Heloise

Dear Heloise: Your answer to me about rinsing your teeth turned the question into a matter of time. The original question was, “Do I rinse or not?” The time you spend on your teeth is a matter of personal preference. My husband doesn’t spend nearly the time on brushing that I do, but he also rinses. He doesn’t have any cavities either. However, I do what I do because I love the everyday feeling of “I just got my teeth cleaned!” — Clean, in Montana

ANOTHER BEDSHEET HINT

Dear Heloise: I enjoy reading your column in the Springfield News-Sun and wanted to share how I save on changing the sheets on my queen-sized bed. Instead of going to the trouble that Karen, in Florida, does, I just sleep on one side of the bed one week and the other side the following week. This way, I only have to change the sheets once every two weeks.

I started doing this decades ago when I was left with a king-sized bed following a divorce. Thanks for all the hints you’ve shared. — Andi, in Ohio

HAMBURGER BUNS

Dear Heloise: I live alone and enjoy a good homemade hamburger occasionally. I like to have a hamburger bun in order to enjoy the condiments and have found that the end pieces of loaves of bread make adequate buns. I keep a bag of heels in the freezer. They don’t take up much room and thaw out quickly. Also, they don’t add as many carbs while still supplying the true purpose of the bun — holding the toppings and the condiments. — Ann Aldridge, via email

HIDING A PURSE IN THE TRUNK

Dear Heloise: Regarding Beverly C.’s suggestion about putting her purse in the trunk and only taking her credit card into the store, it’s vital to put the purse in the trunk while you’re at home where you can’t be seen. I carry my credit card in a lanyard around my neck for safety and convenience. Thanks for so many valuable hints. — Melinda B., in Conway, Arkansas

LOVE YOUR FEET

Dear Heloise: Working in a podiatrist’s office, I see people with foot problems all the time. It’s the one part of the body that people seem to neglect the most. To help keep your feet feeling better, try a few of these:

— Go barefoot or just wear a pair of socks around the house. Let your feet breathe and stretch.

— Walk. This is good for all parts of your body, but your feet need to be exercised.

— Roll a tennis ball or golf ball around with the bottom of your foot for at least 15 minutes daily.

— If you have foot pain, weight loss will usually help.

— Be certain that your shoes fit properly. So many people wear shoes that pinch, are too narrow, or cause pain. — T., in Texas

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here’s Pippin! Pippin absolutely love life and is a registered comfort dog who gives a lot of joy to the people he visits. — Anne Anderson, via email

Readers, to see Pippin and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.