Dear Heloise: I just read a hint in your column about the advantages of using a cane. My mental response was, “Yes, yes, yes.” And this is also why I am no longer coloring my hair and letting it grow out to its now natural color of white. Some things about aging aren’t so terrible. I have been using a cane for well over a year and have also happily discovered its many good “side effects.” — Mary Wolfson, in Huntington Beach, California

MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR DOGS

Dear Readers: How do you know if your dog is sick? They can’t exactly come up to you and tell you, right? If you see any of the following general health changes, such as excessive thirst, constipation, weakness, a runny nose, or scratching, make an appointment for a checkup.

If your dog is experiencing poor appetite, no energy, constipation, panting, whimpering, vomiting or diarrhea, you should go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your dog has more acute, serious symptoms, such as a bloated belly, seizures, a loss of consciousness, a temperature of over 104 Fahrenheit, or a significant, sudden change in personality, you’ll need to get to the emergency veterinarian.

Lots of conditions can be helped if an animal gets medical attention as soon as possible. — Heloise

IN HOT WATER

Dear Heloise: My mother-in-law asked me to send you this hint. She has enjoyed reading your column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for years. I found the best solution for opening jars: Set the jar in the sink and run hot water on the lid for a minute or so. Then dry off the jar. Presto, it opens easily! You may also use a rubber disc to open the lid if you want to. — Ruth R., in O’Fallon, Missouri

WEEKEND STUDIES

Dear Heloise: I graduated college in May and took a bit of time off, but now it’s time to get serious. I’m using my weekends to learn ordinary household things that admittedly I should have known by this time, but hey, better late than never! These things include laundry, organizing the kitchen, cleaning and decluttering the other rooms in the house, yard work, organizing my personal finances, and maintaining my car.

My dad taught me how to change a tire and jump-start a car, and he even gave me a toolkit to keep in the glove box! These lessons are as important to me as my college work. — Jeanette, in Arizona

GORP

Dear Heloise: Who remembers GORP? During our scouting days, it was “good ol’ raisins and peanuts,” but now it’s more! Oat, rice or bran cereal, dried fruits, candy-coated peanuts and chocolates, sunflower and other seeds — the possibilities are endless!

But there was one rule in my family: No one was allowed to pull out all the candies, eat them, and leave the healthier components — ha! Quick, cheap, healthy and delicious snacks for everyone! — Jennifer J., in Houston

(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.)