Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: It was bound to happen! With new technological devices such as cellphones, tablets, etc., we have a new "ailment" with its very own name: text neck!

Just like purse strain (from too heavy a purse) or wallet backache (from a fat wallet in a back pocket) or eye strain from staring at a computer screen all day, text neck might be real. Just as it's recommended that you get up and move around every so often, you need to take a break every now and then to save your neck.

Here are a few hints to help prevent text neck:

• Sit up straight (just like grandmother used to say), and try not to slouch.

• Do a few gentle neck rolls every so often.

• Give yourself permission to take a break.

DEAR HELOISE: Airline tray tables are hard plastic, which can be very slippery for items such as cups, glasses and plates. I've had those slide into my lap; very messy. Now I take a piece of nonslip "drawer and shelf liner" found in a store's kitchen-supplies area. It's only a bit larger than a postcard and works fine. No more "slip-and-slide."

-- Manfred R.,

Vancouver, Wash.

DEAR HELOISE: I read your hint a while back about ordering water instead of drinks when eating out to save money. This family of five finds it cheaper to go this route as well.

But we do tack a little extra money onto the tip. It's usually about 50 cents per glass, because we figure it's still a beverage that's being served and filled throughout our dinner.

I really don't mind adding the extra tip, and I feel like I'm helping out my server.

-- Yolanda D. in Dallas

DEAR READER: Spot on! The establishment is still providing the glass, ice, maybe a slice of lemon, as well as the manpower to serve the glass, and it must be washed, too.

Don't scrimp on a tip, especially at breakfast, where the bill usually is low.

DEAR READERS: Why should you not use fresh or frozen pineapple in gelatin desserts?

Fresh or frozen pineapple hasn't been processed, so it still contains the enzyme that will prevent gelatin from setting. Use canned pineapple, and it's a go.

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 02/24/2017

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