HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise:

Neighbors walking their dogs came upon me as I was dazed but uninjured one dark winter morning after twisting my ankle and somersaulting down my street's hill. A few days later, I was with an elderly widow friend when she became very dizzy. I realized that neither my neighbors nor I knew whom to call.

So, I made my own "in an emergency" ID card. I listed the names and phone numbers of my doctor (emergency and office) and two family members (cells and home numbers), daily medicines and dosages, and allergies.

It's a computer document, for easy updating. Printed in a column and folded so there's a front and back, it's still credit-card size even with a lot of data, and I covered it with clear packing tape to keep it weatherproof and sturdy.

I made several copies -- one for my pocket whenever I'm out walking, one for my wallet and ones for easy reference for the family members listed, to have if they get "the call."

It's helped me -- and my friends -- feel more secure in case of an emergency, and I hope it will do the same for your readers.

Jane in Kensington

Jane, it is important to have some type of ID on you whenever you leave home, even if it's only for a stroll around the neighborhood. Also, if you're walking in the evening, a flashlight would be a good addition.

Dear Heloise:

My first hint marries the time-honored trick of using an old toothbrush to clean in tight spots with the modern technology of the rechargeable, rotary scrubbing appliance. I use our electric toothbrush fitted with a worn-out brush head to clean around faucets, along gaskets, etc. The rapid rotary motion does a better job than I could accomplish by hand.

The second hint came from my frustration with the many half-empty boxes of different flavors of instant hot cereals, cocoa mixes, granola bars, etc., that took up so much space in my pantry. I filled several baskets (lined with lovely cross-stitched bread cloths) with the assorted packets and keep them on the counter with the fruit bowl. They look nice, the items are right at hand during the morning rush, and my pantry is neater. Whenever we must open a new box of some item, all the packets go right into a basket, and the box goes to the recycling bin.