What Is Sleep Apnea And How Is it Different From Narcolepsy

Since I was “technically” an epileptic, I was on the usual anti-epileptic drugs. However, little did the doctors realize that my real problem was narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Can’t blame the doctors because narcolepsy is usually mistaken to be a fainting or a seizure disorder.

As of now, my epileptic seizures have virtually disappeared, thanks to a good stress-reduction plan and my midday naps and good support from all around.

Another point I noticed was that I now rarely sleep off while watching television or at work, which was a pretty common thing during the earlier days. In other words, my sleep apnea and narcolepsy symptoms have also gone away..

But, what is sleep apnea and narcolepsy?

Teens And Drugs

Teens experiment with drugs for many reasons.

It could be for fun, curiosity, socializing, boredom, being different from others, relaxation or from pressure from their friends. The drugs that teenagers commonly use are tobacco and cannabis (also known as marijuana, pot, or hash). According to statistics that have been released by and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) reports, cannabis (pot) is the most favored illicit drug around, and one out of five teens have tried marijuana / cannabis at least once.

Many youngsters usually try drugs during some stage in their life, with statistics showing that as many as nearly 45% are tempted to dabble in illicit drugs during their teens. Although there is no guarantee that your teen will never do drugs, there are however many methods to reduce that possibility.

Parents worry about their child becoming dependent on illegal drugs such as speed, ecstasy, acid, cocaine and heroin. However, they fail to understand that they face a bigger threat in the use of drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. Parents should understand that adolescence is a period of experimentation despite the best of parenting skills. However, parents can always reduce the risk of their teen doing drugs with some clever strategies.

Some tips include

• Encourage a trusting and open relationship with your teen from an early age.
• Try to model an appropriate conduct such as moderate drinking, no tobacco, and no illicit drugs.
• Educate them frankly on the dangers that accompany drugs.
• Establish guidelines on what is acceptable and what is not, viz., alcohol, and drugs.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, good food, and sports.
• Encourage social behavior and allow your teen more than one friend circle.
• Help them develop responsibility and good decision-making skills from a very young age 
• Despite the above and should they still get into the drug cycle, check for these warning signs;
• Emotional – sudden personality changes, low self worth, mood swings, gets easily irritable, irresponsible behavior, depression and a general lack of interest in activities.
• Physical – Tired, glazed and bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, sudden weight loss, change in appetite, tremors, impaired co-ordination, and an irritable cough.
• School – Reduced interest in school activities, drop in grades, disciplinary problems, unexplained absenteeism, and gets into fights easily.
• Family- Withdrawal from family members, getting into unwarranted arguments, breaking of family rules and may steal money.
• Social – New social circle, friends who are not interested in school and home activities, change in dress code, grooming, hobbies, unusual smell in body and breath, and even problems with the law

Warning Signs of Abused Drugs

• Marijuana/ Cannabis/ Pot - glazed bloodshot eyes, loss of interest, weight loss or gain, sleepiness, depression, lack of interest, loud laughter and loud voice while talking.
• Depressants (Xanax, GHB, Valium) - dilated pupils, poor judgment, difficulty in concentrating, drunk like state, clumsiness, tremor, poor judgment, and sleepy state.
• Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine) - euphoria, dilated pupils, anxiety, hyperactivity, irritability, excessive talking, depression, excessive sleeping at odd times, going long periods without eating or sleeping, dry mouth and weight loss.
• Inhalants (aerosols, glues, vapors) – anxiety, watery eyes, nose secretions, rashes around the nose and mouth, impaired vision or memory, nausea and headache, drowsiness and an appearance of intoxication, poor muscle control, irritability and presence of lots of aerosol cans in the trash.
• Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD) – bizarre behavior, paranoia, dilated pupils, aggression, mood swings, hallucinations, lonely, detached, egoistic, confused and slurred speech.
• Heroin – needle marks, sweating, coughing, vomiting, sleeping at odd times, sniffling, contracted pupils, twitching, no response of pupils to light and a loss of appetite.

