Alcohol awareness

Dear Readers: The National Alcohol Screening Day is Thursday, April 5, this year. The goal is to teach people about alcohol problems, give them an opportunity to complete a written self-test and let them talk personally with a health professional.

Also, anyone wishing further help can get the names and phone numbers of other support services and treatment facilities in their area.

These "screenings" are held at 2,500 sites across the country. They are free and anonymous, so there's no reason not to go or take a friend!

You can call the site locator line (which will begin taking calls March 21) at (800) 405-9200 for the screening location nearest you.

Statistically, alcohol is frequently a factor in the three leading causes of death -- auto crashes, homicides and suicides -- for 15- to 24-year-olds, and 44 percent of college students report binge drinking.

Alcoholism is treatable, so please take advantage of this "screening day," and tell them you heard about it from Heloise. -- Hugs, Heloise

PICTURE-PERFECT POSTCARD

Dear Heloise: When I get my film developed, I always get doubles and use them for postcards.

I draw a line down the center of the back, put a note on one side and address the other. People always enjoy them. -- Linda Andrejczak, Newaygo, Mich.

A great idea, and I noticed you put the names of the two people on the front of the photo on the back, bottom corner. That was a nice touch! FYI: The minimum size of a postcard is 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches, and the maximum is 4 1/4 inches by 6 inches, according to the U.S. Postal Service. -- Heloise