Dog tag simplifies identification in an emergency

Dear Heloise: When I went running (or even while I was just out walking the dog), I often forgot (or didn’t bother) to carry an ID. I was at risk of getting hit by a car or being knocked unconscious in a fall, etc., and not being able to tell anyone who I was or whom to call.

So, I went to a large pet-supply store and made myself a little dog tag with my husband’s cell-phone number on it and laced it in my running shoes. Now I always have it with me, whether I think about it or not!

This simple little measure would also be helpful for elders with dementia or Alzheimer’s, who have the potential of getting lost or wandering off. Sarah Tozier, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: As autumn approaches and we must begin to wear our coats again, I wonder how many go into public bathrooms, close the door and find the coat or purse hook missing from the stall door? Please, ask the places where we dine, service stations and other businesses with public facilities to check this little item. I’m certain that many will appreciate a replacement where the hooks have disappeared. Inez M. Stewart, West Baraboo, Wis.

Dear Heloise: I use face-washing cloths that come in packages of 30. They are really too big for just one washing, so when I get the package, I cut all of the cloths in half, which of course doubles my money! Love that!

Because I wash my face at night with these cloths, in the morning I take the dry used cloth and wipe out the tub after my morning shower. One side of the cloth is a little abrasive, so it will work as a scrubbing cloth on the tub and shower. Two birds with one stone! Michelle, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I work at a day-care center, where in the morning there is a rush of parents dropping off their kids. In the winter, we ask parents to remove their snowy boots when coming in, but, invariably, they are going to be “only a minute,” then leave their boots on and end up leaving dirty puddles of melted snow for the kids to step in.

Our solution is to buy lots of shower caps at a store that sells stuff for a dollar. They are easy to slip on over wet boots, and the elastic keeps them on better than using plastic bags. A Reader, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Recently, my husband had bypass surgery. To take care of all the phone calls, I put his progress on my answering machine every day. Everyone seemed to like the idea. Ruth Sowers, Columbus, Ohio

Ruth, this is an efficient way to keep from having to answer many phone calls. This also is a good idea for the birth of a baby. Heloise

.King Features Syndicate