Dear Heloise: After having cataract surgery, I was about ready to give up driving at night because of bright headlights. I happened upon yellow lens glasses in a drugstore and bought a pair. Problem solved! I wouldn’t think of driving at night without them. They are also amazing when driving on busy highways in the rain. — H.C., Lafayette, Louisiana

TOILET-FLUSHING ­PROTOCOL

Dear Heloise: I read with interest the advice about protecting one’s toothbrush from the dreadful splash of toilet flushes, but who flushes their toilet with an open lid? The toilet is a urine/feces receptacle and should never be open except when in use. I shake my head when I am in a home and see the toilet sitting there agape. — Mary W., Marquette, Michigan

CHIPPED ENAMEL

Dear Heloise: I have a rust ring around my bathroom sink drain and enamel that’s chipped off. What can I do, and who would be able to repair the enamel? It’s an oddly shaped sink with tile around it, so I can’t replace the sink(s) without redoing my whole bathroom. Thanks! — Sheri A., A Devoted Reader

Sheri, first off, thanks for being a devoted reader! Second, your best bet is to visit a hardware store and see what’s on the market for enamel repair and rust removal. There are so many new products for this sort of problem. Many of these products are meant to last 5-10 years and can usually be done by anyone. — Heloise

SAFETY FIRST

Dear Heloise: I am so saddened for the victims of scammers and angered at the scammers for their lying, deceitful behavior. May I suggest just a few safety tips to your readers?

First, if your phone (landline or cellular) rings, and you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer it! If it’s important enough, they will leave a message. Often these calls are from scammers.

Second, if someone rings your doorbell and wants you to go outside to look at your roof, gutters, etc., tell them, “No, thank you.” Shut the door and call the police. Give them a description of the person and their vehicle if you see it. Police are trying to crack down on these scammers, and you could help them do this.

You might even keep your screen door latched and speak through the door, or don’t answer the door in the first place — whatever you are the most comfortable with. As a senior citizen myself, I try not to make myself a target or open up myself to scams.

P.S. I read your column in the Kenosha News. — Jean H., Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

GIFT CARD BALANCE

Dear Heloise: I enjoy reading your column in the Reading Eagle. Recently, G.R., in Indiana, stated that they had to have a friend use their computer to find out the balance of their gift cards. There is a toll-free phone number on the back of the gift card that the recipient can call to find out the card’s balance. Just enter the card number when prompted, then voila! You’ll know the card’s balance.

Keep the hints coming, Heloise! — Beverly Hauser, via email

ANIMAL SHELTER RULES VARY

Dear Heloise: I saw the suggestion about towels and blankets for animal shelters, but there are some indoor shelters where I live. I have brought several towels and blankets to them, and they are welcome. — Sally, in New Hampshire

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.