Hints from Heloise: Tiny batteries can be a big problem

Dear Heloise: Please warn your readers of the dangers of button batteries and children swallowing them. My son was able to get one out of a musical greeting card, but luckily I was there and stopped him before he could put it in his mouth. It seems more items have these tiny batteries, and we all need to be aware of the danger. -- Julie T. in Indiana


Dear Julie: Thank goodness your son is OK! And thank you for writing to warn parents and grandparents. These very small batteries can be in children's books, some toys with remote controls and even greeting cards. Sadly, more children are ending up needing medical attention because they swallow these batteries, or even stick them in their nose or ears, as young children are prone to do. So try to keep these batteries out of their reach.

If you think your child has swallowed a battery, don't let him or her eat or drink, and don't try to get your child to vomit. Seek medical attention immediately -- call 911. Please don't waste valuable time thinking it's not a big deal. It is, and don't drive your child to the hospital yourself. It's better to go to the emergency room and have it not be a life-threatening situation. -- Heloise


Dear Heloise: When I go to an outdoor event or on vacation and plan to use my camera, I always pack a shower cap in my pocket or purse. Many times I have protected my camera by covering it with the shower cap when an unexpected rain shower went through or there was a splash from ocean waves. -- Maria D. in Florida


Dear Heloise: Used dryer sheets come in handy to clean lint from the filter in the dryer and to wipe up lint that falls from the stacked washer/dryer. I also use them to give the rooms a quick dust. -- A Reader, via e-mail
