DEAR HELOISE: When my children went off to college, I sent them off with a fishing tackle box that was filled with these items: a thermometer, Tylenol, Advil, NyQuil, bandages, Neosporin, rubbing alcohol, peroxide and a timer with a magnetic back (to remind them that they had clothes in the washing machine or the dryer).

A sewing kit was also a part of the pack. Q-tips and cotton balls were included as well. My kids are now 36 and 40. My son still has his tackle box and refills it when needed. A friend of mine would give her kids gift cards for Uber or other ride shares. Thanks for the great ideas.

— Cindy Wolfe, via email

DEAR HELOISE: Searching for container lids is frustrating, so I have two drawers for food storage containers. One drawer is for the round containers and lids, and the other is for the square containers and lids. Lids are separated from the containers and placed on their edges in a plastic basket in the drawer.

To speed up the search, the color of the lid is written with marker on the bottom of the clear containers: “BLU,” “GRN” and “RED.”

— Cody, in North Dakota

DEAR HELOISE: Regarding the frustration that Susan H. had with determining whether her clothing/shoes were blue or black, I used to have the same problem. I worked in retail for 44 years, and a wonderful vendor told me that the “universal” color code for black is always 01 or 001. Every label should have a color code, and if it’s 01 or 001, it means that the color is black. Hope this helps!

–Gail,

in Springfield, Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: Just a note to let you know that my dad and I read your column every day while I was growing up. It’s where I learned how to read and sound out words that I didn’t know. I was 4 years old back then, and I am 34 years old now and teaching my daughter to read from your column.

— Diana M.,

in Kerrville, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I just read your short response concerning whether or not to rinse after brushing one’s teeth. My dentist does say not to rinse for the same fluoride reason, but I enjoy rinsing.

My own solution, which has not yet been sanctioned by anyone, is to rinse with water after brushing to get the taste out. Then I rinse with a fluoride mouth wash that tastes good and theoretically replaces the fluoride I just rinsed out.

— Larry G., M.D. (But Not a Dentist), in Huntington Beach, California

DISPOSING OF MEDICATIONS

Dear Heloise: Always discard of unused medications properly to avoid contamination of the ground and waterways! In our city in Alabama, there are many pharmacies that have a public disposal container, and the police department also has one.

The discarded medications are covered with a mixture of clumping, hardening material that is then handled securely for disposal. This is so important, especially for the prevention of dangerous exposure through the local drinking water for our youth.

Check your area (search online or call city hall) and follow through. Never flush chemicals down the toilet or drain! Thanks! — N.H., An Old Nurse

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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