Home and Garden 07/08/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017

Pool care & safety

KEN MOON: Choosing a cooling system YEAR ROUND GARDEING: Edible flowers

July garden tips

Look inside for these specials and many others.

DrowningDanger

Swallowing water can be fatal hours after leaving the pool METRO SERVICES

D

rowning is a danger any time of the year and wherever water is present. Instances of drowning escalate in the summer, when more people are apt to spend time in the pool or at the seaside. But drownings can occur year-round, and young children are at the greatest risk of drowning.

While many people are familiar with the risk factors that lead to drowning, many have never heard of secondary drowning, a related condition that can occur hours after leaving the water.

According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death across the globe, accounting for almost 400,000 deaths annually. When a person drowns, he or she takes water into their larynx and lungs, which is known as aspiration.

Lack of oxygen in the body causes bodily systems to shut down, and cardiac arrest and brain damage can result.

Secondary drowning, also known as dry drowning or delayed drowning, is a postimmersion respiratory syndrome. It occurs when water or another fluid has entered the lungs but has not caused enough initial trauma to result in fatal drowning.

However, water that has gotten inside the lungs may cause damage to the inside surface of the organ, collapse alveoli and cause a hardening of the lungs that reduces the ability to exchange air. The body may also retaliate against the foreign water by drawing more fluid into the lungs. Over time, the lungs will suffocate themselves, which is why dry drowning can occur hours after exiting the water.

Children tend to be more prone to dry drowning than adults. Parents are urged to keep careful watch over children who experienced distress in the water, which may have resulted in the inhalation of fluid. Furthermore, the children who are most at risk for dry drowning are those with known breathing or lung problems,

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

including underdeveloped lungs or asthma.

The following are potential indicators of secondary drowning. Prompt action should be taken if any of these signs are noticed after an adult or child leaves the water.

PERSISTENT COUGH — Anyone who has swallowed water will cough and sputter as the body attempts to naturally expel the water. But persistent coughing that lasts long after the water has been breathed in may be indicative of water aspiration in the lungs.

CONFUSION — Difficulty understanding verbal instructions or not being able to form words or thoughts may be a symptom of dry drowning.

PAIN — Chest pain is a strong indicator of water aspiration.

TROUBLE BREATHING — Difficulty breathing long after a person has been swimming may indicate secondary drowning.

LETHARGY — Extreme tiredness or a sudden lack of energy may be indicative of

a problem.

Monitor for the symptoms of dry drowning anytime a person swallows water.

Keep the person nearby and do not allow him or her to go to sleep, as some children have died from secondary drowning in their sleep.

If you notice any symptoms of dry drowning, take the person exhibiting those symptoms to the hospital, as this is not something that can be treated at home.

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, a person would only have to inhale four ounces of water to drown and even less to injure his lungs enough to become a victim of secondary drowning. Emergency room physicians can remove residual water from the lungs and administer life-saving oxygen.

Although not all instances of swallowing water will result in dry drowning, it is beneficial to understand and learn to recognize secondary drowning symptoms so fast action can be taken if necessary.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Choosing the best cooling system for your home

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: We’re trying to decide between a whole house fan and a central air conditioner. We live in a ranch style house.

Can you help?

— John

It’s mostly a matter of your budget.

A central air system can cost $3,000 to $4,000, depending on several factors, including the location of your electric panel and the ease of access underneath the house. The big advantage is that you create your own indoor air environment. You get to close the windows and filter the air as it circulates through the furnace. That can be a big help if there are family members with allergies. The operating costs, of course, can be significant: maybe $50

or more per month added on to your electric bill.

The whole house fan installation will run you about one-third the cost of central A/C. You can cut that down even more if you do some of the work yourself.

The big advantage, of course, is its low operating cost (you only run it for a half hour or so in the evenings). But, since you suck air in through the windows and doors, you do pull in pollen and other allergens from the great outdoors.

Finally, don’t use a regular light switch to run the fan — use a one-hour timer so it will shut itself off before you suck carbon monoxide fumes upstairs.

Here’s another cooling trick in a ranch style home: Install a “fan” switch on the thermostat and run the furnace fan continuously when you get home in the afternoon. That will mix the (normally) 10 degree cooler air in the basement with

the warm air upstairs. After 20 minutes or so, the main level will be significantly cooler.

