13 minute read
Recreational Tianeptine Has Potential for Abuse
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been hearing about tianeptine being sold at gas stations. Is it really dangerous? -- S.F.
ANSWER: Like so many substances, tianeptine can be a useful drug when prescribed and taken correctly (it’s used in several countries for depression), but it is indeed dangerous when used recreationally. Its use has been banned in several (unfortunately not all) states across the U.S. It is sold (yes, especially at gas stations) as a dietary supplement. Because it acts on the same receptor as morphine, when used at high doses far beyond the medically approved dose, it has potential for abuse and even overdose, with a handful of deaths ascribed to its use.
I recommend in the strongest possible terms against its recreational use and hope it is completely banned soon.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have severe pain in my right shoulder. I have seen two orthopedists and received X-rays, MRI scans and a cortisone injection, which didn’t work. Both surgeons recommended a shoulder replacement. I am taking three adult aspirins each morning (I am allergic to NSAIDs), which makes the pain go away. Is this safe? I am 83 and otherwise healthy. -- J.B.
ANSWER: Aspirin is a type of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug and has the toxicities common to all the drugs in that group, including an increased risk for bleeding and potential damage to the stomach and kidneys. But it has additional toxicities beyond NSAIDs like ibuprofen, especially at higher levels. I am very cautious about prescribing aspirin and generally prefer other anti-inflammatory medicines. However, people have long taken aspirin -- sometimes at much higher doses -- usually without problems. The fact that you are taking it only once a day reduces the toxicity, but I have to say I am surprised the benefit is lasting all day. The risk of toxicity is higher at older ages. At 83, you are at a significantly higher risk (seven times the risk) than younger people. Most of the data on exactly what your risk is comes from people taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg, not the 975 mg you are taking), so I can’t give you an evidence-based answer. But, for men in their 80s taking low-dose aspirin, about 1.5% will have a serious bleeding event per year. Your risk will be significantly higher due to the much-larger dose you are taking. However, one has to consider both the benefits of the aspirin treatment (the pain being gone is the best possible outcome) and the toxicity of other possible treatments, such as surgery (which is very significant).
There are many classes of NSAIDs, with very different chemical properties, and it is likely there is another type of NSAID you could safely take, with a lower risk than the dose of aspirin you are currently on. On the other hand, you can’t get any better effectiveness, at least in terms of pain, and the absolute risk is still fairly small, so I’m not sure I recommend you change. I am always very cautious about recommending surgery to someone in their 80s when there is an effective medication available to treat the issue.
***
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.
© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
Participants Needed
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To participate you must:
• Be 40 years or older
• Have a history of Paroxysmal AFib
• Use a Samsung Android smartphone daily You will be compensated for your time and participation.
For more information and to determine if you qualify, please contact Margot Lutz: (585) 622-4410 • m.lutz@vpgmedical.com
375 White Spruce Blvd., Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 622-4410 • www.VPGMedical.com
Quality Sleep
To help you feel your best and sleep more soundly, try the following tips: Take a shower – About 90 minutes before bedtime, take a hot bath or shower. This will help to reduce muscle tension & accelerate sleep onset. Create an electronics curfew – The blue light from your favorite electronic devices interrupts your ability to relax and fall asleep. Don’t use your smartphone, tablet and other digital devices for one hour before bed. Stretch to relax – Stretching for 10-15 minutes before bed will help reduce muscle tension. Turn down noises and do some gentle stretches to relax the muscles and mind.
Set a wake-up schedule – Try to wake up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends. This will help keep your internal clock ticking correctly so you can fall asleep more quickly and sleep deeply. Embrace natural light – About 15 minutes of sunlight each morning will help reset your circadian rhythm so you can rise more naturally and then sleep better in the evenings.