If you suspect your teen is using drugs:

• Don’t panic or react on your first impulse – be calm and think it over.
• Don’t snoop or search your teen’s room for any evidence, especially without their knowledge.
• After establishing the facts, discuss the issue calmly with your teen when you both are relaxed.
• If your teen acknowledges that they are doing drugs, don’t issue an ultimatum, but instead try to help.
• They might need help and not a lecture on the risks of drug usage.
• Nonetheless, if they are very young and are new users, try and educate them.
• There is the risk that an older teen may not stop using the drug, despite what you say.
• Discuss the possibility of seeking professional help.
• If your teen is in trouble with the law, help them but be stern that they may have to pay for any penalties and fines levied.
• Lay down the rules. Your teen should be aware that doing drugs comes with specific consequences.
• Monitor your teenager’s activity and whom she hangs out with.
• Routine check for potential hiding places. Common places are between books on a shelf, backpacks, make-up cases. Your teen must be clearly aware that this is the consequence for them using drugs.
• Introduce them to new social activities, hobbies, interests, and clubs.

The below information are the results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) reports.

Use of Selected Illicit Drugs among Persons Aged 12 or Older: 2002-2009

Reasons for Not Receiving Substance Use Treatment among Persons Aged 12 or Older Who Needed and Made an Effort to Get Treatment But Did Not Receive Treatment and Felt They Needed Treatment: 2006-2009

Perceived Need for and Effort Made to Receive Specialty Treatment among Persons Aged 12 or Older Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Illicit Drug or Alcohol Use: 2009

The good side is that with the right counseling and treatment and proper support, you can thwart the disruptive effects that the drug has on your teen. The first obstacle for your teen is that they should realize that they have a drug problem and that they need help.

Seeking counseling will be the best thing that has happened to them...

What Is Narcolepsy

Narcoleptics have trouble with their sleeping habits. People with narcolepsy sleep disorder condition suddenly fall asleep while they are watching television or reading and in some cases even while eating or talking.

The main signs of the narcolepsy syndrome are extreme daytime sleepiness, cataplexy while awake, and hallucinations during sleep. Narcolepsy often is the cause of cataplexy, which causes a sudden loss in your muscles especially when you are wide awake. It resembles fainting or a seizure as it causes you to drop whatever you are holding. This may last for a few seconds or minutes followed by strong emotions.

Narcolepsy symptoms are difficult to identify and it can affect both women and men. Narcolepsy sleep disorder signs generally show up during the teenage years. The disorder is rare in children who are five years and below. People who have narcolepsy sleep disorder usually find it difficult to function at school, work or home mainly due to their extreme tiredness and sleepiness.

Narcolepsy is usually mistaken to be a fainting or a seizure disorder, or sometimes classified as lethargy or learning problems for school going children. It is even harder to diagnose the condition when the narcolepsy cataplexy symptoms are mild. There is no cure that has been found for narcolepsy as of date, but therapy along with lifestyle changes can reduce the condition.

Cosmetic Surgery Thailand

Cosmetic surgery in Thailand is now popular than ever as they are around fifty to sixty percent cheaper than similar surgeries conducted in the USA or Europe. Cosmetic surgery which at a point was only available to wealthy people is now fast becoming available to the general public. Thailand plastic surgery packages are one of the primary reasons for this. With their affordable priced procedures cosmetic surgery holidays Thailand is fast becoming one of the most popular plastic surgery and holiday destinations around the globe.

What is Cosmetic Surgery ?

According to http://medicenc.com/find?aid=36980, cosmetic surgery is defined as a type of surgery that is used to enhance a person’s physical form or appearance. The term plastic surgery however, is used to define a type of surgery that is dedicated to enhance beauty. It is also used to define reshaping normal structures so as to improve the patient’s self esteem and appearance. Cosmetic surgery can also be used to reconstruct any physical abnormalities caused during birth or due to tumors or age. In contrast to the above, reconstructive plastic surgery is used to do any reconstructive procedures such as neck and head reconstruction, hand or breast reconstruction

Thailand plastic surgery packages

Thailand is one of the amazing places in the world for a holiday – the shopping malls, the culture, food, climate combined with the marvelous beaches all makes it a great holiday spot. Combining this with cosmetic surgery makes t Thailand plastic surgery packages a fabulous deal.

