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DEAR HELOISE: I learned during postsurgery physical therapy that balance is highly impacted by vision. Therapy exercises that were done with closed eyes were significantly impacted. I highly agree on using some form of light when walking at night to prevent or limit falls.
-- Steve W., via email
DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to the woman who was so concerned about the size and personalities of Maine Coon cats. Tell her to get two or three, and she'll never be disappointed.
-- Peggy M., via email
Peggy, Maine Coon cats are known for their warm, loving personalities and playful spirits. They make great companions!
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: To the lady who wrote in about not knowing whether to get a Maine Coon cat, my husband and I had both a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest cat for 17.5 years. They were both very loving and affectionate. I highly recommend getting either of these breeds. You won't regret it.
-- Lynn F., via email
DEAR HELOISE: I usually love your advice, which I read in the Buffalo News. But today's suggestion about Maine Coon cats was off the mark when you said: "If you let them go outside." The clear consensus is that cats shouldn't be allowed out of the house (unless they're being tightly supervised). It's bad for the cat and very bad for songbirds. Don't take my word for it; please research this issue.
-- Pat C., via email
Pat, you're correct that a cat should be discouraged from roaming the streets. It should only be under tight supervision, as you stated. Many people build what are known as "catios," where their cats can go out to a patio area that includes an enclosed structure with screens or some type of wiring, which lets the cat enjoy the outdoors.
It also means fewer vet bills because cats can avoid injuries or illness this way. (The males don't wander off in search of a female either.) Hardware stores usually have more information on catio structures.
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: I have a question for Patti, in Illinois, about watering her plants with banana juice water: Patti, do you get more gnats around your plants after watering them with banana juice? I'd love to try it just for the sake of giving my plants a boost, but I already have more gnats than I can handle for this time of fall! -- Karen, in Ohio
Karen, this is an excellent question. I'd love to know the answer, too!
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: I wanted to add on to your ideas for cleaning keyboards. This is for desktop keyboards, which collect a lot of dust and hair below the surface: Make a loop in the end of a pipe cleaner (available in craft stores). Run the loop down the long gap between the rows of keys and along the edges of the keyboard. Lift it up at the end of each row.
A rather disturbing amount of lint and crud will appear, which can be picked out. Make sure to shake the keyboard out after the cleaning session.
-- Stefan J., in Hillsboro, Oregon
Stefan, what a clever idea! Thanks so much for sharing this.
-- Heloise
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.