It’s wise to always call the doctor to check on your test results

Dear Heloise: Recently, I took my mother to the doctor, and she had some tests run. They said that they would call her for follow-up if the tests showed she needed it. Several weeks went by without a call, and we figured that all was well.

When we went to the next routine visit, the doctor said they needed to do a follow-up because her test results were not good! I said they were supposed to call us! He said he had assumed that we had been called. Well, we hadn’t.

So, my hint is to always call and check on test results. This way, there is never any question as to the test results. K.M., via e-mail

How right you are! The margin of error is too great to take a chance that no news is good news. Call, call, call! It’s your health (and maybe life) that is at stake! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was reading the column about retrieving lost cell phones (texting or calling the phone to find where it is — Heloise) if lost.

I attached a name/address label to the back of my cell phone, under which I added my home telephone number. I covered this with clear tape for wear. All the necessary information is right on the cell phone for return. Jean M., Torrington, Conn.

Dear Heloise: I’ve been using a digital cooking timer when I water my yard, since we’ve been in a drought situation. I put the timer in my pocket after setting it, and it reminds me to move my sprinkler. Sure does help to prevent overusing our precious water. I also try to water just once a week, and in the evening so the water sinks into the ground better. Larry, Garden Grove, Calif.

Larry, I feel your pain! San Antonio, my hometown, also is under severe water restrictions, and any water we can save is worth the effort. Heloise

Dear Heloise: A few years ago, I worried about Internet safety and my credit card. I went to the bank and opened a bank account with no checks, just a debit card. I am not charged for it, and I easily can transfer funds into that account when I am Internet shopping. Now I can shop with the knowledge that the only thing that could be stolen above the purchase I make would be the few dollars I leave to keep the account open. Kathie in South Dakota

Dear Heloise: I sometimes use dryer sheets in my dryer. When the load is dry, I use the sheet to wipe the lint screen. It takes the lint off easily. Sandy Leininger, Spring Branch, Texas

Dear Heloise: Empty the lower rack of the dishwasher first to avoid water spills from the top rack onto the dry dishes below. A Reader, via e-mail

King Features Syndicate