It is also well known that Thailand is an affordable holiday vacation spot, affordable even to the common man. Hence most tourists tend to recoup after their plastic surgery at a beautiful tropical holiday destination in Thailand. There are also many reputed medical tourism firms who would only be pleased to offer guidance to any interested client.

There are many travelers who come under the category of medical tourism visiting Thailand for cosmetic surgery holidays in Thailand. Thailand plastic surgery packages are far cheaper compared to what it would cost in countries like the Europe and USA and besides, Thailand is the perfect place to recover after a surgery. A tropical Thailand plastic surgery package offers a prospective client the best locales with the finest hospitals who have enough well-trained staff to look after a patient during their exotic Thailand cosmetic surgery holiday.

Medical Tourism

Thailand is now expanding its tourism sector into a totally new niche called medical tourism. Cosmetic medical tourism is not a new phenomenon in Thailand. It is nothing but traveling to an overseas or foreign location to acquire medical treatment. This is combined with a holiday package thereby coining the word medical tourism. Actually, medical tourism is not something recent as it is believed that the ancient Greeks and European traveled abroad for health and relaxation.

One of the main reasons that people leave their home country and seek affordable medical treatment or cosmetic surgery elsewhere is because of the cost. And Thailand is top of the list because of the quality, variety of service available and the comparatively low prices. Another reason is that in the last few years, people who visited Thailand on holiday did a quick plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery and returned looking younger and refreshed. Soon the word spread about how cheap and good source were the Thailand plastic surgery packages and subsequently it established itself as one of the primary medical tourism spots.

Furthermore, many of Thailand’s leading hospitals have received certification from the International Organization for Standardization. Nevertheless, it is better to ask the agent who is arranging the medical tour to identify a suitable and reputed hospital thereby easing any reservations that the patient might have. Gradually the number of people traveling to Thailand for a cosmetic surgery has increased and cosmetic surgery in Thailand is now popular than ever.

Cosmetic Surgery Thailand - Pro and Cons

Traveling to unfamiliar, non-English speaking countries like Thailand for cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery can seem daunting at first. It can also be very risky without sufficient knowledge and expertise. It is important to ensure that the process is stress free and that there is maximum safety and assurance that the cosmetic surgery holidays and plastic surgeons meet the superior standards and western expectations.

Detractors of treatment abroad will say that the quality of care and safety standards in other countries, particularly third world countries like Thailand, are simply not as good as what you will find in the Western world. This is not particularly true. There are international agencies that regulate medical tourism, as well as companies that put together medical tourism packages only with approved and accredited doctors and hospitals. Many of Thailand’s physicians have received their degrees and post-degree training in North America and Europe. Thus, they are familiar with the quality of care expected by Western patients, and this helps assure patients that their treatment abroad will be of the same quality that they would receive in their home countries.

The standards of health care do vary from country to country, and each country has an accreditation and standardization system to ensure a basic level of care and quality. As medical tourism has increased, there are new international accreditation standards that maintain cross-border standards. The function of such agencies are that of a watch-dog; to ensure that you get the same quality of care when you travel for treatment abroad that you would get in your home country.

Ofcourse Thailand has many cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery practitioners due to the burst in cosmetic surgery in Thailand, but not all of them are reputable, genuine or qualified to suitable standards. Many surgeons offering cosmetic surgery in Thailand have poor English communication skills and may not be worth the risk if you are not familar with the medical industry or can speak the language. There are also dangers and serious risks involved if medical tourists do not carefully select high quality medical facilities and genuinely skilled cosmetic surgeons. Just as the quality of hospitals varies in your home country, it does in Thailand as well. Not all hospitals in any country are created equal, but it is possible to get Western quality health care in Thailand and this may be a more beneficial avenue to pursue than to get treatment in your home country.

However, Thailand has some outstanding medical facilities. Some of the very best hospitals and medical clinics in Asia are located in Bangkok. The Doctors are mostly trained in Western countries and continuously update their international training to include the latest procedures. As johncimble mentions in his many articles on HubPages regarding Cosmetic Surgery in Thailand that even scholarly institutions in the West are starting to pour cold water on theories that plastic surgery in Thailand is unsafe. The prestigious and world famous Harvard Business School stated that Thailand's infrastructure is more than sufficient for a number of thriving and safe cosmetic surgery facilities to operate successfully. And if you think that Thailand's improved medical facilities are a recent phenomenon, think again. The World Health Organization's last extensive rankings system in 2000 placed Thailand just 10 places behind the United States in terms of quality of healthcare system.

