DEAR READERS: You and yours may be swimming, playing, floating and wading in a pool, lake, river, ocean, water park or pond. Water is inviting this time of year, but can also be dangerous. Please read through the following hints so you or someone you love doesn't become a sad statistic.
Statistically, a child under the age of 4 has a higher probability of dying by drowning because of an accident than any other unintentional way.
• Do swim in pairs. Don't let anyone (especially children) swim alone.
• Do not leave children alone in or around water. Ever! Even for 30 seconds!
• Teach children to swim. At a minimum, teach them to float on their back. If they ever get into trouble, tell them to flip over and float.
• Don't check email, text or do other distracting tasks while watching children. Do have a phone close in case of emergency.
• If a child is missing, look in the water first. Don't wait!
My thanks to The American Red Cross, PoolSafely.gov and SafeKids.org for these combined Safe Hints for Safe Swimming. I added one or two.
DEAR HELOISE: This is regarding the hint about buying postcards to use for a photo album. (Heloise here: To use as dividers in the album.) While traveling, before taking pictures daily or visiting a new place, I take a photo on my smartphone. I photograph a sign, building or some landmark that shows where we are, what city, country, etc. When I review my photos or print them out, I have a guide as to where or what we were doing.
-- Kay, sent via email
DEAR HELOISE: My parents' cat died of old age, and they didn't want another cat right away because they are moving. They didn't know what to do with the pet carrier. I called my veterinarian's office to see if they could use it. They gladly took it and said it's nice to have extras when a client doesn't have one or needs to borrow one.
-- Bianca from California, via email
DEAR READER: Readers, if you have carriers, beds, blankets, leashes, etc., that are no longer needed, please check with an animal shelter, rescue group or vet's office. They will probably take them.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a beard and when I trim it, little hairs get all over the sink and counter. To help keep the bathroom cleaner, I lay a sheet of newspaper on the counter and trim over that. Just fold up the newspaper and throw it away.
-- Bill R. from Alaska, via email
DEAR HELOISE: We had screens replaced on our house, and some were in pretty good shape. I cleaned them up and use them around the house. One way is as a drying rack for my sweaters and clothes I hand wash.
-- Katherine R., Fort Worth, Texas
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
MovieStyle on 07/31/2015