Today’s Sound Off is about following proper office etiquette when visiting the doctor:

Dear Heloise: I’ve worked in a physician’s office for several years, and I’ve seen some behavior that is rude and holds up the appointments of other patients. Although patients don’t realize it, they often place themselves in danger when they don’t follow the doctor’s instructions. These are our hints for a better doctor’s office visit:

— Don’t arrive late. If you are 15 minutes late, we’ll reschedule your appointment. If you need to make a co-payment, don’t tell me you left your wallet at home, and don’t expect to see the doctor. We’ll reschedule your appointment.

— Put you phone on mute or, better yet, turn it off. Do not take calls during your appointment. You’ll waste the doctor’s time, and they haven’t got time to waste. We have a waiting room full of people who need to see the doctor.

— Bring only one other person to your appointment. There is no exception to this rule, unless the patient needs two people to help them. But try not to bring more than one person, especially no one under the age of 16. No, we will not watch your kids. We have a very busy office and will not be held responsible for your children.

— Take all medication properly per the label on the bottle or as your doctor told you to take it. Doubling up your medication does not help you and may even harm you.

— Please do not touch the equipment in the exam rooms. Most of the equipment is very expensive to replace.

— It’s fine to ask questions about you medication or planned procedures, but don’t ask about another person’s health or illness. Unless the doctor can examine the person themselves, they cannot and will not answer questions about someone they haven’t seen.

— Please don’t ask the doctor to prescribe medication that is not related to your illness or is illegal.

— Please do not approach the doctor with health questions during their time off from the office. They have a private life, just like you do. — H.M., in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com

RECYCLING CAPS

Dear Heloise: Another Heloise reader wrote in recently about recycling caps. Recycling has evolved throughout the years. In the beginning, caps on recyclable bottles were not recyclable. But many recycling stamps now read: “Empty and replace cap.” So, please read the recycling stamp on each bottle.

For decades, I would save all plastic bottle caps for arts and crafts, until I had a small mountain of them. I am glad that I don’t have to feel obligated anymore to rescue every plastic bottle cap that comes into my home! — Sue, in Fort Wayne, Indiana

CLEANING LEATHER SEATS

Dear Heloise: The leather car seat in my car has a pale stain from my husband’s accident, and it also smells. I need advice on how to remove both without damaging the leather.

Thanks for your help. I enjoy reading your column in the Winchester Star in Winchester, Virginia. — Elizabeth H., via email

Elizabeth, I would need to know what caused the stain. Is it blood, oil or some other product? Let me know at Heloise@Heloise.com. Thanks! — Heloise