UNIQUE WAYS TO REDUCE CANCER RISK EVERY DAY
Quit when you hear the click at the gas station. The Air Pollution Control District of Santa Barbara County in California notes that gasoline vapors include a variety of toxic substances, including benzene. Benzene is an air pollutant that adversely affects the central nervous system, the respiratory tract and the immune system. Modern automobiles now click when the gas tank is full and it’s vital that drivers avoid adding any more gas after they hear that click. Drivers may be accustomed to topping off after the click, but doing so can affect the vapor recovery system in a car. That system is designed to keep toxic chemicals like benzene out of the air. Topping off can needlessly expose drivers and their passengers to benzene, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers a carcinogen, or cancer-causing chemical.
Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
International Day of Mathematics
3.14.23
(Also National Pi Day)
It has a name
The symbol for division (÷) has a name, and it is called an obelus.
Four = 4
‘Four’ is the only number in the English language with the same number of letters as the number itself.
100 is 120
The word ‘hundred’ comes from the old Norse term, ‘hundrath’, which means 120!
Test your addition and subtraction knowledge by completing the pyramids. Go from bottom to top by using addition. Make sure you’re using 2 circles next to each other for adding and put your answer in the next circle above those 2 numbers. Sometimes you might need to start at the top. You may have the answer and 1 part of the problem. In that case, you will need to use subtraction to figure out that missing part of the equation. (See the first pyramid for an example.)
Math helps us understand the world Mathematics is not just numbers; it is the art of solving problems around us. In fact, the real-life applications of mathematics are endless.
Who is the father of mathematics?
Archimedes is considered the father of mathematics because of his notable inventions in science and math.
Older TREADMILL, suitable for older adult who just wants to walk: lorali58isdone@gmail.com
Older SLEEP APNEA MACHINE works well. You pick up: lorali58isdone@gmail.com
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, solid, light oak. Fits 32” TV or could be used for computer monitor. Excellent condition. You pick up: 585-359-1652
WILTON NOVELTY CAKE PAN shaped like running/athletic shoe. Holds one entire cake mix recipe. Four STONEWARE .5L BEER MUGS. Fairport: jvc45@aol.com
SONY CD/DVD PLAYER. Works. Fairport: jvc45@aol.com
Who collects CLOTHING FOR THE NEEDY: motelmaid37@aol.com
NORDIC TRACK EXERCISE MACHINE. Excellent condition. Pick up, Pittsford: 585-385-9938
STAMPED CROSS STITCH KIT, Serenity Prayer 16” x 20”. All floss and more. Pick up, LeRoy. Text or call: 716-352-1248
WOOD DINING ROOM CABINET w/GLASS DOORS. Good condition. You pick up: 585-213-4023
SUBARU VERTICAL SHAFT ENGINE, did run, needs pull start replaced: 585-737-0491
BOXES and PACKING MATERIALS: donna.lievense@gmail.com
WOMEN’S DIAPERS, size large. Still in bags: 585-236-0426
Clean QUEEN SIZE MATTRESS, 2” thick. Perfect for camper: 585-755-1948
FELLED 4-5’ SECTIONS ASH WOOD; take as much as you want. Easy access; wood on edges of lawn: 585-281-1717
CASTRO CONVERTIBLE COUCH and SLIPCOVER - cushions ripped, but mattress perfect: grleah1@juno.com
