Hints From Heloise

Fri., Aug. 9, 1996

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: While visiting a dear friend of my aunt’s who is 85, lives alone and has macular degeneration, I noticed she was very frustrated after opening a can she thought contained soup only to find that is was gravy!

I solved the problem temporarily by purchasing magnetic letters from the toy department of the local discount store and I went through her soup and put an “M” for mushroom, “T” for tomato, etc., on top of the cans. The letters are large and colorful and she was able to see and feel the letter.

However, the manufacturers who put their products in cans would be doing a great service to the sight-impaired if they would identify the product in the can with raised letters on the top (or bottom) of the can. I cannot imagine that his would be a great hardship for them, as they manage to date the cans in this manner. - Bonnie Spoerke, Columbia City, Ind.

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