You will also soon come to find out that Thailand is a leader when it comes to cosmetic surgery, and even better is that the procedures are affordable, and in addition, the quality of care is excellent. For this reason, this is why Thailand is the most popular places to come for plastic/cosmetic surgery. Every year there are thousands of people that flock to Thailand to have some type of procedure done, which include surgery such as nose reductions to ear surgery. All in which are offered at inexpensive cost compared to the having the procedures preformed in the U.S or Europe.

Bangkok Plastic Surgery

Bangkok plastic surgery is highly advanced and the numerous hospitals and clinics in Thailand offer all conceivable procedures. The leading hospitals in Bangkok are modern and attended by professional, English-speaking staff who are trained in the latest techniques. Now the dream of quality safe and affordable Bangkok plastic surgery is a reality

The services that are offered in Thailand hospitals may vary in type but not in quality. Plastic surgery, Bangkok is offered by hospitals have services like face lifts, cheek and chin lifts and augmentation, Botox, forehead lift, breast implants, reduction and lifts, buttocks implantation, and you may even get sex change, Thailand in Bangkok hospitals. Similar is the case with cosmetic surgery, Phuket hospitals; their services include all types of face surgeries, body surgeries that includes breast implants, Phuket at lowest price ever, and also Liposuction for tummy tuck-in and hair implants. In short, the cosmetic surgery, Bangkok and Phuket are one of the best services that Thailand hospitals provide.

The services are also a part of the advantages the hospitals offers. There are many hospitals that offer plastic surgeries in the world but sex change, Thailand and breast implants, Phuket are top features that have made many eyes roll. Their policy to keep everything private and confidential is the biggest advantage for you. The Thailand hospitals offer many services, but the decision will be yours, that is plastic surgery, Phuket or cosmetic surgery, Bangkok. There is no difference in the services as all the plastic surgery hospitals will offer you the best.

Phuket and cosmetic surgery in Bangkok is available to people at low prices and they also give all the comfort to patients while their treatment. Considering them will be a boon to you, as their well-trained staff and professional nurses help you during your treatment. They have top cosmetic surgery, Phuket surgeon teams that consult you and give you the treatment that suits you. The customer will surely get what they want without regretting. The Plastic surgery, Bangkok and plastic surgery, Phuket hospitals offer low priced surgical and non-surgical treatments, best team of surgeons, best services and customer satisfaction

Visualize a cosmetic surgery in Phuket Thailand that restores the mind beauty & soul in a safe location and where patients can revitalize and refine their body in privacy and luxury. A Thailand cosmetic surgery recovery process combined with a Thailand plastic surgery package that includes white golden beaches, amazing cuisine, year round sunshine and traditional Thailand massage or spa to enhance the cosmetic surgery healing process. It would be truly relaxing. And wouldn’t it be even greater if the cosmetic surgery Thailand prices and a holiday of your dreams would cost only about one third the cost of the cosmetic surgery back home.

Plastic Surgery Holidays Thailand

While it is true that Thailand is among one of the top destinations to go to if you want to have cosmetic surgery, it is even a greater place to visit should you want to take a holiday and recoup after a plastic surgery. Thailand is also a beautiful place to visit and has many things to offer as you are recovering from after your surgery. Before the surgery and after, you will get the opportunity to enjoy a new culture that you might not otherwise have. So not only will your cosmetic surgery in Thailand change the way you and others see you, you can make your experience more enjoyable. A plastic surgery in Thailand holiday will make your hospital stay similar to staying in a five star hotel.

Plastic surgery in Thailand is a natural choice as patients can recuperate at one of the many tropical resorts.

In Thai cosmetic surgery clinics there are several procedures that are very popular: nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, hair transplantation, and breast reduction. Another cosmetic surgery that Thailand has gained recognition for the world over is sex change surgery - Thailand is the first choice for people who cannot get treatment at home for complex medical procedures.

