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Dear Heloise: I keep critical medical information in the Notes app on my iPhone. This includes current medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) with dosages and schedules; allergies; surgeries and procedures; and major illnesses (along with dates). I pinned the note to keep it at the top of the list. I update the information regularly and print a copy before each visit to a doctor.
This was particularly handy when I had a heart attack. While waiting for the ambulance, I placed my phone in my purse, but forgot to print out the medical information. When the EMT started asking questions, I just handed him my phone. Everything the emergency department needed was in there as well. -- Beverly Schalon, via email
POWDERED DISHWASHING SOAP
Dear Heloise: In a recent column, I read a hint from Paul about using powdered dishwashing soap to clean stained thermoses. This also works on pots and pans that have burnt food on them. Just sprinkle a little powdered dishwashing soap in the pot or pan, add some hot water and let it soak. The burnt food comes right off!
Thank you for all the great hints! -- Mona, Dana Point, California
REGIFTING RECIPE CARDS
Dear Heloise: I want to address the reader's suggestion about getting rid of recipe cards. Please consider gifting these to family members. I treasure the recipes that I have in my mother's handwriting. My daughter-in-law gave me an engraved recipe box to fill with handwritten cards for her and my grandkids.
Love reading your column in the Denver Gazette. -- Jennifer, via email
CLEANING ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS
Dear Readers: Try this easy way of cleaning artifical flowers: Mix 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the flowers (only plastic, not silk). Wipe them with a clean cloth, and they're as good as new!
Want to know more about cleaning with vinegar? Then, you need to check out my six-page pamphlet "Heloise's Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More!" To order a pamphlet, go to www.Heloise.com or send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. -- Heloise
FADING COLORS ON FINE PORCELAIN
Dear Heloise: Three years ago, I started using a lemon-based detergent booster in my dishwasher. While the glassware sparkles beautifully, the glaze on my fine porcelain has nearly worn off, and the colors are fading on the most used and washed pieces! The main ingredient in the booster is citric acid, which -- I have now discovered -- should be avoided due to its effect on glazes and colors. I hope this helps other collectors of beautiful china. -- B.K., in Oklahoma
COFFEE IS POISONOUS FOR PETS
Dear Heloise: You recently ran a hint from someone about using coffee grounds to repel slugs and snails. Please let your readeres know that coffee in any form is poisonous to both dogs and cats. I had to quit putting coffee grounds in my compost because my husky loved coffee. -- Fran, in San Antonio
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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.