CLEANING A HAIR DRYER SCREEN

Dear Heloise: First, let me thank you for your years of hints. I’ve used so many of them, but today I have a hint for you and your readers. My handheld hair dryer had a lot of lint stuck in the air intake screen, and it made me nervous to think it might cause a fire.

I tried to pick out the lint, but I finally ended up grabbing a wet cotton swab and running it across the air intake screen. It removed the lint without any hassle. C.F., in Florida

MEMORIES

Dear Heloise: Whenever I travel, I always buy two things: One is scented hand lotion or perfume, and the other is a kitchen dish towel with the name of our destination. Upon returning home, as I do the dishes, I can recall our wonderful trip. And if I’m having a bad day, I use the perfume to recall those special times. -- J.M., via email

REMEMBER ME?

Dear Heloise: If you run into someone who you haven’t seen in a while, please do not say, “Do you remember me?” or “You should know who I am.” This especially goes for someone who has serious memory issues.

For my benefit and the other person’s, I always reintroduce myself, often hoping that they will say their names. This helps alleviate any embarrassment. -- V.J., in West Virginia

PHARMACY FUDGES

Dear Heloise: My elderly neighbor asked me to look up a drug online that her doctor had prescribed for her. I looked it up and printed out all of the information, then took it to her. She mentioned that she was having a terrible time with the drug because she thought it might be causing itching on her scalp.

While I was there, I called her doctor and told them that I thought she might be allergic to the drug. After some conversation, we realized that the pharmacy had accidentally given her the wrong medication.

Pharmacies often get very busy, and mistakes can be made. So, my hint is this: If you have a son, a daughter or a very good friend you can take with you on your visit to the doctor’s, please do so. Question your doctor about your medication -- what it’s supposed to do, how long it takes to see improvement in your condition, and the pros and cons of the drug.

If you have a computer, look up the drug. Check the name on the label and whether or not the directions for its usage are the same as the ones your doctor mentioned during your visit. If the drug causes you any problems, call your doctor immediately. -- R.Y., in New Orleans

APPLYING

SUNSCREEN

Dear Readers: When you’re outdoors this summer, remember that sunscreen is your friend. Unless you’re allergic to the product, please apply it before leaving the house. Protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: Ginger is a 140-pound French Mastiff. This is basically the dog Hooch from the old Tom Hanks movie “Turner & Hooch.”

Readers, to see Ginger and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise . com. -- Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@ Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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