FIREWOOD. Large cotton wood tree; felled, trunk and large branches broken down. Easy access. You pick up, Ionia: 585-657-4894
AMPCO PLAYER PIANO and a LOWREY CITATION HOME THEATER ORGAN
You move: 585-323-1762 (leave message)
WURLITZER PIANO - great condition; only one sticky key. Located on the second floor. Text: 585-755-9697
YOUNG CHANG PIANO. You pick up, Honeoye Falls: 585-944-5825
RESMED S8 ELITE II CPAP - Case, Heater/Humidifier, 2 Tanks, Cord, Manual, Hose, but CPAP part probably no good. West Henrietta: cmonroj1@rochester.rr.com
AVANA COMFORT MATTRESS ELEVATOR (king size). Pick up, Webster: 585-872-6756
PATTERNS for an 18” doll: 585-624-5144
DELL 3.06 GHz UBUNTU LINUX, 500Gb HDD, DVD, 4Mb RAM, Ethernet 100, onboard graphics. NO monitor. NO KB: m0kpc6s3g@mozmail.com
20 HP MERCURY OUTBOARD MOTOR for parts. Will pick up. Text: 585-230-9380
SLEEPER SOFA, any size. Please, not if it smells like smoke or cat urine. Will pick up! Thanks! 585-443-9338
VINTAGE FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL or BASEBALL CARDS. Also, VINTAGE ADVERTISING CARDS. Thankful & Grateful! 585-729-1259
VINTAGE ELECTRONICS - Tubes, tube testers, vintage stereo equipment, radios, microphones, motors, speakers, meters, turntables, communication gear, Advertising, Ham, Test Equipment: 585-538-9341
ROSARIES (old and new) to add to my 300+ collection: 585-293-2199
COMICS AND SPORTS/COLLECTIBLE CARDS, any condition, will pick up. I enjoy everything. Thank You! God Bless. Text: 585-260-0437
KEYBOARD in working condition for a 90s Dell computer for a disabled person to work with: 585-346-7022
CLEAN STORAGE BOXES, like copier paper boxes, with lids for moving. Stored indoors. Will pick up: 585-497-2327
HP PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES #60 and #61, new or expired okay. Thank you: 585-519-3325
CRAFT SUPPLIES, YARN, PAINTS, CLAY, FABRICS: Jeank71112@gmail.com
OLD ELECTRONICS, will refurbish and pass on to others in need, or recyclecomputers, stereos, printers, etc.: terrybeckley1@gmail.com
Senior Navy Veteran needs any running VEHICLE that has passed inspection for himself and animal rescue: 585-531-4004
Rock music - 8 TRACK TAPES, CASSETTE TAPES, and VINYL RECORDS for my own personal collection. Thanks in advance: gzintel@yahoo.com
BOX TRAILER: 585-323-1762 (leave message)
COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TRADING PINS and carrying case for granddaughter who will be in this summer’s tournament: 585-334-6134
AIR COMPRESSOR - 10+ gallons: mhoskins@pvac.org
INVERSION TABLE, for senior with bad back: stujaxon@yahoo.com
TRAILER WHEEL & TIRE, ST175-80D13 13” wheel, 5 lugs: 585-993-1917
BUILT/UNBUILT MODELS OR KITS. Parts and pieces ok. Longtime collector seeks projects/restorations/customs. Auto, Truck, Plane, Military, etc. Call 585-314-6989, thanks
DIRT BIKES, ATVs, GO-KARTS wanted that are running or not running for father-son project. Thank you in advance! 315-576-1278
Looking for a WEBER GRILL you are no longer using. Thank you and feel free to call or text me: 315-576-1278
Looking for GARAGE SIGNS, OIL CANS, or other decorative automotive memorabilia from the 1970s and earlier. Thank you! 315-576-1278
Guidelines:
Submissions published as space allows. We reserve the right to decline/edit/omit info. We assume no responsibility for submissions. Submissions must include phone # or email. Noncommercial use only. 20 word limit. Please call to remove listing once item is taken/received.