Finally, how’s your attic ventilation?

You probably don’t have enough. Add a couple turbines or gable vents to keep summertime attic temperatures below 100 degrees.

Dear Ken: Lately we’ve been smelling humidity around our gas dryer. The vent is about 18 feet long with three 90 degree bends. Is this too much, and should I be concerned?

— Don It really is too much. There is a — thankfully — small risk of fire if the venting to the outside has too much resistance to the moving air stream.

Generally, you’re allowed a 25 foot run to the outside with your dryer vent, but

you have to subtract five feet for each right angle turn. There is an exception, however. If the manufacturer lets you get away with more footage than that, the city will defer to those limits. In your case, it’s 18 plus seven minus 15 (for the three elbows) = 10. So, you’re about eight feet over the allowable.

If yours is an older house in which you don’t have the luxury of moving the laundry closer to the outside, you could add a booster fan to the ducting. Check with your regular HVAC contractor. In any event, make sure you are using all-metal ducts and that you clean out the line several times a year.

Ken Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m. Saturday and is carried on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Visit AroundTheHouse.com.

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Gardening tips and chores for

July

BY JESSICA DAMIANO, TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

E N J O Y T H E P A R T I E S , A N D M I N D July! It’s time to THESE CHORES AND TIPS TO KEEP THE COLORS BURSTING ALL SUMMER LONG.

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celebrate independence,

but we gardeners are never free from the chores that keep our plants thriving. We don’t mind, though, because the rewards are every bit as good as that char-grilled hot dog, roasted marshmallow and fireworks display that make the month festive. Enjoy the parties, and mind these chores and tips to keep the colors bursting all summer long.

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If you’re aiming for a giant pumpkin, pick off all but one flower from each plant and fertilize every week.

Deadhead perennials, roses and annuals to encourage continued blooming.

Water your lawn in the morning to prevent disease, and remember: less-frequent deep irrigation is better than a daily sprinkle.

It’s time to fertilize the lawn.

Fertilize flowering plants every 10 days, following package directions.

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

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Shear spring bloomers like creeping phlox and sweet alyssum now for improved blooming next year.

Cut back asters, sedum and chrysanthemums by one-third.

Don’t worry; they’ll grow quickly and more lush.

Most plants require about one to 1.5 inches of water per week. Be sure to compensate for rain (or lack thereof).

Clean birdbaths and change the water frequently Fertilize tomatoes, eggplants and peppers as soon as they

set fruit.

To prevent powdery mildew, thin crowded plants, water only in the morning and aim water at roots, not leaves.

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For bigger tomatoes, regularly remove suckers — those tiny stems that grow between branch crotches.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Green beans: the more you pick them, the more they’ll make.

Shear hedges, such as yews, one last time.

For the best flavor, harvest herbs midmorning, just after the dew has dried.

Check potted plants for water twice daily. They dry out more quickly than their garden counterparts.

Sow seeds of cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, radish and broccoli directly into the garden now for a fall crop.

Those near the shore should spray tree leaves with antidessicant now to help prevent salt and wind damage.

Mound soil up against squash and cucumber stems to protect against

vine borers.

Plant peas again for fall harvesting.

Give newly planted trees 1.5 inches of water per week, preferably from a

drip irrigator.

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For larger dahlia blooms, remove side shoots from main stems.

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of soapy water.

Keep on top of weeds.

Fertilize strawberries after harvesting.

Divide bearded irises and replant with the tops of their crowns exposed.

Cut flowers in the morning, and they’ll last longer in a vase, but clip them late in the day if you plan to dry them.

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SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Edible flowers

E

BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

dible flowers have been part of human culinary history for thousands of years, though their popularity has varied regionally. In the 1980’s, chef Alice Waters brought attention to edible flowers in American cuisine through her innovative use of them at restaurant Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California. In addition to being visually dazzling, flowers impart unique flavors as well as nutrients to foods. Most edible flowers contain significant amounts of vitamins A and C in addition to potassium. As in fruits and vegetables, the vivid colors of flowers denote the presence of phytonutrients, reflecting the composition of compounds they contain.

Many flowers can be eaten, though not all taste good. Flavors vary even among the same type of flower. The rose flower’s aromas and colors vary much like its taste. Some are superb in sorbets and ice creams with their delicate, sublime flowery taste, while others are bitter, metallic and quite undesirable for culinary use.

Easy to grow nasturtiums are a popular edible flower. These tender annuals come in several colors, but unlike roses, all nasturtium flowers have the same radish and cress like bite; peppery, spicy and quite unique. Experiment to find varieties that suit your own taste.

Take inventory in your garden — you may already have plants with edible blossoms, though you may have to wait until the right time of season to taste them. It is extremely important to positively identify any flowers for consumption by their scientific name. Carefully evaluate the plants growing environment, and do not consume flowers exposed to pesticides, untreated manure, or other potentially toxic substances. Florist, nursery and garden center flowers are often grown with chemicals not permitted on food by the FDA. Do not ingest flowers grown along roadsides, as pesticides may have been sprayed and particles from car exhausts have built up. Ensure that you only ingest flowers intended for consumption by growing your own. When tasting new

PALATE PLEASING FLOWERS

flowers, sample a small amount to be sure you are not allergic. To make sure you properly identify edible flowers and familiarize yourself with common toxic plants, consult a trusted reference. For a list of recommended plants with edible flowers and common toxic plants go to extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yardgarden/edible-flowers-7-237.

After discovering edible flowers already growing in your garden, consider adding new ones. For a long harvesting season, include plants with a variety of bloom times from early spring through fall.

Consider trees, shrubs, bulbs, veggies and herbs of both annual and perennial types.

A large garden space is not required. A planting box, or small raised bed, can support a variety of edible flowers as long as it has good drainage and sunlight. Most plants with edible flowers need at least six hours of sun a day. Carefully consider where to plant, as site selection will affect overall health. Many edible flowers are easy to grow, while others require special care in our climate but are worth the extra effort. See the CSU extension website for help with plant selection, proper planting techniques, and soil preparation.

For best taste harvest flowers early in the day, choosing insect and disease-

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

free blooms. Remove stems, pistols and anthers, and on roses, remove the bitter white part at the base of the petal. Flowers bruise easily and wilt quickly so consume soon after picking. To store them place between damp paper towels in a covered container in the fridge. Before using wash gently with running water. Use flowers in both sweet and savory dishes, as a garnish, in salads, butters, beverages, sorbets, ice creams and baked goods.

Preserve them in syrups, liquors, jams, vinegars and oils. Store oils and vinegars in the refrigerator due to their limited shelf life. Candied flowers make delectable, intriguing decorations for desserts.

Relish your own creativity in the kitchen while working with nature’s most festive ingredient.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has research based answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by ask.extension.org any time, day or night. Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. you can phone 719-5207684 or emailing CSUmg2@elpasoco.com.

For current garden tips visit www.facebook. com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC For current classes visit elpaso.extension. colostate.edu.

ANISE HYSSOP Agastache foeniculum APPLE BLOSSOMS Malus spp.

ARUGULA Eruca vesicaria BEE BALM Monarda didyma TUBEROUS BEGONIAS Begonia x tuberhybridia BORAGE Borago officinalis BROCCOLI Brassica spp.

CALENDULA Calendula officinalis CHIVES Allium schoenoprasum, A. tuberosum CHRYSANTHEMUM Chrysanthemum x morifolium, C. x grandiflora CILANTRO Coriandrum sativum CITRUS BLOSSOMS Citrus spp.

DAYLILIES Hemerocallis spp.

DIANTHUS Dianthus spp.

DILL Anethum graveolens ENGLISH DAISY Bellis perennis FENNEL Foeniculum vulgare HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera japonica LAVENDER Lavandula augustifolia LILAC Syringa vulgaris MUSTARD Brassica juncea, B. spp.

NASTURTIUMS Tropaeolum majus PINEAPPLE GUAVA Feijoa sellowiana PLUM Prunus Spp. RADISHES Raphanus sativas ROSEMARY Rosmarinus officinalis ROSES Rosa spp.

RUNNER BEANS Phaseolus coccineus SAGE Salvia officinalis, S. elegans SQUASH BLOSSOMS Curcurbita spp.

SOCIETY GARLIC Tulbaghia violacea STRAWBERRIES Fragaria x ananassa THYME Thymus spp.

