Dear Readers: We recently shared some information on what to do if a battery has leaked. While researching this topic, some other interesting information on care and handling of batteries came up. Read on.

• High temperatures and batteries don't mix. Whether you keep batteries in or out of appliances in areas of high heat, the batteries will not last as long.

• Don't leave  battery terminal clip in appliances that you are not using.

• Don't mix loose batteries with other metal items like paper clips, coins, etc. And for us ladies, don't put loose batteries in the bottom of your purse. (I'm guilty! -- Heloise)

• Use caution when recharging batteries -- follow directions exactly. Don't try to recharge batteries that are not labeled "rechargeable."

• And a HELOISE UPDATE: The old, old hint was to keep batteries in the fridge to help them last longer. This is no longer true. Storing batteries in the refrigerator will NOT keep them from going bad, and, in fact, major manufacturers state NOT to put them in the fridge. This is why Heloise Central goes back to recheck old hints and update them.

Hope you got a "charge" out of these helpful hints! -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: The establishments that offer cards a shopper can earn points on -- coffee shops for a free coffee after the purchase of 10, grocery stores that give discounts, etc. -- are very generous, but often I forget I have a card for their establishment. I wish these establishments would ask us each time with "Do you have a benefit card with us?" or put signage up to remind us shoppers. If either is done, we'll get to use the card and its benefit. If we don't already have one, we'll ask for it if we're interested. -- Pennsylvania Reader

Dear Heloise: My husband has Parkinson's disease, and he was getting frustrated trying to button his shirts. So when I take the shirts from the dryer, I put them on a hanger and button all but the top two buttons. This allows him to slip into his shirts, leaving him only those two top buttons to fasten. -- Rosemary Vander Veer, Niskayuna,

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