Submit at www.gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us - Give & Take or call 226-8111 x 111
East Rochester Public Library
317 Main St., E. Rochester, NY (585) 586-8302 www.eastrochester.org
Mon. 9am-7pm; Tues.-Thurs. 9am-6pm; Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm; Sun. Closed. (ERPL Book Nook: open Mon., Wed. & Sat. 10am-1pm
Fairport Public Library
1 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport (585) 223-9091 www.fairportlibrary.org
Mon.-Thurs. 9am-9pm; Fri. 9am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-3pm (Oct.-April)
Penfield Public Library
1985 Baird Rd., Penfield (585) 340-8720 www.penfieldlibrary.org
Mon.-Thurs. 10am-9pm; Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm
Pittsford Community Library
24 State St., Pittsford (585) 248-6275
Mon.- Thurs. 9am-9pm; Fri. 9am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm
Webster Public Library
980 Ridge Rd., Webster (585) 872-7075 www.websterlibrary.org
Mon.-Thur. 9am-8pm; Fri. & Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. Closed
Here’s what’s happening at your local library…
Missing springtime is like missing a woman. You never really noticed her and then she was gone, and all that she was returns and makes the separation even more painful.
I think I read this somewhere. “Springtimeisthelandawakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.”
~Lewis Grizzard (1946–1994), “Covering the arrival of spring”
PenfieldPublicLibrary
Irish Dance:Sunday,March12|2PM |forallages|registrationrequired
TweenMakers:Thursdays,March16 |4:15PM|fortweens|registration required
BuildBetterBalance:Thursday, March16|7PM|foradults| registrationrequired
VerySpecialAuthorVisit:LindaSue Park:Saturday,March18|1PM|for kids|registrationrequired TiptoeThroughtheTulipsinHolland, Michigan:Sunday,March19|2PM| foradults|registrationrequired
TeenConstellationArtCraft:Tuesday, March21|4PM|forteens| registrationrequired
TeenAdvisoryBoard:Thursday, March23|4PM|forteens| registrationrequired RethinkingtheAmericanLawn: Thursday,March23|7PM|for adults|registrationrequired
Fairport
SouthPerintonCemeteryAssociation is havingitsAnnualLot OwnersMeetingonMarch18that 9:30amattheSouthPerinton Church,291WilkinsonRd., Fairport.Alllotownersareinvited toattendaswellasinterestedparties.Yourinterestinthefuture successofourcemeteryisboth welcomeandappreciated.
TheWoman’sClubofRochester gives tolocalcharitableorganizations.Wemeetat11AMonthe4th Tues.ofthemonthSept.-May. Ourmeetingsinvolvelunchanda speaker.OurMarchmeeting3/28, isafamilystylelunchatBocaccinis ItalianBistro(6720PittsfordPalmyraRoad,Fairport)featuringThe BeeLady-TheNorthBee.This meetingis$25andacheckmust bereceivedby3/21.Tojoinusasa guestortobecomeamember pleaseemail womansclubofrochester@gmail. comorcall585-328-8964forinformation.Pleasevisitourwebsite: www.womansclubofrochester.org
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow ~ Proverb
ThePerintonHistoricalSociety presents TheIllustriousMaudHumphrey-BorninRochester,New York,in1868toaprominentfamily,MaudHumphreystudiedartin heryoungyearsandwasworking professionallypublishingillustrationsandgreetingcards.Shemarriedcardiologistandheartsurgeon, Dr.BelmontDeForestBogartfrom WatkinsGlenin1898.Theirfirst child,aboybornin1900,was namedwiththeirtwosurnames: HumphreyBogart.Youareinvited tohearherfascinatinglifestory illustratedwithphotographsofher familyandartworksfromhermany publications.March21,7pm8:30pm,FairportHistoricalMuseum,18PerrinSt.,Fairport.This eventisfreeandopentothepublic.http://www. perintonhistoricalsociety.org
