How to properly thaw frozen meat
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: In response to Deborah E., in Eugene, Oregon, regarding food poisoning from a pork roast that had been thawed out on the kitchen counter, I've never let any frozen meat or poultry thaw out on the counter. When I bring meat home from the store, I immediately remove it from the packaging and place in a gallon-size freezer bag. I then pound the meat thin, so when it's frozen, it won't take long to defrost in cool water.
I either fill one side of the double sink with cold water (or place the bagged item in a water-filled skillet) to thaw out. In a few hours, everything's thawed out sufficiently. If necessary, I put the bagged items on a plate and place them in the fridge to be cooked later. We've never had food poisoning from thawedout food, and hopefully, we never will. — Barbara D., in Cedar Springs, Michigan
Makeup stains
Dear Heloise: In response to Ada, I accidentally went to bed without washing my face after coming home very late from an event one night. Then I found some of my "face" on the pillowcases, so I get your concern. I used a combination of a mild dishwashing liquid because of the degreaser, as well as a remover spray. I let it sit for a few minutes, then rubbed the pillowcase together, and rinsed it with cold water. Voila, out came the foundation! This combo has saved many pieces of clothing for me. — Liz, in La Mirada, California
Using walkers
Dear Heloise: Though the suggestion to use a walker to get out of bed seems reasonable, it's clearly unsafe. Walkers are just as their name describes, made for walking while standing. They aren't stable for other uses. The writer should check with a local supply house for medical goods to see which aids are available for getting out of bed safely. — Michael I., in Hillsborough, New Jersey
Michael, some people wake up and are a little disoriented first thing in the morning. For them, sitting on the edge of the bed for a couple of minutes helps. With a walker nearby, they can stand up and move afterward. For others, they wake up ready to start their day. Unfortunately, they still need a walker to help them stand up. In both cases, I think it's wise for a person to get up slow and easy, unless the house is on fire of course! — Heloise
Fostering a pet
Dear Heloise: I've read several recent letters regarding older people not having pets because of concerns about the pets outliving them, or that there's no one to take care of them.
Seniors, please consider fostering an animal. In case of the unfortunate situation of a pet being left behind, the animal would be returned to the organization from which it came. These organizations also will typically assist with health care and sometimes food. — Spicy Kat H., via email
