Magnify the small print easily

Dear Heloise: Thank you for all your hints, which I read in the Long Beach Press-Telegram. In response to Lori B. about the difficulty of reading the expiration dates on product labels due to the small print, I have a solution. There is a magnifying glass feature on my smartphone, which I use all the time for this very purpose. Just go to your app store and download it. It’s free! I hope this helps.

Thank you. Best wishes! — Maria Eugenia, in Long Beach, California

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com

NO CAVITIES HERE

Dear Heloise: I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush for 2 minutes, then I brush with a regular brush and rinse my mouth out with water. Then I use a mouthwash and rinse with a water pick, using most of the water in it. I cannot stand the taste of toothpaste or mouthwash, so I am left with a very clean taste in my mouth.

I have not had a cavity since I started using this routine. I also have my teeth cleaned twice a year. — Dorothy C., in Montana

Dorothy, this is a nice routine for healthy teeth and gums. Many of us just brush our teeth and go about our day with this type of cleaning. Mornings are often rushed for many of us, so it’s all the time we have.

However, at bedtime, I like to wash off makeup and oil from my skin, then brush my teeth a little longer and use a disinfecting mouthwash. It must be working because I haven’t had a cavity since I was a kid. — Heloise

A CASE OF CASING

Dear Heloise: In response to Louise Y., in Irving, Texas: If she wants the sausage casing gone, she could just take a sharp paring knife, slice the casing, and remove it before cooking. It is easy and saves a lot of undue stress rather than removing it later. The sausage will cook just fine without the casing. — Rich S., in Connecticut

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Dear Heloise: I enjoy your column and read it in the Los Angeles Daily News. Please let your readers know that if they receive a phone call where the caller immediately asks, “Can you hear me?” or a similar question, it’s likely a scam. It’s often referred to as the “Can you hear me?” scam.

Scammers are trying to record your “yes” response to use it later on to authorize fraudulent transactions or to make your phone number active for further scams. — Bob M., in Woodland Hills, California

TO TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL?

Dear Heloise: A friend once told me, “If you don’t travel, you will miss so much.” There are solo travel groups that will match people to save costs. Cruises on smaller ships have dinners and meetings for solo travelers to meet and make friends. There are websites that list cruises with unsold rooms. I avoid the single penalty by using these sites. — Janice G., via email

Janice, Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book. If you don’t travel, you read only one page.” He may have been right, but we must remember that there are people who are content to stay home. They feel like traveling is a hassle they can do without.

I love to travel, but I know several people who prefer to stay home where they feel comfortable and protected and can enjoy their surroundings. — Heloise