Henrietta
Paint&Sip-MissJulie’sSchool of BeautyFundraiser: Webelieve thepastshouldn’tkeepyoufroma beautifulfuture.Helpusopenour school.JoinGuestArtistShawnee Hill.Ticketpurchaseincludesall suppliesandinstructionforabeautifulpaintingbyyou,plustwodrink ticketsandsweettreats.March12, 2-5pm,FairportBrewingCompany &Meadery,1044UniversityAve., Rochester.Tickets:$55/person.We hopetoseeyouthere!MissJulie’s SchoolofBeautyisastartup,nonprofitcosmetologyschoolinRochester,seekingtoprovidevocational trainingtothoseatriskandsurvivorsofhumantrafficking.www. missjuliesschoolofbeauty.org
Rochester
BeyondAuditoryProcessing Course | AnIntegrativeApproach toConceptualizingtheProcesses EngagedinEverydayListening. ContinuingEducationOpportunity! Thispresentationwillexaminethe underlyingprocesses,possible breakdowns,assessment,and interventionsinthecontextofwhat thelistenerfacesineveryday situations,recognizingtheintertwiningofvariousprocesses,such asauditoryprocessing,cognition, andlanguage.Audience|GoodTo Attend.Audiologists,general practitioners(includingENTsand PEDS),speech-languagepathologists,psychologists,special educationteachers,generaleducationteachers,occupational therapists,students,andparents. LearnMore/Register:https://www. rhsc.org/continuing-education.InPersonandZoomParticipation Available-March25,8:30am-5pm, NazarethCollege|TheShultsCenter|Forum,4245EastAvenue, Rochester.https://www.rhsc.org/ continuing-education
Celebrating25Yearsofthe Faithfulness ofGod! FromApril 13to16,InChristNewHope Ministrywillbecelebrating25years ofthefaithfulnessofGod.Thisis theweekendfaithboosteryou’ve beenwaitingtoreceive!Guest speakersandacommunityconcert willextolthevirtueoffaith.Seeall thehappeningsathttps://www. icnhm.org/events.Alleventsare freeandopentothepublic.Goodwillofferingacceptedon-siteorat https://www.icnhm.org/donate. Pleasefollowanymasking guidelinesineffectatthetimeof ourevent.
KnightsofColumbusFishFry at St MarianneCopeParish(Guardian AngelsChurch),2061EHenrietta Rd.,RochesteronFridays,through March24,5pm-6:30pm.Itistake outoreatin.DinnerincludesHaddockfish,saltpotatoes,coleslaw, drinkandaroll.Comeenjoya nightwithKnightsofColumbus,it istheirfundraisertohelpCoatsfor Kids,AngelCareandmanyother supportgroups.
Hadestown: COME SEEHOWTHE WORLDCOULDBE.Welcometo HADESTOWN,whereasongcan changeyourfate.Winnerofeight 2019TonyAwards includingBest Musicalandthe2020Grammy AwardforBestMusicalTheater Album,thisacclaimednewshow fromcelebratedsinger-songwriter AnaïsMitchellandinnovativedirectorRachelChavkin(Natasha,Pierre &TheGreatCometof1812)isa lovestoryfortoday...andalways. Ages10+.March14-19,RBTL’s AuditoriumTheatre,885EastMain St.,Rochester.https://rbtl.org/ events/hadestown/
BluesisAlrightTour: You ain’t seennothinglikethem!Featuring performancesbyBlueslegendsCalvinRichardson,KingGeorge,Pokey Bear,NellieTigerTravis,LennyWilliamsandTheodisEaley.TheBlues IsAlrightTourispresentedby NorthAmericanEntertainment GroupInc.,oneoftheleading independentpromotersofentertainmenttoursandliveeventsin theUnitedStates.March25,7pm, RBTL’sAuditoriumTheatre,885 EastMainSt.,Rochester.https:// rbtl.org/events/blues-is-alright/