Cosmetic surgery packages in Thailand typically include operative costs and post-operative care and accommodation. Plastic surgery in Thailand is affordable, excellent, and easy. Combine your cosmetic surgery with a holiday in Thailand and save money at the same time. Cosmetic surgery and aftercare in Thailand is affordable, with many doctors having studied medicine abroad in Europe or North America. Cosmetic surgeons in Thailand are well qualified with hospital staff and doctors well versed in English. They also provide you information and guidance in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgical procedures.

Thailand is a world leader in cosmetic surgery, and its affordable procedures and high quality care make it one of the most popular plastic surgery destinations around the globe. Here we are providing information to the prospective patients and/or their families about cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures available to them. We provide you information and guidance in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgical procedures.

The Thailand plastic surgery center offers a full range of cosmetic plastic surgery services by prominent board certified plastic surgeons. Our partner for plastic surgery in Thailand is the most renowned center for cosmetic surgery in Thailand. Plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Thailand is the main hub for cosmetic surgery with JCI internationally accredited hospitals offering state-of-the-art technology and a high level of care. Not only a popular destination for cosmetic surgery, Thailand is also a favorite vacation spot offering sophisticated resorts that tend to guests every needs.

Plastic surgery is a treatment that can change your look and can give you new looks and features you always wanted. Look matters, and everyone knows that but if there is anything that you want to change in your look then cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery is the answer. Thailand hospitals that offer plastic surgery, Phuket and Bangkok are places where you can get all the treatments to improve your looks. Thailand is a place well known for its beauty but not many know that there are some hospitals that provide best services for treating every type of disease or problem. The cosmetic surgery, Bangkok and Phuket are one of the best services that Thailand hospitals provide.

Plastic surgery in Thailand is a natural choice. Patients can recuperate at one of the many tropical resorts. More and more people from all over the world have opted for a holiday in Thailand combined with plastic surgery at prices considerably cheaper than what they would have to pay for the plastic surgery alone in their countries.

Value For Money

This is one of the reasons why plastic surgery in Thailand is appealing to more American citizens than ever before. They realize that having nose surgery in Thailand will cost them anywhere from fifty to seventy percent less than it will in the United States. With the aforementioned disintegration of the American healthcare system, there is no guarantee that the care US citizens receive at home is any better than what they will get during plastic surgery in Thailand. When you consider the fact that the Thai government are actively improving facilities on an almost daily basis, it is likely that a large number of American hospitals are not as clean as their Thai counterparts. With more than 1.2 million patients arriving from 190 countries worldwide to undergo plastic surgery in Thailand. The myths surrounding Thailand and dangerous medical practices have been well and truly shattered. The Thai government have seen the profound effect medical tourism is having on their country and have pledged to continue their impressive patronage when it comes to medical facilities and the training of new surgeons and other medical staff.

With a warm friendly ambience cosmetic surgery holidays in Thailand is affordable, enjoyable, confidential, and safe alternative to cosmetic surgery done in the US, UK or Australia.

Cleansing The Colon

If you take time to research the internet, you will come across dozens of products online that help to cleanse the colon. If you research in detail and proceed to read the propaganda that is associated with these products, you will be convinced that is high time that you cleansed your colon. It will also become evident that a colon cleanse is important to prevent any diseases to your digestive tract, it is also useful in keep you healthy. A lot of people do it to loss weight, but it is to be remembered that although it might be necessary for some people to cleanse their colons it is not a necessity, as your colon or large intestine, is capable of cleaning itself.

Is cleaning the colon a necessity?
Cleansing the colon is often prescribed so as to aid the body's immune system. As you get older, waste and sludge gets deposited in your colon making it hard and compressed until it reaches a stage where your body requires external help to get rid of it. As a result of the clogging, many of us experience irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and our immune systems break down. By using a good oxygen colon cleanser, it can help remove the toxic sludge and fermented waste matter and thereby cleanse the colon very effectively. A compressed and dirty large intestine or colon can lead to other problems and can also have a lot more negative effect on the entire body and should be cleansed at the earliest.