TULIPS Tulipa spp.

VIOLAS, PANSIES, JOHNNY JUMP-UPS Viola x wittrockiana VIOLETS Viola odorata

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Burnham Nationwide will exhibit at Intersolar North America July 11–13 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. It will be showcasing BurnhamEYE, its mobile application that provides a user-friendly and secure way of documenting, reporting and archiving data to improve code compliance for solar installations.

BurnhamEYE collects solar installation photos and other information directly from smartphones and the data is geotagged, synchronized in real time and securely stored. The information collected via BurnhamEYE generates an easy-touse reporting scorecard that references industry codes and standards and can be customized to create your own scoring system and personalized reports. You can review the report directly from your desktop or partner with Burnham for an optional third-party review to critique the data.

“The BurnhamEYE platform has been used to over the past three years to document over 10,000 systems. We are excited to offer enhanced reporting functions that enable our partners who install, finance, and regulate these systems the ability customize the information for their standards. Our

ability to work with each of them in an individualized way will enable them to share their best practices — and elevate the standards in the whole industry.”

— Carson P. Kyhl, Burnham Nationwide, Inc. BurnhamEYE allows you to document installations and identify deficiencies in real time. Users are able to simplify and streamline the audit process by standardizing inspections companywide and documenting 100 percent of installations.

The mobile application is designed for solar installers to systematically collect critical components of an installed system. The forms found within the application guide users through the precise steps needed to complete the installation process. After completion, users are able to configure the data collected and collaborate through an interactive hub. If something is incorrect, simply let the installers know via the app and they’ll be able to correct inconsistencies and submit new photos directly to ensure compliance.

The BurnhamEYE mobile app is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

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Maintain sparkling clear

swimming pools

S

wimming weather is something to enjoy. But for pool owners, few things are more of a headache than wanting to jump into the pool only to find that the water is cloudy, green and uninviting.

Clean pools are safe, and that safety requires periodic maintenance. Homeowners may need to periodically revisit pool water chemistry and cleaning techniques in order to maintain clean, healthy and safe pools.

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

SWIMMING POOLS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

DISINFECTANT LEVELS Maintaining a satisfactory level of disinfectant will help prevent the multiplication of bacteria and algae in the pool. Many pools are kept clean through the use of chlorine products. The ratio of chlorine to water needed to maintain the clarity of the water depends on the size of the pool, the sanitizer used, weather, sunlight and evaporation, and the pH. In many instances, the available free chlorine in a pool when tested should be between three and four ppm to offer adequate sanitation. Frequent testing will help pool owners gauge how well the pool water is holding chlorine and how to compensate if extra is needed.

BRUSHING/VACUUMING Nearly every pool owner has had to deal with algae at some point in his or her life.

One of the best ways to minimize algae spores in the pool besides high-sanitation levels is through routine brushing and vacuuming. According to Leslie’s Pool Supplies, pool walls, floors and steps are the most common places to find algae in a pool. If

ROUTINE TESTING HELPS P O O L O W N E R S S T AY O N T O P OF S A NI TAT ION A ND PH L E V E L S T O K E E P P OOL WAT E R OP T IM A L .

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left untreated, algae can burrow their roots inside the cracks on these surfaces, making them very difficult to remove. That’s why weekly (or more frequent) brushing and vacuuming can help keep surfaces clean and algae-free. Vacuuming also helps remove debris that has fallen into the water and sunk, which can decompose and contribute to water cloudiness.

MAINTAIN PH

Maintaining the proper chemical balance of pool water will help keep it clean and protect system components from damage. The pH level of pool water measures its acidity or alkalinity. The pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6 for best results. Latham Pool Products says water that is too acidic can cause eye and skin

irritation and damage liners or equipment with corrosion. High pH may cause cloudy water and make chlorine less active.

Again, frequent testing helps pool owners understand their water chemistry better and make adjustments.

FILTRATION For cleanliness, water circulation and filtration is essential. This helps spread the chemicals to all areas of the pool and also helps to remove debris. Filters come in different types, including sand, diatomaceous earth, or DE, and cartridge. Each has its pros and cons. How long to run the filter depends on water temperature, gallons of water in the pool and the estimated water turnover rate of the filter. Pool owners can start with longer filter run times and gradually cut down until they find the right rate based on water appearance, according to popular pool forum Trouble Free Pools.

