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Today's Sound Off is about all of the weight-loss ads we see on TV and on our mobile devices:
Dear Heloise: I'm tired of all the scam ads I see for weight-loss gimmicks on TV, on my computer and in magazines. Someone is always selling some "cure" for those of us who need to drop some weight. It all comes down to some product they're trying to sell … a pill or a cream. One company swears that their earrings help people to lose weight. These are nothing but scams that desperate people tell themselves they need. So many people buy the item that's supposed to help them lose weight, but needless to say, the only thing losing weight is their wallet.
The scammers make it all sound so easy. "Take this before bedtime, and you'll wake up 3 to 5 pounds lighter." The most ridiculous ads are ones where people are told that wearing a bracelet will make them thinner.
First of all, make sure that you get your doctor's opinion on how to lose weight. If your doctor does end up prescribing a medication to help you lose weight, it'll be based on scientific advice, not goofy gimmicks.
Your doctor will no doubt also talk to you about diet and exercise. If someone tells you that you can eat anything you like and still lose weight, it's a lie. You'll need to develop a lifestyle that works for you, which might include limiting the foods that you love. That also might mean limiting yourself to one glass of champagne on New Year's Eve or at a wedding. And no more late-night refrigerator raids!
It will all largely depend on what your doctor has to say regarding your specific body type. -- Alan W., Dallas
REUSING
OUTDATED SPICES
Have expired spices in your spice rack? Here are some uses for them:
∫ Make some potpourri. Boil water on your stove; then add cinnamon sticks, ginger and citrus peels to freshen your home for the holidays.
∫ Make spice sachets. In a square piece of cheese cloth, add bay leaves, thyme, ginger and oregano. Tie up the sachet and keep it handy in places such as a basement, attic or garage. Let it soak up any musty smells.
∫ Make candles. Just melt some soy wax and add things such as coconut oil, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla beans all ground up.
∫ Keep insects away by making a sachet out of scents that insects hate, such as bay leaves, basil, rosemary and garlic.
WRAPPING PAPER
Dear Heloise: Every year, it seems I had to buy new wrapping paper to wrap gifts for birthdays, weddings and the holidays. I came up with a simple solution for all the gift wrapping I had to do:
First, I buy about four or five rolls of wrapping paper in solid colors, such as white, pink, blue, red and/or green. These solid colors can be used for just about any occasion. Store them in a cheap, tall wastebasket from a dollar store so that the paper stays neat, and you'll never have to worry about not having wrapping paper. -- Jason B., Bettendorf, Iowa