Constipation and colon cleansing
Constipation is one of the dangers that requires you to cleanse the colon. Constipation kills the healthy bacteria that reside in your colon and other parts of the digestive system. As a result, the sludge and waste is not broken down properly and moved through the digestive system. Constant enema and continuous laxatives will not help solve the problem. While an occasional enema is alright for sorting out a persistent constipation problem, repeated enemas are not only a threat to the entire digestive system, but can end up upsetting the intestinal tissues.

Dangers of Colon Cleansing
While an occasional colon cleanse can be healthy, it is not recommended to be done frequently as your colon has the capacity to cleanse itself. Just as constant use of laxatives, makes a digestive system dependant on it for bowel movements, cleansing the colon can have similar effects if done frequently. Your intestinal walls and tissues can become damaged or harmed if you cleanse the colon repeatedly. Basically, your colon knows its job very well.

Healthy Colon
If you lead a healthy lifestyle where you have a balanced diet and eat more fiber and exercise often, it will help your colon to work its best. Eating well, drinking lots of water, and getting enough exercise can keep your digestive system working like a well-oiled machine. You should also stay away from products that use dangerous chemicals and only use natural products and herbs which help to detoxify your digestive system. If however, you feel that you want a colon cleanse, visit http:// www.acg.gi.org for more info on how to cleanse the colon.

Simple Home Treatments For Back Pain

Many people suffer from back pain symptoms primarily because of the lifestyle that they choose. Most of these people are locked in an office the whole day and this greatly applies a lot of strain on the back muscles.

The best thing about home treatment for back pain symptoms is that they are not only the most effective, but it is also the best and fastest way to find back pain relief. However, prior to starting any home treatment, it is advisable that you get a doctors' opinion. This is because should you have chronic back pain, there are chances that you might need relief through medication. The good side of home treatment is that unlike any medication there won't be any side effects. Home treatments focus on eliminating the cause of the pain, which is the core of the problem.

Although exercise may be the last thing you might want while suffering from back pain, it is very useful in the long run. There are chances that back pain is sometimes caused by a weakened core that cannot support your lower body so as to keep it sturdy. Mentioned below are some exercise tips that could assist you to get of that persistent back pain.

Back Sit Ups

Always remember to sit straight and tighten your stomach muscles so that there is some relief felt in your back. Slooping can actually cause you lots of pain and sitting straight would be the easiest and best beginning. Basically, having strong abdominal muscles will extend support to your back muscles. The next would be to do some light abdomen exercise, like light back sit-ups. Do this about 10 times.

Weightless Toe Touches

Next would be to do some weightless toe touches, keeping your feet apart. Slowly bend your waist and try touching your toes. But remember not to exert any pressure. Do this about 10 times.

Reverse Sit Ups

The next item would be reverse sit ups. These are sit ups done in reverse. For someone with back pain symptoms, it is suggested that you lay flat on your abdomen with hands behind your neck and slowly raise your head and bend backwards and slowly come down. Repeat this for about 10 times.

Walking / Jogging

Jogging is not suggested but a steady walk is recommended. However, it is to be noted that slow running / jogging is a great exercise for strengthening your back.

Massage

Massage is a very important home treatment for back pain relief. It helps to reduce tension, movements, muscle pain, muscle spasms and increases circulation

These exercises are really simple and easy to follow and you can do them at home and the results are quick and permanent. Home treatment for lower back pain symptoms is the best way to obtain back pain relief for good.

The Smile Train

The Smile Train is an international charity helping children with cleft lips and palates, founded in 2000 by Brian Mullaney and Charles Wang.

It has been classified as the world’s largest and most cost-effective cleft charity and it also meets extensive standards of America's most experienced charity evaluator. The Smile Train uses technology such as surgery-training software and grading of operations via digital imaging to make it "one of most productive charities, dollar for deed, in the world."

According to a press source, it is said that over the last eight years, Smile Train has performed more than 360,000 cleft surgeries in 74 of the world’s poorest countries, while raising some $85 million last year with worldwide staff strength of just 30 people.

