DEAR HELOISE: I am raising my grandson (who is 15 now), and recently he said he was going out with some friends. When he came home, I could tell something was off. I finally got him to admit that he was "chroming," but I have no idea what chroming is or what he does with this stuff. I only know he slurred his words and seemed like he was in a fog.
In the past four or five months, he seems to take no interest in anything. So, what is chroming, and is it dangerous?
-- Janet M., Reno, Nevada
Janet, your grandson needs help immediately. He needs to get off this chroming habit because it is very dangerous.
Chroming is just another word for "huffing," which is inhaling and getting high on hydrocarbons that are found in things such as paint thinner, gasoline, metallic paint, felt markers, and even aerosol deodorant and hairspray. The full list of products that can be bought over the counter in any drug store or grocery market is long.
The majority of users are between 12 and 17 years of age, and they believe it's safe to do because the products are legal. Some states are trying to restrict the sale of products that contain hydrocarbons to minors.
The affects of chroming include euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Long-term use can cause kidney and liver damage, electrolyte imbalance, brain and/or heart damage, and even death.
Ask your doctor for recommendations on how to get him off this habit.
-- Heloise
Don't judge a book by its cover
DEAR HELOISE: I just read Frank A.'s question regarding women who carry heavy bags while their male counterparts follow behind and carry nothing. My husband is a very proud and good man who always puts others before himself. Unfortunately, he also has a serious health condition that affects his back. If he carries very much or does the kind of lifting that he used to do in his younger years, he could do serious damage to his back.
He is heartsick and embarrassed that he can't help me carry bags, suitcases, etc., so please don't judge people. There's no way you can know what's going on in their lives.
-- Cyndi D., Florida
Cyndi, you bring up an excellent point. We never know what's going on in someone else's house, what problems they face, and what their life is like. Sometimes it's better to just keep our opinions and judgments to ourselves.
-- Heloise
Garden reminder
DEAR READERS: Fall is a good time to plant trees and mulch your gardens. It's also a good time to secure a warm place for any pets that might be in your yard or resolve to bring them inside on colder days.
-- Heloise
Two-in-one hint
DEAR HELOISE: I have two hints to share: A few years back, one of our police chiefs held an "Empower Her Day," which featured classes that taught us how to be aware of our surroundings at all times.
They also taught us to always carry our keys and phone on our body at all times, as our safety could depend on it. You never know when you might have to leave your home in a hurry, when an emergency could arise, or if you'll accidentally get locked outside.
My second hint is that I have a partial roll of rubberized shelf lining. I like to cut off a square and use it to open bottles and jars. It works really well. Thank you!
-- J.P., in Indiana