DEAR READERS: Here is this week's sound off, about medication packaging:
"Do you know why pharmaceuticals package tablets in cards with individual plastic pods for each tablet? It can't be a simpler task than just throwing them all in one container, as before. Many consumers, especially those with arthritic hands, may find it very bothersome to have to push the pills out one by one."
-- George C., via email
George, you are right on target. This seems to be a problem for a lot of my readers and a continuing complaint.
I am not sure why pharmaceutical companies do this, but here is a guess: This packaging may be cheaper, but I doubt it. Probably most important is that this packaging is harder for children to get into. Yes, and harder for adults, too. Depending on the drug and the manufacturer, the pharmacy may be able to tell you if it does come in a bottle rather than the blister packs -- which, by the way, give me a blister when trying to pry out one or two pills.
DEAR READERS: Other uses for socks with no match:
• Use to dust blinds and furniture.
• Fill with rice or beans and make into a warming pad.
• As a tug toy for dogs.
• Use as garden gloves in a pinch.
• Cut the toe off and pull over a bandage as protection.
DEAR READERS: Many of you responded to a recent Sound Off about people bending the corners of library book pages. You agreed that it is disrespectful to turn down the corners, and gave your suggestions on what to use as bookmarks. Here are just a few:
• Jon P. wrote, via email: "I always use the receipt the library gives me when I check out the book. Not only does it make a great bookmark, I am reminded when the book is due."
• Chuck in Santa Ana, Calif., wrote: "The 'bookmark' I use primarily is a small sticky note. It sticks to the page, with no damage to the paper."
• Toby in Port St. Lucie, Fla., wrote: "I've discovered the very best bookmark: a paper clip. It not only marks the page in your book, but also your place on the page. Another excellent side effect is that should you drop the book, the paper clip will stay in place, as opposed to a piece of paper."
DEAR HELOISE: When I use a public restroom, many times the toilet paper is in a large, circular container. Most of the time the paper is not extended out to reach, so one has to guess where it is. It is frustrating trying to find the end. Here is what I do: I leave a bit hanging down so the next person will find the beginning of the paper and will not have to search.
-- Joy H., Webster, S.D.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
ActiveStyle on 04/13/2015