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Dishwasher tablet can do wonders in cleaning oven

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: Greasy oven buildup used to take far too much time and effort to clean, especially after heavy cooking days. I found a much easier method by using a dishwasher tablet. I dip the tablet in warm water and gently rub it over baked-on grease and food spots. The tablet acts as a mild abrasive, cutting through grime quickly without harsh scrubbing. I wear gloves and use light pressure to avoid scratching the surface. After cleaning, I wipe everything down with a damp cloth and finish with a dry towel. My oven now looks bright with very little ...

Don’t let guest’s bare minimum effort rattle you

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Annie: My husband and I host Easter brunch every year for both sides of the family — about 16 people total. I cook a big frittata, a glazed ham, homemade rolls and a salad or two. My problem is my sister-in-law, “Brenda.” For the past four ...

AI scribes help doctor better focus, interact with patients

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist 
 Dear Dr. Roach: In your recent column, a reader complained about a doctor using AI to write after-visit summaries. I think my doctor has begun using AI for this purpose, but I like it. The reason why I think she is using AI is because she has begun looking at me while we discuss my health, rather than looking at her computer while she types the report. This feels much more personal, and the after-visit summary seems to be just as accurate. — G.U. Answer: I appreciate your writing. This is one good outcome from the use of AI ...

Toothpaste tube problems add up

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: How much longer do we have to put up with tubes of toothpaste that we can’t empty like we used to by rolling up the tube? I have to cut open the tube, where almost one-third of the toothpaste is still there. Then I have to scrape it out little by little with my toothbrush, which actually isn’t sanitary if more than one person uses the tube. It’s no wonder that the manufacturers like it this way as a lot of people throw the tube out without cutting it open and have to buy a new one. On top of this, they keep telling us to save on ...

Husband’s new habit beyond annoying — it’s gross!

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Annie: My otherwise extremely well-mannered husband, “Ted,” has developed an unspeakably disgusting habit, and I need help addressing it. The back story: About a year ago, there was an accident involving Ted, his brother and a couple of our ...

Efforts to increase sodium level lead to frustration

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 71-year- old female. I weigh about 96 pounds, and I’m 4 feet, 9 inches tall. My blood pressure has always been good. When I was 25 years old, I donated a kidney. I was told by doctors and nurses to drink lots of fluid to ...