Kidney stones, a very painful condition that is increasing in children can be prevented by following two simple steps according to kidney specialist Dr. Alicia Neu, co-director of the kidney stone clinic at the Children’s Center at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. “The best ways to prevent the most common types of kidney stones or slow their growth is to limit salt in the diet and drink plenty of water. To reduce sodium intake, consume no more than 2.4 grams of sodium — or 1 teaspoon of table salt — per day. Also stay away from salty snacks, processed foods, and sodas, and rinse canned foods under running water to reduce their sodium content. Look for products that have labels that say ‘no salt added’ or ‘low sodium’. Children should aim to drink at least two liters (64 ounces) of water per day. Sugar-laden juices and sodas are no substitute for water. A child (and an adult) can tell if he or she is drinking enough water if there is an urge to urinate every three hours. Less frequent urination may be a sign of dehydration.” So remember Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Therefore watch the sodium intake and drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and then watch God work to prevent kidney stones! (ScoutNews January 4, 2007)