HELOISE Questions on alcohol use? Here's help

Dear Heloise: I'm writing because I want people to know that National Alcohol Screening Day is a time to get answers to questions about alcohol. If any of your readers are concerned about a loved one or looking for information for themselves, they should visit a screening site April 7. To find the closest one, call the toll-free number, (877) 311-6273, or visit www.NationalAlcoholScreeningDay.org -- there are many sites all over the country.
People from all walks of life have found out the facts at this free program. A woman came to our hospital site last National Alcohol Screening Day worried that she was drinking too much in order to cope with recent marital problems. A grandmother raising her teen-age grandson asked questions about how to help him after discovering that he was drinking. A hospital employee had questions about how he could better help patients understand that they have a drinking problem. A man recovering from a recent head injury following an accident had questions about his medication and drinking, and whether it was advisable to ever drink again.
Many people are confused about how much a person can drink without causing risk to his or her health and well-being. They are further confused when they see reports about health benefits of drinking while simultaneously reading a warning on a prescription that alcohol should not be consumed while taking the medication. It is simply confusing.
The best hint I can give anyone to preserve his or her own health, or that of family, is to learn how alcohol can affect one's health and safety. I hope your readers will take advantage of this free program. George Brenner, director of addictions services, Community Health Network, Indianapolis
George, thank you for sharing this information with my readers. When I spoke with you and asked if there was anything else you wanted me to pass along, you said: "After 30 years in this business, we see the miracle of recovery. It is possible, and there are people to help."
Readers, if you have received help through the National Alcohol Screening Day and experienced the "miracle of recovery," would you please share your story? Hearing about positive outcomes might help others. You don't have to include your name -- just your success story. Send it to Heloise/Dept. M, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or e-mail Heloise*@ CompuServe.com. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Everyone needs a kitchen bulletin board, and many use the front of the refrigerator. It can look messy, so here's my idea: Use the inside of cupboard doors for posting calendars; names and phone numbers of frequently called places and friends; and cards and appointments for doctors and dentists. Use the one nearest the phone for most of those. When the cupboard doors are closed, it's all hidden.
I use a 1-inch circle of tape (sticky side out) to affix these things to the doors. Mary Lou Duff, Sun City, Ariz.
Mary Lou, this is a very good hint and a great reminder to use space that often goes unused. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax (210) HELOISE, or e-mail heloise@heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate