Q: The number of burglaries in our neighborhood has been increasing, and we're becoming more and more concerned.

Our sight, hearing and mobility are diminishing, so we're even more vulnerable. Recently, there was a home invasion just three blocks away from us.

What can we do if someone attempts to rob us?

A: Ideally, you will take precautions to save yourselves from being put in that position.

The majority of thieves goes after easy targets, and homes with unlocked doors and open windows. If you take some reasonable security precautions, you'll be far less likely to have a burglary.

Alarm systems are one of the best things you can do. Even just having a sign advertising you have a security system will deter intruders.

Never open the door to strangers or let them know you are alone. If you don't already have one, install and use a peephole in your front door. Ask for identification from strangers. Don't share phone information.

Thieves also target open garages, so make sure to lock your entry door from the garage if you have one. Install automatic timers on lights and radios. Lock your side gates, and install deadbolts on exterior and French doors.

Lock your cash, jewelry and other valuables in a fireproof safe, ideally one bolted to the floor. As a bonus, the safe will also save your belongings in the event of a fire. Keep photographic evidence of your furnishings, and record serial numbers of any expensive electronics.

When you're out of town, inform the postal service (or your neighbors) so that you won't have any papers or mail piling up in front of your home.

If you hear a burglar inside your home, stay away. Use a cell phone or go to your neighbors and call the police. You don't want to come across a potential armed or violent intruder. If you're inside and you can't get out, lock the door of the room you're in and call 911. — Doug

FEEDBACK LOOPS

Q: I've always been an empathetic person — one reason why I became a nurse! But it's not always a good thing for me, as I tend to pick up on other people's bad moods.

How can I adjust my attitude?

A: It's very easy to mirror the attitudes of the people around us. Even when you recognize what you're doing, it's not so simple to stop doing it. On top of that, you can get sucked into a negative feedback loop with others, and both of you will come away feeling worse.

Bad news tends to amplify. Researchers say that we pay about 10 more times attention to negative comments than positive ones. Instead of focusing on the negative, recognize the good around you. Some people enjoy writing down the good things that happen — every time you look back at your list, you'll be reminded.

In addition to dealing with negative influences from the outside, seek out more positive influences and spread your own happiness. When something positive happens to you, share it! Giving out compliments can also turn others' moods around.

Nobody is able to be happy 100 percent of the time, but seeking happiness will improve your general outlook. Your attitude will make all the difference. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.