DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have many senior friends at Barker Mill Arms in Auburn. They can’t smoke any more in the building, so they have to go outside in an open building out back. I’m worried about the winter months ahead. I realize they should not smoke. But what concerns me is the cold winter months ahead. Some use walkers, and some are very unstable on their feet. I’m concerned that they will fall and lay there in the snow. I realize this is a problem everywhere now. But I have volunteered for many years with seniors, am now a senior myself and don’t smoke. Is there no alternative for these people? It takes time to get through the quitting process. — Joyce Hodgman, Norway

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke with Rick Porter, rental programs manager for the Auburn Housing Authority, which oversees public housing, including Barker Mill Arms’ subsidized housing for seniors.

Rick said that when the authority decided that its buildings should go smoke free four or five years ago, a grandfather clause gave seniors currently living there time to quit before the rule was enforced.

“Smoking is not good for your health or others in the building,” Rick said. Secondhand smoking can pose a serious risk to others, especially those suffering from respiratory ailments. There is also the increased risk of fire.

He said that the authority put up the shed to make smoking possible for those who want to do so, but that making it too comfortable would subvert the goal of getting people to quit. “If you want to get assistance with your housing,” Rick said, “you need to stop smoking or smoke outside.” (Most public housing in Maine is smoke free.)

Sun Spots knows that it’s difficult to quit, but there is help out there to do so. If you’re ready to quit, phone the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230. They supply phone support and, if you qualify, aids, such as the patch, for quitting. Those who quit will feel better, and think of all the money they could save by quitting, too!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read and enjoy your column daily. I have the following questions:

1. I know you can receive a tax credit for installing new windows in your home, but is there any help available to help with the cost of the windows? A tax credit is only good if you file a tax return. I am elderly, live on a fixed income and don’t need to file a tax return.

2. I have a chain-link fence, and the top rod is rusting. I need to know if you can spray paint it or does all the rust need to be removed first.

3. I see ads for detox pads that you put on the bottom of your feet at night to remove harmful toxins to make you feel better. Have there been any studies or confirmation that these pads work? Thank you very much. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: On Oct. 30 the Sun Journal had a story about the effort to winterize 100 homes in Lewiston-Auburn this fall, sponsored by the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Dead River Oil Co. and Community Concepts. The service is available to low-income Twin Cities’ homeowners, those with incomes of less than $36,335 for a family of four. They wouldn’t pay for new windows, but they might put plastic over them or add weatherstripping. To apply to be part of this effort, call Pam at Community Concepts at 795-4065, ext. 1208.

As for your rusting fence, you can certainly paint it without removing the rust, but the rust will quickly reappear, whereas if you remove the rust, then apply a rust blocker/neutralizer, your paint job will last much longer.

On the detox pads, Dr. Donahue addressed those in his column a few months ago. He did not recommend them. Online, reviews are similar, with experts saying that you cannot easily draw heavy metals and other health threats out of the skin, let alone through the feet.

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 e-mailed to [email protected].