Breaking News

Good advice

Going for that very last little bit of toothpaste

Dear Heloise: The letter from Jan M. purports to end all the toothpaste drama. However, there’s one more thing that nobody has mentioned. Because of my curiosity, I cut open the tube after thinking I’d effectively removed all the toothpaste within — only to discover that no matter how one chooses to empty the tube, it still has lots of toothpaste remaining. I cut the end of the tube, then cut along the creases of each side, and found that not only is there still tooth- paste along the length of the tube, there is a significant amount at the end where the toothpaste exits the ...

Children’s drowning deaths rise in last few years

NEW YORK — Doctors and others are sounding an alarm: More U.S. children have been drowning in recent years. "When drowning occurs, seconds matter," said Dr. Rohit Shenoi, the lead author of a recent American Academy of Pediatrics warning. "Quick rescue and resuscitation can mean the ...

You can stop being taken for granted

Dear Annie: I am the person everyone in my family calls when they need something. I babysit, drive relatives to appointments, host holidays and lend money when someone is in a bind. I rarely complain because I love my family and want to be helpful. A few weeks ago, my sister called me in ...

Weakness persists after gallbladder removal

Dear Dr. Roach: I have a friend who had gallstones and ultimately had her gallbladder removed. When they went in, they saw lots of infections, cleaned her out and put drains in her liver. She’s been feeling awful and weak, and she wants to get a second opinion. Which type of specialist ...

Easier way than using hose to clean screened porches

Dear Heloise: The cottonwood trees are busy shedding at this time of year. My husband and I have a screened-in porch. He’d spend hours and use up lots of lake water when washing the screens after the shedding was done. When he passed away, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to do this task as he did for numerous reasons. So, I found a regular old dust mop, and I used it to wipe down the screens. It was a great deal quicker and much more efficient method than using water and a hose. — Sally, in Fort Wayne, Indiana Should teens get jobs? Dear Heloise: I had to write in response to ...

Dear Annie: Celebrating freedom, family and love this Fourth of July

Dear Readers: On this Fourth of July, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down. Let the day be simple. Enjoy the sound of laughter from the next yard. Notice the flags moving in the breeze. Sit outside with a cold drink. Watch the children run through the grass. Stay up for the ...