Greetings  Bristol!

Well, another year is upon us and I am excited for all the things that might happen for 2012. The idea for this month’s topic was given to me because many people seem to be suffering from them lately; kidney stones. They are extremely painful and sudden and seem to affect men more than women and Caucasians more than any other ethnicity.

Kidney stones form from many different causes, the most common being high calcium content in the kidneys. A kidney stone is a crystal form of calcium that settles out of the urine and blocks the passage of urine to the bladder. One interesting thing I discovered is that some foods high in calcium actually can PREVENT kidney stones but taking a calcium supplement or antacid (Tums, Rolaids, etc.) INCREASES the risk of stones.

If you suddenly develop low back pain and trouble or burning with urination, you may have a stone. If it comes with a fever and chills, this indicates an infection and you must seek immediate medical care. It is possible, with up to 2 gallons of extra fluids and pain medication, to pass smaller stones in the comfort of your own home. Then, when you pass the stone, the doctor can give you medication to prevent further stones by reducing the level of acid in your urine. However, there are some people who are prone to recurrent large stones who must have them broken up and removed. Speak with a specialist, called a urologist to determine the best way for this to be done for you. The two most common procedures can often be done in the doctor’s office and allow you to pass smaller fragments of the stones naturally.

This is a basic overview of this topic, most of which was derived from the following website: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults I recommend to return to this site for more detailed information. They say passing a kidney stone is similar to giving birth, so although I have never had a kidney stone, I have given birth and I certainly can empathize with strong pain. I hope you don’t have to deal with this condition; but if you do, maybe this article can be of some help. God bless you all in 2012!

The following misprints in church bulletins were found at: http://www.klenger.net/humor/misprints.html

• Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
• Thursday night – Potluck supper.  Prayer and medication to follow
• This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church.  Children will be baptized at both ends.
• Next Sunday, a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet.  All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a piece of paper.

Katrina, Pharmacist, Mor for Less/Bristol Pharmacy 848-0660