Dear Heloise: I read the letter about daily medication from Howard Zeff in our local paper (The Times of Northwest Indiana). I am 79 and also take several medications. My list of medications is in Excel, and I use it to check off the pills as I put them in the weekly pill box. I have added three additional columns where I put the shape, color, and numbers/letters on both the front and back of the pill. The pill may change if it comes from a different manufacturer.

Thanks to Mr. Zeff’s letter, I am adding my medical insurance and Medicare numbers, as well as the pharmacy I use. I enjoy reading your column! — Libby Coffin, Munster, Indiana

HEARING ISSUES

Dear Heloise: In my senior citizen circle, difficulties with hearing appear to be widespread. People frequently ask “What did you say?” upon sensing that they’d been addressed. I have found, though, that if I say a person’s name as the first word in my comment or question, this inevitably garners the addressee’s attention.

It’s a seeming cure to a lot of so-called “hearing” problems. — Jim R., in Houston

CARING FOR

FERAL CATS

Dear Heloise: I wanted to write in on the topic of caring for feral cats. Yes, the poor creatures deserve care, but please do not do so at the expense of other people’s health and property.

We own a small business and are constantly fending off cats. Well-meaning ladies dump smelly food on our pavement to feed them at night, but the food sours and attracts other varmint. It also deters public access and costs us in pest and rodent control.

We get no help from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the police, unless the animals are caught in the act, which always happens at night. Please show the same respect for your neighbors as you do the cats! — Barbara Oliver, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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.