Daily Archives: September 30, 2013
Bring A Smile To Those Who Need It Most On World Smile Day®
One of the simplest, yet most powerful forms of self-expression is the smile. It is recognized by everyone on the planet, regardless of culture, race or religion. With all of the struggles life brings with it, the smile brings a moment of happiness that can quickly spread to others that observe it.
Unfortunately, millions of people in developing countries have difficulty smiling due to deformities they’re born with, the most common being cleft lip and cleft palate. Clefts not only make smiling more of a challenge, but make it difficult to eat or speak. Some people are shamed by their communities, considered “cursed by God” and shut out from great opportunities in both their personal and professional lives. A number of newborns are even abandoned or killed immediately after birth. These people suffering with cleft usually do so for their entire lives because they cannot afford the common, simple $250 surgery that eliminates the problem.
“I thought it was just a cosmetic issue… it’s so much more than that.” – Dean Cain (actor and Smile Train supporter)
Some with cleft may see the world as dark; however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sitch News is happy to introduce you to Smile Train, a charity organization that provides free cleft surgery to hundreds of thousands of poor children in developing countries, trains doctors and medical professionals and ensures that children receive comprehensive, total rehabilitative care involving speech therapy, general dentistry and orthodontics. Stories from people like Angieleca Hayahay and Sule and Lami Alhassan have inspired Smile Train to continue helping people change their lives and move forward feeling healthier and more confident than ever before.
On October 4th, you can celebrate and join the hundreds of students in NYC who are striding for smiles this World Smile Day®. To join the celebration retweet or post to Facebook the below infographic with #smileygraph and/or #WorldSmileDay. Each share triggers a $25 donation for Smile Train.
There are several opportunities to brings smiles to faces around the world. Find out about other ways you can get involved or make a donation today.
McDonald’s To Offer Healthier Choices In 2014 And Beyond
chicagotribune
Fast-food giant McDonald’s, known for its meals consisting of burgers, fries and soda, announced last week its plans to offer healthier choices by early next year. The announcement was made Thursday at the Clinton Global Initiative. The food chain is working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in an effort to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy eating habits.
Side salads are hitting the menu in early 2014, followed by a Happy Meal drink options list that only includes juice, milk or water before 2017, according to Bloomberg.
Don’t worry… fries will still be available.
SITCH NEWS 