RoyalComedy2023: Enjoy a nightoflaughswithArnezJ,Bruce Bruce,Sommore&Lavell Crawford!PresentedbyNorth AmericanEntertainmentGroupInc. March31,8pmtomidnight,RBTL’s AuditoriumTheatre,885EastMain St.,Rochester.https://rbtl.org/ events/royal-comedy-tour/
HearingLossAssociationof America/Rochester ChapterAnyoneinterestedinhearingloss, eithertheirownorsomeoneelse’s, iswelcome.AllHLAAprogramsare free.Someareinpersonwhile other,virtualprograms,require preregistration.Theinpersonprogramsfeatureaninductiveloop hearingsystemandopencaptions. Thursday,March16,10am-2pmASSISTIVELISTENINGDEVICES DEMOCENTER.TechnologyTeam. Inperson.Lifespan,1900South ClintonAvenue,Rochester.Free demonstrationareawhereconsumerscanviewandtryoutaselection ofassistivelisteningdevicesbefore actuallybuyingthem.Includedare captioning-capableandamplified telephones,signaling-alertingdevicesandsmartphoneAPP’srelatedtohearingenhancement. Preregister:hearinglossrochester. org)
TheGatesHistoricalSociety’s March program willbeMonday, March20at7:00pmintheGates TownHallAnnex,1605Buffalo Rd.,Rochester.RickIekel,Author of“TheRoc:Journeythruthe20th Century”,willpresentaprogram whichtellsthestoryofRochester’s 100yearoldaviationfacility(the airport)fromaninsider’spointof view.Thisprogramisfreeandis handicappedaccessible.Hewill havebooksavailableforpurchase. http://www.gateshistory.org
37thAnnualGeneseeValley Woodcarvers ShowandCompetition- April8th.Events:10AM ShowOpens.10:30AMWorking DecoyJudging.3PMRafflesales close.3:30PMRaffledrawingneednotbepresenttowin.4PM Peoples’ChoiceAward.4:30PM ShowCloses.Comeandseea worldclassshowrightherein Rochester.Ourshowfeaturesbird, fish,caricatures,youthcarvingsas wellasdemonstrations,andmore. Ofspecialinterestisoursoapcarvingkitsforyouth(nocharge) availablewhilesupplieslast.Raffle forcarvingsandcarvingrelated items-neednotbepresenttowin. Moreinformation:http:// gvwoodcarvers.com
Rush
RochesterRotarySunshine Campus -PancakeBreakfast: JointheRochesterRotarySunshine CampusforadeliciousPancake BreakfastonSaturday,March18th, 8am-12pmattheSunshine Campus,809FivePointsRoadin Rush.EnjoydeliciouspancakescoveredwithourveryownSunshine CampMapleSyrup.Adults-$10, KidsUnder13-$5,KidsUnder3Free.Ticketsavailableat sunshinecamp.org.Information: 585-533-2080.
Springwater
Hike/Snowshoe/SkiHarrietHollister SpencerParkinCanadiceHike,SnowshoeorCrossCountry SkiHarrietHollisterSpencerParkin CanadiceonSunday,March12 from2-4PMwithSpringwater Trails.Foradditionalinformation/ directions/updatesvisitthewebsite: springwatertrails.org
Walworth
ChickenandBiscuitDinnerWalworth UnitedMethodist Church-3679MainSt.,Walworth. JoinusSaturday,March11,2023 from4:00PM-7:00PM.Adults$13.00,Children6-12-$7.00,Under5-free.DINEINortakeout. Comeandcelebratetheendof StandardTime!
Webster
FirematicToyandCollectables Show - Sunday,March19,10AM -2PM.PresentedbyGeneseeValley AntiqueFireApparatusAssoc. WebsterFireDept.Building,172 SanfordSt.,Webster.FreeAdmission.Info.:585-265-9666.
DamascusShrineLentFishFryThe DamascusShriner’sareofferingDineinorTakeoutLentFishFry everyFridaytillApril7th.Fish,FryColeSlaworDoubleFriesandRoll for$15.00.JoinusattheDamascus ShrineCenter,979BayRd.,Webster.
West Henrietta
BINGO!! Genesee ValleyHenrietta Moose,5375WestHenriettaRoad. Phone:359-1937.ElevatorService Available.WearenowSmoking Free!ATMAvailable.Beourguest! Opentothepublic.EveryTuesday at7:30pm.$15-AllyoucanplayJackpotIncluded.NewGames. Smallerpackagesavailable.Queen ofHearts&BonusBallPlayatevery session.Food.Raffles.Surprises! SealCards&PullTabsSold.Must beatleast18yearsoldtoplay.
One kind word can warm three winter months. ~Japanese Proverb
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I hear the sparrow’s ditty
Anear my study door;
A simple song of gladness
That winter days are o’er; My heart is singing with him, I love him more and more.... Oh, Spring is surely coming, Her couriers fill the air; Each morn are new arrivals, Each night her ways prepare; I scent her fragrant garments, Her foot is on the stair.
~John Burroughs (1837–1921), “A March Glee,” c.1902
NOW HERE’S A TIP
By JoAnn Derson
* Among the many reuses for plastic newspaper bags: Put soiled diapers in before putting in a trash can. Use to pick up after your pet on a walk. Fill with grocery store plastic bags for storage. Keep a few to store wet swimsuits in after a trip to the beach or pool.
* Before removing a splinter, ice the area. Less fussing and a wooden splinter might absorb some liquid, causing it to swell enough to pop out a bit more.
* Recycling paper is good, but reusing before recycling is even better. Ask your child’s classroom teacher if he or she has a “both sides” policy for lined papers. Also, copy paper that’s printed on only one side can be quartered for quick scratch paper.
* Trying to spot roof damage but not quite sure you’re up for climbing a ladder? Before you get up on the roof, get out your binoculars. You’d be surprised how much you can see from the ground, and you can do a cursory examination and then decide if anything needs a closer look.
* Cut kitchen sponges into smaller pieces. They clean as well as a larger sponge, and you can dispose of the smaller pieces when they get yucky. -- O.C. in Michigan
PAW’S CORNER
By Sam Mazzotta
Pet Sitting Can Be More an a Side Job
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I was recently laid o from my job as a programmer, and have been thinking about taking a new career direction. I’m tired of being stuck in an o ce all day. And I love being around pets. But is it really possible to make a good living working as a dog walker or a pet sitter? -- Barry J., Cambridge, Massachusetts
DEAR BARRY: I know more than a few people who are full-time pet sitters and dog walkers. Most have their own business, while a few are employees of pet care companies. As you can imagine, the pay rates vary widely from person to person. ZipRecruiter reports that the average hourly wage, nationally, for pet sitters is about $19.23.
I think it’s great that you’re considering a career change. But I recommend testing out the world of pet sitting rst. Consider working part time for a pet-sitting company. Even better, if you know someone who does dog walking, ask to accompany them for one day to see what their job entails. Find out what the pitfalls of this business may be, and what makes it fun to do. Finally, o er to pet sit for a friend who’s going out of town for a day or two to get direct experience and really see if it’s something that you’d like to do full time.
Tips For Comfortable Camping
Invest in quality gear - In addition to the tent, campers will need a tarp/ground cover to place under the tent. This helps prevent moisture seepage from the soil. Next, determine how everyone will sleep, whether on the ground or in cots. Cots can be the most comfortable options, but they take up a lot of space and can be heavy to transport - which is less than ideal when backpacking to a campsite. Inflatable mattresses or sleeping pads can be used in conjunction with sleeping bags to provide a soft, cushioned surface. Some are affordable at $40 while others may cost as much as $300. Costlier options may be best for frequent campers.
* Need sliced mushrooms for your salad or recipe? They are hard to cut, but you might have a perfect tool for doing the job already in your kitchen. If you have an egg slicer, get it out. It works very well for mushrooms, and it’s easier to use than trying to cut those slices yourself. -- J.R. in Utah
Next, visit the Small Business Administration’s website (www. sba.gov) and check out its Learning Center section, which has several micro-courses that teach how to start up and run a small business. Being able to combine core business skills with a love for and dedication to pets is a great platform to start on. Best of luck.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
