DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone in Sun Spots Land who is on Medicare have dental and vision supplemental insurance? What’s your experience with it? How much does it cost and what all does it cover? I’m having to have a third crown replaced within six months; all part of the wear and tear of aging, and I also need new glasses next summer. I would really appreciate feedback from readers. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: You’ve got some expenses coming up so I hope other readers can help you. I know there is some availability for options but let’s hear what others have to say who actually have experience, both good and bad, to share.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Concerning the person looking for local honey (Jan. 31 Sun Spots), I have been buying mine from Craig Andrews in Sumner. His number is 388-2457.

I appreciate you for the great source of community information.–No name, no town

ANSWER: And I appreciate all the Sun Spots readers for the great information they’re willing to share!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes are incredibly effective and so easy for cleaning stainless steel appliances — the best product for this I have ever found! — No name, no town

Advertisement

ANSWER: Thanks for the tip for the reader who was frustrated with her smudgy refrigerator door Jan. 31 (Sun Spots). You can find this product on Amazon and at big-box stores. For example, Target sells a 30-count package for under $5. There’s a spray and a polish for stainless steel appliances, too.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Red grapefruits have been plentiful and Shaw’s has been running sales on them. It is one my favorite healthy fruit. I recently learned that the pith and membranes are loaded with flavonoid, fiber and a bunch of nutrients helpful in bringing down cholesterol, etc. I love peeling the grapefruit and eating as I would an orange and use to carefully remove as much pith as possible, defeating the purpose of healthy eating. I thought I’d pass this information along in Sun Spots Land. Those red grapefruits are especially tasty. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Thanks for mentioning this! Red grapefruit is a favorite of mine as well and I try to eat one every day when they’re in season. And yes, when you peel away the outer layer of a grapefruit, you might not want to throw it away. Grapefruit peels have higher antioxidant activity than the inner part of the fruit.

And while the grapefruit pith can have more of a bitter taste than that of an orange, it’s worth eating along with the fruit if you can stand the taste. Pectin, a type of soluble dietary fiber, can be found in the piths of citrus fruits, and that fiber is what helps improve blood sugar and cholesterol.

There’s information about grapefruit here: https://www.health.com/food/grapefruit-facts if you’re interested in finding out more factoids.

Remember, if you’re taking medications that lower your cholesterol or blood pressure, you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. That’s because the compounds found in grapefruit may interact with the way your body absorbs those medications, causing the level of medications in your blood to increase dangerously.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Comments are no longer available on this story

filed under: