HELOISE: Keep one medicine in each bottle

Dear Heloise: As a pharmacist, I’d like to say that people should only keep one medication in each bottle. It becomes very confusing for people when they try to place numerous medications into one prescription bottle just to save space on their shelf.

Later on, they call the pharmacy trying to figure out which white pill is the one that originally was in the bottle. Never risk taking something harmful!

Karin in Texas

Dear Readers: Karin is referring to a previous reader hint about prescription medication. Here’s another one, from Amy H. of Garden Grove, Calif., about what she does to make her doctor appointment go more smoothly. She says: “I have, for many years, kept notes in my computer of questions I wanted to ask my doctor or symptoms I wanted to go over with him.

“About 10 days before my appointment, I print the document and mail it with that information so he has time to digest it before my appointment.

“They always request that you bring your medications as well. I merely keep mine posted in my computer. The morning of my appointment, I print it out, sign it and give it to the attending nurse.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I used a clear, plastic shoe box to create a battery box. In the box I have a battery tester, all types of batteries and a screwdriver. When something isn’t working properly or the batteries seem low, I just get my box, and I have everything I need to remove, check and replace the batteries. I also have a tape box, with masking tape, duct tape, electrical tape and regular adhesive tape; and an adhesive box, with things like instant glue, school glue, wood glue, etc.

Sharon Huffstutler, Electra, Texas

Dear Heloise: To prevent shine, dab antiperspirant on your face.

Tiffany in San Antonio

Tiffany, it was nice meeting you recently when I spoke to your group of spouses at the American Seed Trade Association in San Antonio. Love this hint, especially for those in hot climates such as Texas!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I used round, foam pipe insulation to transform a regular curtain rod into a temporary designer rod. It is lightweight, pre-split and can be covered with craft ribbon or material to match the decor. If you have a double rod, this leaves ample room to hang sheers on the inside rod.

A Reader, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Somebody suggested keeping an old laundry basket in the car to hold groceries, etc. I do that, too, but I also keep all the “green” bags I have purchased from various stores in the basket. That way, if I decide to stop somewhere, I always have the appropriate bags handy.

Eva B., Yorba Linda, Calif.

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

King Features Syndicate