Mullhaney worked in advertising for over 20 years, founded Schell/ Mullaney Advertising, served as Senior Vice President, Creative Director at J. Walter Thompson and Vice President, Creative Director at Young & Rubicam. Mullaney earned a bachelor's degree in business economics from Harvard College. He currently lives on Long Island, New York with his wife Cricket and three children.

Should someone ever search an alternate definition of “selfless”, they might want to consider three words: "Doctor Hirji Adenwalla." To know Dr. Adenwalla, 70, is to understand that no one, anywhere, is more emblematic of the word "selfless." What better way to describe a unique man who, as head of the Charles Pinto Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate in Kerala, India for the past 42 years, has devoted his considerable skills to improving - some might say "salvaging" — the lives of more than 7,000 underprivileged children by giving them the life-transforming ability to smile. Equally remarkable, Dr. Adenwalla has performed every one of these surgeries himself, free of charge, on a budget historically so modest that much of it has resulted from speaking fees. He typically spends his annual vacation making speeches to social service organizations in order to raise funds for the Centre.

In 2001, the first year that The Smile Train was privileged to provide the Charles Pinto Centre with funding, Dr. Adenwalla performed cleft lip and palate repair on an additional 530 children who would otherwise have never received it. "With the help of The Smile Train, we're able to reach out to many more children and change many more lives." says Dr Adenwalla. "I am very excited about what the future holds for this partnership."

A longtime professional associate described the Charles Pinto Center’s work as "truly remarkable," and Dr. Adenwalla as "a legendary surgeon who has touched thousands of lives with his heart, his head and his hands. A very rare combination of huge talent and tiny ego. Dr. Adenwalla himself, of course, dismisses such praise and deflects all compliments. But he reveals at least a part of what motivates him in a short speech he made recently at a Smile Train press conference, the lessons that we learn from human misery are to love, to never forget and to never, never look away.

Smile Train is close to reaching a historic break-even point: it will perform more operations each year than the number of children born each year in developing countries with cleft deformities.

Wish them the best….and anyone who wishes to donate, can do so by CLICKING HERE

How to Build Muscle for Kids

A child's muscle building program should not just be a scaled-down version of an adult's weight training regimen. Muscle building for kids should not be confused with weight lifting, bodybuilding or powerlifting which are strongly disapproved for kids as they can risk injuring their growing bones, muscles or joints should they participate in these sports. However, building muscles is something moderately challenging for kids with the fitness consciousness that prevails now.

Kids cannot build muscle until they reach puberty, because that is when their body starts producing hormones. Lifting weights can be a good way to strengthen muscles but it is not a safe activity for kids who are unsupervised. The physical trainer should have experience in working with kids should be in a position to show your child the proper techniques, safety precautions, and how to properly use any weight training equipment. As with any sport, it is also wise to have your child visit a doctor before beginning a muscle building program.

Items required

Basic weight training equipment
Dumbbells
Skipping rope

Step 1
Drink milk, eat lots of food, and get lots of rest. If your kid is eating a balanced diet that includes food such as lean chicken and meat, fish and legumes, he or she shouldn't need any additional protein powder or any other nutritional supplements.

Step 2
Kids can usually start on muscle building activities such as pushups and sit-ups everyday, as long as they perform the exercises safely and follow instructions. These exercises can help kids build an awareness of their bodies. Skipping and jogging a mile would also be a good idea. As kids have started engaging in a sedentary lifestyle much like adults, it is very important to educate your child in healthy habits and to help develop a workout routine that is suitable for him or her.

Step 3
Start on basic weight training regimen with dumbbells and the weight of the dumbbells will start on the child's body structure and strength level. Kids, in general must be able to lift a weight with proper technique for about 10 times. If they can't lift the weight at least 7 times, it's obvious that the weight is far too heavy for them.

Step 4
Results won't come overnight. But eventually, the kid will slowly begin to notice a difference in muscle strength, which would fuel a fitness habit in them.

Tip
If your child is ready and has begun to participate in sports such as baseball, soccer, or gymnastics, it can be considered that it is also safe to start muscle training.

Warning
Some people might tell you that using drugs called steroids can help you build muscle. This is a bad idea. Steroids are illegal, and can be bad for your health, causing problems like dizziness, mood swings, damage to your hear and increased risk for some diseases.