Using dry-erase markers on mirrors

Dear Heloise: A lot of people use white boards to make lists and notes. But did you know that you can use dry-erase markers on your bathroom mirror? It’s easy to jot notes on the mirror while you’re getting ready for the day, and more than likely, you will be back in that same bathroom throughout the day to see your notes. Additionally, you can write inspirational notes to yourself on the shower wall above where the water hits. — Karen McV., via email

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ANTI-DAMPNESS PACKETS

Dear Heloise: I read Erika B.’s hint about storing vitamins in the refrigerator. I use the anti-dampness packets that come with my prescription meds. They work great with my gummy medications and vitamins. If they are safe for our prescriptions, then they are definitely safe for over-the-counter meds. I also use them in any dry dressing mixes or seasonings that tend to clump together once opened. — Priscilla W., via email

EMERGENCY IDENTIFCATION

Dear Heloise: As a more “senior” senior, I sometimes find myelf in a position where people do not necessarily know me, and I would not normally carry a wallet that contains cash, credit cards, an ID and such. To provide emergency contact information if needed, I do carry an expired driver’s license with my emergency contact numbers written on the back of it. It takes up no room at all in my pocket and provides a recent photo, my current address, and any emergency information that is expected to be needed. — Mike, via email

Mike, well, it’s better than nothing, but you should also have your primary doctor’s name and number with you, the name and phone number of a close relative who knows your medical needs, a list of medications that you take, any medications that you are allergic to, and your blood type.

In the event that you could not speak, all of this information would be of great help to emergency medical services or your doctor. This information also fits neatly on an index card that can be slipped into your pocket. — Heloise

BLISTER

PACK MISHAP

Dear Heloise: I have a hint that might save someone a lot of unwanted pain. I have a prescription drug that I take once a week. It comes in a blister pack and is very difficult to open. I have been cutting the foil around the pill into about 1/2-inch squares that fit into my Sunday-Saturday pill holder.

This seemed like a good idea until I didn’t see the squares under the other pills in one of the daily sections and tossed everything in my mouth as usual to swallow with some water. Immediately, the sharp edges of the blister card began cutting into my throat! I tried to swallow more water, not realizing that the foil-covered pill was in my mouth.

It then slipped over my windpipe, and I started to choke, not being able to breathe. Running to the kitchen sink, I folded my body over the edge and made myself throw up. When I saw the blister card in the sink, I started to cry. I never imagined that I could pop my pills without seeing the blister card.

So, this is my warning: Never cut out a section of pills that is smaller than 1 inch, whether it’s square or round. Make sure that you keep these pills away from daily ones. It made for a scary moment for my husband and me. — Patti W., in Thousand Oaks, California