Dear Readers: When you think of celebrations like birthdays, weddings, graduations and gender reveals, you may think of HELIUM BALLOONS and balloon releases. Think again.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov) is imploring people to stop the practice of balloon releases.

Why? Deflated balloons and strings can find their way into our oceans, parks and wildlife refuges, where they are mistaken for food and consumed by animals.

Turtles are most susceptible to ingesting the balloons and strings, which, of course, cannot pass through their delicate systems. And the strings get wrapped around legs, beaks, etc.

Here are some alternatives to balloons:

* Paper or cloth bunting signs.

* Paper flowers.

* Environmentally friendly bubbles.

— Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Marianne M. sent a picture of her gorgeous green-eyed tabby, Daisy May, catching some rays under the family rocking chair!

To see Daisy May and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a funny and furry friend? Email a picture and a description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

SUNSCREEN 101

Dear Heloise: With the sun out and people more active outdoors, can you give us the 411 on sunscreen? — David E. in Kentucky

David, I’d be happy to do so! Not using sunscreen can potentially damage your skin and lead to wrinkling, sagging and worse.

Be sure to apply a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher about 15 minutes before you go outside. How much to apply? The average-size person needs about an ounce (a shot glass size) of sunscreen. Cover the face (avoid the eyes) and body. Don’t forget ears, neck, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet.

Other sun-safety suggestions? Stay indoors during peak hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), wear lip balm and cover exposed skin as much as possible. A floppy hat is not a bad idea either. — Heloise

SWAB THE DOOR

Dear Heloise: I’ve discovered a great use for cotton swabs. I use them to clean the very narrow rubber crevices on our refrigerator door. Works great in one sweep with a little vinegar or water.

Also, I use them to clean small moving parts in my single-brew coffee maker. — A Reader, via email

PROPER PUPPY

Dear Heloise: We got a new puppy, and she’s so cute! But we want her to be friendly and not timid or afraid. So we are socializing her a little bit every day.

We take her out to meet other dogs and people at the park. Not for too long — maybe an hour. — Brittany B., age 13, in Texas

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Dear Heloise: My husband has a problem with his shoes: They SMELL TERRIBLE. How can I get his shoes to smell better? — C.H. in Arizona

This is a common problem in the summer. First, if the inside soles can be removed, take them out. Dampen the bottom inside of the shoes using a hand sanitizer or disinfecting spray, then let the shoes dry overnight. This should help. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795001

San Antonio, TX 78279-5001

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

RETIRE ABROAD

Dear Heloise: My wife and I want to retire in France in a few years. We’re a little nervous about a few things, such as buying a home, banking, medical care, etc. How safe is it to move from the U.S. to another country in retirement? — Doug and Alice R., Blaine, Minn.

Doug and Alice, first, Medicare will not pay for your medical bills outside of the U.S. However, keep your Medicare, because you have the option of returning to the U.S. without paying the Medicare premiums, which usually follows a lapse in coverage. Banking is generally safe, although some countries do not have Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance found in U.S. banks. Rent for about six months to a year before you buy a place, to make certain you really want to live in that country. If you decide to purchase a place of your own, consult first with a lawyer who specializes in real estate laws. Buying property is usually different in foreign countries, so make certain you understand what you’re getting into before you make that commitment. — Heloise

EGG WATER

Dear Heloise: After boiling eggs, I use the cooled water on my houseplants. Egg water is rich with growth-stimulating minerals. Also, in winter, melt snow at room temperature and water your houseplants with this mineral-packed water. — Gillian B., Orem, Utah

TOWEL FOR THE TABLE

Dear Heloise: When we go to the lake for the day, I always use an old beach towel for a tablecloth. It’s easy to launder. And I also use a thin flannel sheet as a table pad. It’s less expensive than a table pad but works just as well. — Lorelei A. in Arkansas

CLEVER CARD HINT

Dear Heloise: After receiving greeting cards, I tear off the page where the sentiment is written and use the other page for a grocery list. It is sturdy, and I reuse it rather than discard it. — Rose-Marie T., Ontario, Calif.

NAILED IT!

Dear Heloise: I secure small nails to my hammer with a rubber band so they are convenient when I need to hang a picture. No more searching for nails! — Letty R. in San Antonio

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in her column.