Hints From Heloise

Fri., Oct. 25, 1996

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: I read in your column once how to make ice packs that stay soft in the freezer. Can you reprint the directions? Donna Dougherty, Canton, Ohio

Pour 3 cups of water and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (the cheapest brand you can find) into a 2-quart or larger, freezer-safe, self-sealing plastic bag. Close tight, give a shake or two to mix, then remove as much of the air as possible. Put in the freezer for at least 24 hours.

The ice pack will freeze into a slush that conforms to just about any part of the body. The alcohol keeps the water from freezing rock hard and you can just put it back in the freezer and use over and over. Sure saves money.

Caution: Don’t place the ice pack directly on the skin. Instead, wrap it in a towel first to protect your skin from frostbite. After each use, just wipe off the outside of the ice pack and refreeze until it’s needed again. - Heloise

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