Cell phone can help ID relatives in emergency

Dear Heloise: I live alone and decided to make my cell phone helpful to police if something happens to me or in the case of an emergency. Next to my son’s and daughter’s names, I put “son” and “daughter.” And I label other relatives, friends, neighbors, dog sitter, vet’s office, etc. This could just be a lifesaver! Kay, via e-mail

Kay, good idea. You should know that programming the word ICE (In Case of Emergency) in front of a contact name on your cell-phone list will allow the police, fire, etc., to know whom to contact in an emergency. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was having a lot of shoulder and back pain. My doctor said that it could be caused by the large purse full of stuff that I was carrying on my shoulder.

I’ve solved the problem by putting all of the extraneous items that I feel I need in a large tote bag, and my essential items, such as credit cards, keys, cell phone, small billfold and one lipstick, in a smaller, more compact bag. When I go out, I grab the tote bag with the smaller bag inside. When I go into a store or wherever, I just take the smaller bag with me. I still have all the items that I might need, but no more shoulder and back pain. Nancy E., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: The next time your vehicle is scheduled for an oil change, check the instruction manual. Instead of the 3,000-mile oil change written on the sticker on your window, you might be able to wait 5,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. I’ve been able to save some money just by reading the car company’s guidelines. Shirley L., New Bremen, Ohio

Dear Heloise: I have a large family. As a matter of fact, there are nine living in the home. I have learned that there are easy ways to save money during hard times. One is to shop wisely. It might take you a little more time to get home, but it is worth it in the long run. Take sales newspapers with you and cut coupons. Some stores match competitors’ prices if you have the sales paper with you. This can cut your grocery bill a lot. Large Family in Prescott, Ariz.

King Features Syndicate