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Dear Heloise: My high school class is studying the nutritional value of various vegetables, and we were wondering what are the most popular vegetables in the United States. Do you know the answer? -- Henry H., Macon, Georgia
Henry, according to Today.YouGov.com, the most popular vegetables (ranked in order) are:
1. Potatoes
2. Sweet corn
3. Garlic (This one surprised me.)
4. Carrots
5. Tomatoes
6. Green beans
Personal tastes vary, but it looks like Americans enjoy fries, baked potatoes and mashed potatoes more than any other vegetable. -- Heloise
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NAIL-BITING
Dear Heloise: I'm 24, and I still bite my nails. I'm trying to stop, but it's been such a habit for most of my life that it seems impossible to quit this disgusting habit. I know that with COVID and other illnesses, I can risk my health by biting my nails, but how can I stop? My co-workers have even commented on how unattractive my hands look with such chewed-up nails and have tried to help me, but nothing has worked so far. -- Katharine B., Auburn, New York
Katharine, about 20% to 30% of Americans bite their nails, and many are not even aware they do it. First, be patient with yourself. Find out what your triggers are. Could it be stress, anxiety or even just boredom?
Treat yourself to a manicure, which helps you become more aware of when you bite your nails because of the taste and texture. Try to keep your nails short so that there is less nail to bite off. Your teeth won't be able to get a grip on the nail that way.
You might also want to try habit reversal training. When you get the urge to stick your fingernail between your teeth, pick up something to do, such as knitting, needlepointing or maybe cross-stitching. Chew gum or put a piece of hard candy in your mouth. When you're at home, you also might want to try wearing gloves on your hands. Any kind of glove can work here.
If the urge to bite your nails persists amid your efforts, get out hand cream and start massaging your hands. Rub cuticle oil into your cuticles, and pamper your hands and nails rather than biting them.
Breathing exercises also might help, especially if your nail-biting is triggered by anxiety. Don't be too hard on yourself. The American Academy of Dermatology encourages people to take a calm and gradual approach to the problem of nail-biting. Remember, you can do this! -- Heloise
AIRPLANE MANNERS
Dear Heloise: I work for a major airline, and I have a few hints for your readers to avoid arguments while they're in-flight:
Keep your feet off someone else's armrest, and do not remove your shoes and socks while in-flight. The carpets on planes aren't as clean as the ones at home.
Got long hair? Don't flip your hair over the back of your seat. No one wants another person's hair hanging in front of them or dangling above their food. I don't care how clean your hair is; it's unsanitary.
Please ask the person behind you if it's OK to recline your seat a little before you relax completely.
Lastly, please don't fight with other passengers or the flight crew. We just follow the rules; we don't make them. -- Wendy With Wings, via email
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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.