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Dear Heloise: I’m trying to lose some weight before my son’s wedding in December. There’s so much controversy about what to stop eating and which diet plan is best. At 61, with bad knees, I am not going to the gym, not running in a marathon, and wouldn’t last on a diet that would starve a gerbil. Any hints for a chubby woman in her 60s? -- Patty W., in River Falls, Wisconsin
Patty, please make it your first priority to see a doctor and get a clean bill of health, as well as suggestions for a diet that you can stick to without spending a small fortune. Most diets that use common sense and healthy eating, along with some form of mild exercise, will usually work. Stay away from TV ads that promise miracles for weight loss.
I wish there was a magic pill for weight loss, but from the letters we get, there are too many scammers who promise results and only deliver empty promises. — Heloise
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HERE COMES THE BRIDE
Dear Heloise: I’m getting married in November with the white dress, veil, flowers, and all the rest that goes into a church wedding. I normally don’t wear makeup, and I’d rather not wear it on my wedding day. But my mother’s insisting that I need a full face of makeup and big hair, both of which I don’t care for at all. Why’s it so important to wear makeup and have big poofy hair on your wedding day? -- Chloe H., in Lima, Ohio
Chloe, I think your mother’s correct on this one. A little makeup -- especially some lipstick, a light blush, and mascara -- will bring out your features in photographs. If you want to skip foundation and all the other things, this is fine. But I believe you’ll be surprised at how nice you’ll look with just a hint of makeup to enhance your natural beauty.
As for “poofy” hair, well, just explain that you aren’t comfortable with this look. -- Heloise
LADDER SAFETY RULES
Dear Heloise: Last week, my husband fell off a ladder when one of the rungs broke in half. He broke his wrist, but it could’ve been much worse. The clinic that we went to gave my husband a list of ladder safety tips, and I thought that I’d pass these tips onto your readers:
-- All ladders have a weight and height limit. It’s usually printed on a label somewhere on the ladder. Read it!
-- Use both hands to climb. Carry tools inside a tool belt.
-- Paint every other step a bright color to use as a visual when climbing.
-- Do not overextend your reach while on a ladder. It’s safer to just move the ladder.
-- If you’re working with or near electricity, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder. Do not use a metal ladder.
-- Inspect the ladder rungs to make certain that none are broken or cracked.
Following these rules may save someone’s life, or at least avoid an accident. -- Jean D., in New Jersey
WASHING FOOD
Dear Heloise: I’ve been hearing a lot about how to properly clean fruit before eating it. Just running it under the tap isn’t enough apparently. My doctor said that he runs his fruit under tap water but also scrubs each piece with baking soda to rub off the coatings that are sprayed on fruit and vegetables. Does this really work? -- Ellen Y., in Indiana
Ellen, yes, baking soda removes about 99% of pesticides and residue; however, it isn’t a disinfectant and doesn’t kill bacteria. -- Heloise