Show ' B6 — The Herald Journal Logan Utah Saturday July 20 2002 Creators Syndicate Inc DEAR ANN LAN- DERS: My daughter “Tony” will be 3 yean old next month and we are planning a birthday party for her e She attends a will be we and program inviting the entire class -- 16 children I believe it is wasteful for Tonya to receive 16 presents I would much prefer that the entire group pool their money and purchase a single gift Would it be OK for us to send a note to all the parents asking them to contribute $5 toward a group gift? We would then ask one of the parents to collect the money and select die item Is this sensible or simply tacky? Not Sure in Virginia day-cu- - ' i "t f 's" rrMouLoeeiaea ‘toHAMC-NEMBA- 7 f ’ t 'V Iv J - ' f v:f FOR BETTER OR WORSE More gifts the merrier By Ann Lander ' i BurvouwEaeo ruMriut&Mam we could ecu- DEAR VIRGINIA: It’s tacky If one of the parents is a close friend you can casually mention your preference to her but do not dwell on it Let your guests purchase whatever they want If you feel it is too many items for your daughter put some i iaside for later or teach Tonya the joy of donating to a children’s shel- that MHffTNftf KEEMHel AMO J irecently printed a letter from “Trapped in Florida” who was dating “Howard” She wants to break it off but Howard was diagnosed with lung cancer and she doesn't want to abandon him Please suggest she contact her local hospice for help Howard is not likely to live more than six mouths Hospice will not only provide him with physical careit can also offer counseling and emotional support New Jersey Hospice Coordinator DEAR N Thank you for a compassionate suggestion Hospice is an excellent resource and my readers should remember to take advantage of its services GILBERT OUR ACCOUNTANTS ARE UEASELS THEY LET US GO BANKRUPT 60 THEY COULD SELL THAT SAY "I'M WITH - DIDNT YOUR COMP ‘ jySJ ANY hAKE ALL OF ITS MONEY SELLING PRODUCTS YOU KNELd IJERE DEFECTIVE? IRONIC- -: ALLY YOUR! o ’ CAULDRON : U£’REV ' ' HAVING 1 WEASEL BANKRUPT" SOUP j J: Don’t sweat spinal surgery By Patar H Gott ILD Newspaper Enterprise Association DEAR DR GOTT: Please explain spinal stenosis I’ve had severe left leg pain for over a year and was diagnosed with sciatica secondary to osteoporosis I’ve been prescribed pain medication and physical therapy without relief Now after an MRI scan my doctor says that spinal stenosis is the problem Is surgery my only option? DEAR READER: In all likelihood yes Let me explain Low back and leg pain due to pressure on spinal nerves can result from a herniated disc (which squeezes out of position between die vertebral bones and pinches the nerves) a ftnc- tore of one of the spinal bones (as occurs in osteoporosis when one or more vertebrae col- lapse) spondylolisthesis (one vertebra ovemd- ing another) or spinal stenosis (actual pressure ‘ on the spinal cord itself) In this last affliction which you apparently have some tissue is pinching the spinal cord This can result from a congenital abnormality from a herniated disc or from calcium deposits around the vertebral bones Regardless of cause die end result is the same: nerve damage that will progress unless treated The condition usually worsens over time and can lead to constant excruciating pain numbness in die legs and weakness of foe feet (As an aside osteoporotic fractures are in my experience an uncommon cause of spinal stenosis Such fractures may cause sciatica however) Although many patients with spinal stenosis can be helped by rest analgesics physiotherapy chiropractic manipulation and steroid injections the problem is mechanical so it usually requires a mechanical solution — in a word surgery The procedure (to remove bone spurs repair a slipped disc and decompress the spinal naves) is by and large tremendously success-fi- ll It can literally renew a person’s life (hie patient of mine an attorney was able to resume his hobby of rock climbing after the operation GRIZZWELLS 6UNIUER Osd mvm? zrrs - SCORPIO (Oct 22) It’ll be your “smarts” that bring about such good financial prospects for die next days Use them to acquire the little things you’ve denied yourself SAGITTARIUS (Nov 21) If been on a sitting you’ve promising idea for some time start doing something about it today You have the ability to make things happen at this time if you give if some thought CAPRICORN (Dec 19) For the next two days old debts or obligations can be ' cleared up very nicely You’ll feel better ' AQUARIUS (Jan b 19) Happy changes are in the offing especially concerning your social affairsor associations Begin mating an effort now to link up with groups PISCES (Feb 20) Something you’ve always wanted to do or have can become a reality at this time A favorable change is taking place ARIES (March 19) — What you know may become even more significant today than in the past Benefits can be derived TAURUS (April 20) Today don’t be afraid to aim for giant goals that you may never have previously dared reach for Condi-tions are ripe for you to set your sights high GEMINI (May 20) Any partnerships you develop today both for the purposes of lighthearted activities or for serious ones are destined for success It’s a good day to link up with someone and share foe good luck 24-N-ov Newspaper Enterprise Association Ate VIE USTOM Horoscope By Bernice Bede ’lUHUNEomsMEWIft WCT - For Saturday July 202002" Your birthday Your financial position can be greatly strengthened in the year ahead However of perhaps even greater importance is that your nonmaterial desires can also be gratified ' CANCER (June 22) Utilize your special skills today because you are entering a very productive cycle where your abilities can reap a harvest Don’t be a couch potato LEO (July 22) Don’t be discour- aged if things haven’t been going too well for you in the romancedepartment because starting today things are looking up Cupid is sharpening his arrows just for you VIRGO (Aug 22) -- Beginning should start brightening up today things around the house pertaining to those things you’d like to acquire LIBRA (Sept 23) You are one of the more likely signs to be popular eyen more so today Those with whom you’re involved' will find you most appealing 21-Ju- - ly - 23-A- ug 23-Se- pt - 23-O- - 23-D- ec 22-J- - an - 20-Fe- GARFIELD - 20-Mar- ch 21-Ap- ril - 20-M- ay ! - 21-Ju- ne : f J ' V ALLEY OOP ' ’ r " :V- isK V BWJcwSMSiwiwia liKMAilL OVMSfBMnRMS IWMNMMi Crossword July 2ft 2002 Iowa : ’ 22 Pampered 46 time Extreme' ' Environment degree 49 UK network monitor S0 Potential 28 Piper of 5 DJ albnma flower Hamelin" 8 Gutter' ' 53 Fine cotton 29 place 12 Court star— 33 Coned beef 58 Molokai sandwich Lendl 13 Sigh ofcon-35Dincoffee neighbor 36 Cray 'about 759" Gl'a address tent y ’ '' 3? 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