are going on, so please consider picking up a few items appropriate for someone in a nursing home. Men and women need underwear. Generally, elastic waists and easy-fitting clothes work best. Everything should be washable.
Call around to find a nursing home with needs. Generally, the activities director or one of the administrators can help.
If your closets are overcrowded, the needs in a nursing home can help fix the problem.
- Rita from Belton, Texas
DEAR READER: Your letter speaks volumes, and I know my readers will take action. I’d love to hear from facility administrators with more input.
DEAR HELOISE: I hate the feel of tags in my shirts and blouses. After ruining a blouse by cutting the tag too close, I began rounding the corners of the tags. It works great.
- Anne M., Florence, Miss.
DEAR READER: A common complaint. A Heloise hint: Use a seam ripper to carefully cut the stitches on the tag.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Style, Pages 30 on 03/27/2012