DEAR ABBY: I know that you probably don't think that you need another hiccup cure, but let me assure you that I have used this trick now for nearly 10 years, and I am usually very successful.
I was convinced after the development of the Heimlich maneuver that it was possible to eliminate annoying hiccups with a simple maneuver without the need for sugar, water, pencils, etc., which may not always be available on short notice.
I have suffered with hiccups for years. I get them easily, and I have mastered this technique so well that I usually can eliminate them in one attempt -- and I can do this anywhere, anytime.
This is all you have to do: Focus on your breathing -- do not get distracted; take several deep breaths (hold the last one for as long as possible); then, before you exhale, swallow. Novices may need four or five tries -- but it gets easy with practice. Concentrating on the breathing and swallowing before you exhale are the keys to success.
I hope that you will pass this on to your readers. You may call it "Marie's Maneuver" or "Beyer's Remedy," but whatever you call it -- it has been invaluable to me, and I am sure it will be appreciated by those who try it. -- MARIE BEYER, EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J.
DEAR MARIE: I have been carrying your sure cure for the hiccups around for weeks, hoping to put it to the test, but I haven't had the hiccups. (Perhaps just carrying the "cure" has been a preventative?)
If one of my readers tries it and finds it helpful, please let me know.