Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about the billions of dollars of food that is thrown out every year in America.

— Heloise

“Dear Heloise: Americans waste millions of tons of food each year. It gets dumped in a landfill, where it rots and produces methane gas, which is considered a greenhouse gas.

“What can we do to avoid wasting food? You can freeze almost anything, so why not freeze leftovers? Or plan how much food will be needed for a meal, and purchase that amount and no more. Plan a leftover night on Saturday or Friday. Even if food is on sale, don’t buy it unless you know you’ll use it all.”

— Melissa F.,

Berkeley, Calif.

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so to help avoid skin cancer:

* Use sunblock.

* Stop sunbathing.

* Wear a hat outdoors.

* See a dermatologist regularly.

— Heloise

IS STRESS KILLING YOU?

Dear Heloise: One of the most serious health issues today is stress. As a yoga teacher, I see people every day who are trying to find ways to cope with their stress levels. I’ve found that there are three easy methods to help us handle stress in our lives:

1. Stop multitasking: Focus on doing a good job on one thing at a time.

2. Meditate: Set aside at least 10 to 15 minutes per day to sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, focus on your breathing and let your mind go blank.

3. Stop checking your electronic gadgets: Some people check email, text messages and social media every few minutes. Instead, schedule a block of time at the end or beginning of each day for those tasks.

— Brenda W., Yakima, Wash.

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Dear Heloise: Many people are timid about asking for a “senior discount,” but people over 62 always should ask if there is a senior discount on services and products. You can save on things such as cellphones, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, national park entry fees, auto insurance/repairs and medications. But you MUST ASK if a discount is offered, and discounts can, and sometimes do, vary or change without notice.

— Helen M., Orlando, Fla.

PURPLE TIRES

Dear Heloise: Old tires can be hung on a farmer’s fence with “no trespassing” written on it, or paint a tire purple, which is a sign to hunters meaning “no hunting allowed.”

Old tires also can be put on top of farm implements for weight. So don’t throw out those old tires!

— Kent R., Rago, Kan.

NO MORE BUNNY EARS

Dear Heloise: Recently, I purchased a small television, but found I couldn’t afford cable. I now use an “indoor antenna.” These are not the rabbit ears of the 1950s, and I don’t need anything on my roof. It’s connected with a TV antenna jack (and all TVs have an antenna jack). There are a variety of indoor antennas, so search online for the best price and service.

— Meghan W., Charleston, S.C.

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise(at)Heloise.com