Computer-made prescription list comes in handy at doctor’s

Dear Heloise: When visiting a physician or a referred specialist for the first time, there always is an extensive amount of paperwork to fill out, including listing all prescriptions. My medication list is rather a long one, and remembering the drugs, dosage of same, etc., is not realistic.

So my husband and I devised a neat credit-card-size list by detailing all of our drugs, strength of same, dosage, etc., on our computer. We reduced it in size until it was small enough to fit on a credit card, and sealed it with a plastic heat-seal machine.

This list can either be copied onto the paperwork or, if we ask, they will just copy the card and affix it to our records. We’ve kept the list on the computer so we can easily make changes. A Reader, via e-mail

Good health hint, and one that can save time as well as stress. Thanks for writing. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column about placing your children’s artwork in sheet protectors in a three-ring binder. I’ve done that, too. Love the idea, but I went a step further and did the same thing with important papers.

At arm’s length, I have easy information for my children and a hard copy for genealogy reference. This also makes it easy for my children, since most of the documents they would need are right there. Joanne Paulich, Hammond, Ind.

Dear Heloise: On a recent trip to the emergency room, the nurse told me to use hydrogen peroxide to remove the bloodstains on clothing. I was hesitant because I thought the peroxide would leave a bleach stain, but I really didn’t have anything to lose since the clothes would have been ruined by the blood anyway. The peroxide worked beautifully — took out all the blood with very little effort, and left no stain. Just pour it on and watch it bubble away the blood. Rinse with cool water. Amazing! June, via e-mail

Yes, hydrogen peroxide does remove some stains, especially fresh blood, although it can cause some fabrics or colors to bleach out a little. With all cleaning solutions, try the peroxide on a hidden spot first, then rinse well in cool water when the blood is gone. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Since many house fires are caused by furnaces located in the attic and can go unnoticed for several lifesaving minutes, I had my husband install a fire detector in my attic. This really gives me peace of mind. Sharon Young, via fax

Dear Heloise: I have a recycling idea: When I receive a shipment in a sturdy plastic bag, after removing the merchandise, I mark out the address information, turn the bag inside out and reuse it for mailing items or returning items to companies. It costs nothing and is cheaper to mail than a box. Kay in Virginia

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