Dear Heloise: My elbows are clean but dark. I hate it! What can I do to lighten them up? — Ruth, in Minnesota

Ruth, first, use a loofah or a stiff body brush with lots of soap to scrub your elbows in a circular motion while you shower or bathe, but do not break the skin. Next, cut a lemon in half and rub it on the area for about 5 minutes per elbow. Finally, pat dry and use lotion on your elbows. Repeat if necessary. — Heloise

A BIG FAN

Dear Heloise: I live in an area where summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days in a row. Using the ceiling fan makes my house feel cooler.

My question is this: Should I turn off the fans for a few hours each day to let them “rest,” or is it OK to let them operate 24/7? — Sarah P., in Bakersfield, California

Sarah, operating a ceiling fan is incredibly cheap, even if your ceiling fan has a light on it. No light on the fan costs as little as $10 to around $30 per month for one with a light. But yes, you should turn the fan off when you are not in the room, for safety’s sake.

And did you know that the blades of the ceiling fan should go counterclockwise in summertime to force the air down and make it cooler? — Heloise

TEXTS ONLY, PLEASE

Dear Heloise: When I’m picking up my friends, I text them instead of calling them, honking the horn, or ringing the doorbell. This will keep the dog quiet and the baby asleep. — Devin W., in Pennsylvania

GO SLOW!

Dear Heloise: I saw the mention of slowing down around the elderly in your column in the San Antonio Express-News. I’d like to add that people should also watch for others (young or old) who are using crutches, walkers or canes. They can lose their balance just as easily. — Carol, via email