Dear Heloise: I have two options to suggest for warming up a cold, small animal:

Run a towel through the dryer and wrap them in this along with a space blanket to hold the warmth in.

If you're comfortable with it, wrap the animal in a soft, thin cloth (like an old flannel sheet) and put the animal on your chest. Body heat works well.

- Kate D., in Portland, Oregon

Kate, the transfer of body heat also works for humans. So many people forget that in very cold weather, while they're shoveling snow or skiing, they may start to perspire because they've worked up their body heat. They may remove a jacket, hat or glove to cool off. They feel damp in cold air.

If they were to become hypothermic, they could get inside a sleeping bag, and you could get in with them. Your body heat could save a life.

-Heloise

A LETTER OF LAUGHTER

Dear Heloise: About 30 years ago, you had AC problems with your car in Karnes City, Texas. I worked at the Pontiac dealer, and we were very busy. I led you about three blocks away to a small auto repair place run by Larry Kotzur. Our place didn't have AC in the customer waiting area, but neither did Larry's. Across the street from Larry's is Karnes County National Bank. They had AC if you recall.

I forgot about something that you had sent me and accidently found it after many years. I found it again today. A year ago, Larry said that you sent him something, too. (A cookbook?) You thanked us after meeting us. I'm just now thanking you. Here's a good lesson: Thank someone immediately. Don't wait over 30 years! God bless.

- Randy Witte, via email

Randy, I remember this day, and I greatly appreciated your help and thoughtfulness. Thanks for taking the time to write in! (Better late than never!) It gave me a good laugh.

-Heloise

PROPER DENTAL HYGIENE

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I worked as a dental assistant, and one of my jobs was to teach patients proper dental hygiene. Persistent bad breath and tender or bleeding gums can all be signs of potential periodontal disease (a seriously damaging bacterial infection), which can be avoided or corrected by disturbing the bacteria that's just beneath the gumline with proper flossing and brushing.

Once a day, floss every tooth, preferably with unwaxed floss, guiding the floss down each side of the tooth and slightly beneath the gumline. Then gently brush with fluoride toothpaste, angling a soft bristle brush toward the gumline in a back and forth motion.

Make sure that both the tongue side and cheek side of your teeth are clean.

By following this procedure once a day, you'll be disrupting the bacteria that causes gum irritation.

- Ginny, in Gastonia, North Carolina

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.