Dear Heloise: I have a FINGERNAIL PROBLEM. All my nails peel, and two are cracked. The ones that peel, I usually clip as short as possible and keep polish on them in the hope that they will even out. The cracked ones are always uneven and have a sharp place where the crack is. I’m on 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day for my osteoporosis, which I was told would help my nails. However, it does not. Any suggestions? — Annie in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Annie, a diet rich in nutrients is the basis for healthier nails and hair, but you can try adding biotin to your list of vitamins and minerals. Also, massage petroleum jelly into your nails and cuticles every night, and then wear cotton gloves on your hands while you sleep. During the day, wear protective gloves while doing housework, especially when working in water. Nail hardeners only make this problem worse, so don’t use them. — Heloise

TRAVELING WITH ­MARIJUANA

Dear Heloise: Can I travel to foreign countries with my marijuana? — Kevin via email

Kevin, the safest answer I can give you is if you are traveling to another country, you must always abide by its laws. So no, do not bring marijuana with you to another country. If you are using marijuana for medical purposes, check with the State Department to see what it recommends, because laws change all the time. Please keep in mind that some countries are very strict about intoxicating or controlled substances being brought into their country. The risk isn’t worth it if you spend years in a foreign jail. — Heloise

FAMILY TRADITION

Dear Heloise: We have started a tradition in our family. I made our daughter’s bouquet and included in it a hand-crocheted doily that my great-grandmother had made ages ago. My great-grandmother could sew and crochet anything. Fortunately, many of her pieces have been handed down. When our oldest granddaughter gets married, she will also have crochet work in her bouquet. — Linda H., Shawnee, Okla.

READERS RESPOND

Dear Readers: We received many messages about Christmas letters in response to one man’s dislike of getting them every year. Here are some of their comments:

Lori in Iowa: “I have to disagree with Larry in Oklahoma. I send cards mainly to people I only catch up with at Christmastime. Don’t waste your postage if you aren’t going to let us know what’s been going on in your family the past year.”

Marje in New York: “If I hear from an old friend only once a year, I want to know both the good and the bad.”

Henry in Lafayette, Ind.: “Most Christmas letters are boring or lies people tell to make themselves look good.”

POTATO SOUP

Dear Heloise: Thanks for the potato soup recipe. I have cooked it twice, with wonderful results. I even added slices of sausage at the simmering stage. If this bachelor can cook it, anyone can. — Jim in The Villages, Fla.

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.