Pools can be great places to spend warm, sunny days. With care, pools can remain clean and clear throughout warm weather seasons.

SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

GOREN BRIDGE

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

weekly bridge quiz q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: “Putting garden success in the palm of your hand since 1934.”

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♠ q 9 8 ♥ k 10 7 6 4 ♦ A 10 4 ♣ q9

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What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

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denniS The menaCe

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rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

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Baldo

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 7 High-fives, e.g.

1 Gone for the summer, perhaps 8 Ebb 7 Elegant pool entrance 9 Crafts in Cancún 15 Jet Ski competitor 10 Attached by pounding 16 NFLer from 1982-’94 11 Technology catchall 12 “No need to be scared of me” 17 Trick 13 Retaliation 18 Last of Sophocles’ Theban 14 Word of relative time plays 22 Jam 19 Off-base 26 “What a long week!”

20 Post-sunburn phase 27 Turner of music 21 Midway game 28 Michael Corleone’s first wife 23 Number of hills di Roma 29 Big storm 24 “30 for 30” documentary 31 Reuben setting series airer 32 Finnish distance runner Nurmi 25 Touch with gauze 33 For the asking 27 They may be fake 35 __ instinct 30 Riding in the far-left lane, 38 Summons (up) perhaps 39 Dancer’s program 34 NYSE debut 42 Like one looking down on his 35 “Ciao Italia” chef Esposito neighbor?

36 Cable co. acquired by AT&T 44 On account of 37 Producer who developed 45 Musical whose plot “The Jeffersons” involves a two-person 39 Ocean hazard tournament 40 Unalaska native 46 Windows 7 precursor 41 Blocking action 43 Performs surgery on, in a way 47 Cry from one on a streak 48 Asian breads 45 Braised chicken dish 50 Like dried mud 49 Runner with big eggs 52 Novak Djokovic’s org.

51 Final syllable 52 Lobster sensors Friday’s Puzzle Solved 53 Otis of elevators 54 Men’s department fixtures 55 Forwarded 56 Decorative herbs 57 Training aids down 1 Michaelmas daisy 2 Country singer Gibbs 3 Memorial rocks 4 Much magazine content 5 Goes up 6 Coke holder

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 13

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

HG 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

by Paul gilligan

SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: My aunt is a loving, sweet, and caring person with a great personality. Unfortunately, for her family members, we all know her true side and have been subject to her abusive mental torture.

Her daughter is just like her, AMY DICKINSON so as we moved into adulthood many family functions were full of displays of their subliminal abuse, which may appear harmless to others, but is actually quite upsetting to the ones who know their true intentions (side glances, mutterings under breath, quiet tantrums, and “innocent” comments disguised as “concern” to other relatives to garner their sympathy).

After the birth of her first child, my sister decided to cut them out of her life and my other sister followed suit.

We occasionally see them at other gatherings we aren’t a part of arranging, but my sisters usually opt out of those. I think that’s overkill, but fully support my sisters and keep a relationship with my aunt to keep the peace. But yet again, while I was also a victim of her cruelty, I am stronger than my sisters and have better coping skills.

Amy, do you think this is bullying for me to essentially “ghost” my aunt? I personally think this gives fuel to her fire of playing the victim and garnering sympathy, but my sisters don’t handle confrontation well. Sometimes you just have to walk away. — Not a Bully

ADVICE

DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN

— Anthony A., Rego Park, N.Y.

Question: I read about a study that said swearing makes you physically stronger.

I can see yelling before a karate chop, but swearing?

What’s the deal?

Dear Not a Bully: Avoiding a bully is not bullying, it is a survival technique. Any person has the right to avoid another person, and mutually avoiding a bully doesn’t count as social exclusion.

Your aunt’s behavior sounds slippery, insidious, and tough to nail down. I believe the best response is to make eye contact and be calm, assertive, direct, and calmly call someone out — if possible. Otherwise, behaving with consistent, socially polite and cool regard is a good way to take away the bully’s most powerful tool: the ability to control someone through intimidation.

Answer: Yes, we had a good laugh from that one. The study was done by doctors in Athletic Training, Health and Exercise Science at Long Island University in Brooklyn. The study was reported to The British Psychological Society in Brighton, by a teaching doctor from Keele, England. Maybe he was hoping to justify swearing, since the normally “Keep calm and carry on” Brits have been swearing a lot more recently, just like Americans.

But seriously, what the researchers were trying to show, besides a very Brooklyn sense of humor, was that vocalizing when exerting energy can release adrenaline and make you stronger in the moment. And, it’s true whether you’re a Russian weightlifter or a tennis diva.

But swearing? Can you imagine the two tennis howlers, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, letting fly four-letter expletives every time they hit a tennis ball? (By the way, Martina Navratilova believes that that, in tennis, grunting “is cheating, pure and simple” because it disguises the sound of the ball hitting the racquet, which an opponent uses to gauge the power, spin and depth of an incoming shot.)

In any case, while making loud noises, including swearing, can make you stronger in the short term, it also can backfire. If you can’t control the hormonal/adrenal flow, it could have negative effects on your athletic performance, cause poor judgment and damage your overall health; excess adrenaline can impede functioning of your cardiovascular and immune systems!

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

—

—

ADVICE

Dear Readers: It’s the height of summer, and it is now hot in most areas of the country. Here are some hints to keep your dog safe in the heat: • Fresh, clean water must be available for the dog at all times.

Fill the bowl every morning, and HINTS check it throughout the day.

FROM HELOISE • Walk the dog for exercise, but not during the hot afternoon.

• Make sure the dog is on a flea, tick and heartworm preventive.

• Ensure that the dog has lots of shade when outside.

• The car is no place for a dog in the hot summer months.

Ask your veterinarian for more hot-weather hints. — Heloise Dear Heloise: As an owner of two cats, I read with interest in The Maui (Hawaii) News Rhonda R.’s litter-box maintenance procedures.

My cats initially did not want to use the same litter box. I left only one out, and eventually they both came around to my point of view and now use it.

For easy maintenance of it, I buy litter with baking soda in it that only requires scooping out the waste every day and adding more litter every few days. — Mary Braidman, Kihei, Hawaii Mary, glad they came around! Baking soda is in a lot of household products, but you can add a thin layer of baking soda after you scrub out the box, before adding fresh litter.

I’ve collected my favorite baking-soda hints and recipes in a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one?

Visit www.Heloise.com to order, or send $5, along with a long, stamped (70 cents), self-addressed envelope, to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher to absorb moisture and odors! — Heloise —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Make a list of things you hope to accomplish. Check off each item as addressed and you will find that it is easier to handle extra duties.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) This isn’t an optimum time to make demands or ask for favors. Frustration with the state of affairs could put you at odds with someone in authority.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Someone’s bark may be worse than their bite. There may be a caustic edge to someone’s words, but there is no need to overreact. Steer clear of making changes to an investment or financial account.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Restrain an impulse to be harsh or scornful when dealing with other people. This can be a good day to work on a project that needs a positive outlook.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Keep your own counsel about your own secret ambitions. You may be able to manipulate other people but it’s not in your best interest to do so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Unleash your curiosity. Plan to do something that has always been of interest, but that you’ve never had the time or money to explore.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You can digest the latest material by making lists, taking notes, or organizing the content into a manageable outline. Hold off on major purchases.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Certain people may jockey for ascendancy. You may be challenged to avoid voicing a scathing comment when you see unfairness. Bide your time and avoid becoming involved in a passing controversy.

HG 16 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 8, 2017

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This isn’t the time to test your skills or to take risks.

You can entertain brilliant ideas, but be extremely cautious about setting them into motion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You may be obsessed by having something that won’t let you rest. Don’t push too hard, probe too deeply or stir up trouble. This isn’t the time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You might yearn for something more romantic or exciting this weekend. You might be offered an invitation that holds a mystery or the promise of something out of the ordinary.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Focus on being truthful. Avoid a tendency to hide your wants and needs. Sidestep making crucial decisions and leave arguments on the back burner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

July 8

During the next three to four weeks you may easily make new friendships, enjoy a romantic getaway or take off for a fun vacation. In August you are inspired to be a better person, but remain practical about financial affairs. This is a good time to make business decisions and set goals. During November you should avoid making crucial changes in your lifestyle as these could cause endless complications.