Have the foresight to check out vision program

Dear Heloise: Thank you for your article on Eyecare America’s Seniors Eyecare Program. I called the toll-free number and was directed to three macular-degeneration agencies, and they all helped me greatly! My supplemental insurance had been canceled, but these agencies gave me direction, and now I’m in better hands than before. Fred of Crown Point, Ind.

Fred, how wonderful! That’s what I’m here for, to pass on valuable and helpful information. For other readers who may have missed this information, here it is:

To see if you may qualify for medical eye care at no out-of-pocket cost, call EyeCare America’s Seniors EyeCare Program at (800) 222-EYES (3937). This year-round program is designed for seniors, age 65 and older, who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. Eligible patients will be matched with a nearby volunteer ophthalmologist. Seniors receive a comprehensive medical eye examination and up to one year of care for any disease diagnosed during the initial visit, for free. Heloise

P.S.: Please take care of your vision — you have only one pair of eyes! Trust me, as someone who was born cross-eyed and had several operations, your good vision is precious! Many thanks to our friends at EyeCare America. Call now!

Dear Heloise: I don’t know if your column is the proper place to publish my hint, but I want to get the word out, and everybody reads your column. My suggestion may save people lots of money and heartache.

If you are told that you have won a large sum of money in a sweepstakes and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Further, if you have to pay some money to get your “winnings,” it IS a scam!

Watch your spouse and/or your elderly parents carefully, as thousands of dollars can disappear in just a matter of days. This can happen to anyone, anywhere, if one is not careful. Any town, Anywhere

Dear Heloise: When using my oven for something else already, I put scrap vegetable pieces in on a foil-lined jellyroll pan. Baking the vegetables for even an hour (two or three is even better) caramelizes them and draws more flavor out for a soup base. My favorite Cajun cook says if you are short on time, using a stock simmered 20 to 30 minutes is far better than using just water. I do the same with bones or carcasses from just about any meat, poultry, beef or seafood to add flavor to my dish. Laura in Louisiana

Dear Heloise: Regarding hints for painting: After I’m through with a can of paint, I spread plastic wrap on top of the paint and make sure it’s airtight against the insides of the can. I have opened up a can of paint after several years, and it’s as fresh as the day I bought it. Nanci Clark, Cool, Calif.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate