Hints from Heloise: Reusing cat litter tubs
Dear Readers: You are so creative! Here are some of the amazing things you do with cat litter tubs:
Diane in New Jersey: “Use them to store sand/salt for icy driveways and walkways. They are much easier to carry than the awkward bags that sand and salt come in.”
Kathleen in Arkansas: “I use them on my deck to store hand tools.”
Eileen, via email: “We get our cat litter at a pet and feed store here in California that sells by the pound. We take in our own containers to refill, and it costs a fraction of buying the already-filled tubs.”
Victoria in Texas: “I use old cat-litter containers as a slow-watering mechanism for trees. Simply use a nail to put five or six holes in the bottom, then fill them with water and place them around the root systems of trees.”
Sharon, via email: “I use mine to collect rainwater.”
Edie in Illinois: “We use them in our greenhouse as supports for shelving.”
— King Features
When weather is cold, better watch your heart
It doesn’t matter where you live; you’re more likely to die of a heart-related problem such as heart attack, heart failure or stroke when the weather is (relatively) cold.
Researchers looked at death records from seven different U.S. locations — Los Angeles, Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Washington and Pennsylvania — and in all of the sites the team surveyed, it found a 26 percent to 36 percent increase in circulatory deaths in winter compared with summer and early fall.
The results suggested that people acclimatize to the conditions where they live, and that factors beyond temperature — including higher rates of flu infection, less-healthful lifestyles in winter months, and higher rates of depression when the weather takes a turn for the worse — could be important in determining when deaths occur during a typical year.
— Los Angeles Times
Preschoolers can learn concept of compassion
When it comes to donating their own things, it’s common for kids to put up a fuss. But even preschoolers are old enough to learn about generosity, compassion, and the importance of helping others.
Try putting it simply: “Some people don’t have as much money as we do to buy things like toys. I know you used to like that doll, but you haven’t played with her in a really long time and you have lots of other dolls. Just think how happy this doll could make another little girl who doesn’t have one.”
Ask where they’d like to see their playthings donated and why. Let kids decide which toys stay and which ones go.
Make it fun by turning it into a game. For example, for every two toys they keep, see if they can give up one. Reward them for their efforts with praise and hugs.
If you’re giving away toys, furniture, or baby items, make sure they have all their parts, aren’t broken, and haven’t been recalled (type in the product name at www.cpsc.gov).
Be sure that electronic toys work. If you’re donating clothes, toss out any with stains, tears, or holes.
— McClatchy-Tribune