HELOISE Fact sheet saves time when filling out forms

Dear Heloise: When I moved, I had to find all new doctors. I take several medications daily. Every time I saw a different medical provider for surgery, tests, etc., I was filling out forms. To make it easier, I created a sheet that I call "patient information." It includes info like my name, address, phone number, insurance info and medicine info on one side, and on the other side surgeries, major tests and copies of insurance cards.
I keep it updated and carry a copy to any new medical provider so I don't miss anything, and it saves me filling out forms. In case of emergency, I have all my medication info with me. Mary S., Oxnard, Calif.
As we get older, there is more information to keep track of! Your hint certainly helps cut down on the time spent filling in all of those forms. Glad you wrote, Mary. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A reader gave a tip to use cell phones while visiting sick relatives in the hospital. She even suggested donating cell-phone chargers to the hospital waiting room.
Readers should be aware that many hospitals do not allow cell-phone use. Most hospitals have pay phones or phones on the ward for personal use.
Even my husband (a doctor) is not allowed to use his cell phone while inside the hospital. When in doubt, one should always check the hospital's policy. Debby, Fredericksburg, Va.
You are correct, of course. Cell phones are so common now, we might not think about places they should not be used. Heloise
Dear Heloise: With identity-theft prevention in mind, what is the best way to dispose of expired credit cards? Texas Fan, via e-mail
The best way to destroy old credit cards is to cut them up into small pieces, being sure there is no identifying information on any of the pieces. A reader wrote in and said that when she cuts up old credit cards, she throws all of the pieces away except for one small piece that she keeps separate for a few days, then throws it out. She picks out a piece that includes a couple of numbers so that if someone decides to piece the card back together, he or she still wouldn't have all the pieces to accomplish the deed. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Since my eyesight has drastically changed, I notice I have a problem discerning navy blue from black. To assist myself in dressing correctly, I hang navy clothes on light-blue hangers. Black items are on any other color hanger. I no longer need to change due to mismatched clothes. Carolyn, Elizabethtown, Ky.
Dear Heloise: When putting away your wintry flannel sheets, keep the flat one handy. On summer nights, when it's too warm for a blanket but you need just a little something more than a sheet, that flannel sheet acts as a wonderful light blanket. Plus it's free, since you have it already. Elaine B., Ventura, Calif.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate