Clefts are more than a cosmetic issue: Five myths
Many people believe clefts are only an appearance-related concern. In reality, clefts affect essential functions, such as feeding, breathing, hearing and speaking. Babies born with clefts struggle to breastfeed or drink from a bottle, leading to malnutrition and growth delays, if not properly managed. Untreated clefts can also cause speech difficulties, frequent ear infections and dental problems. Early medical intervention is crucial for a child's long-term health and development.Cleft surgery is complicated and leaves large scarsThe truth is that a cleft lip surgery can take as little as 45 minutes, and a cleft palate repair is usually completed within an hour. With advances in surgical techniques, scarring is minimal and often fades over time. Most children who undergo early cleft treatment lead healthy and fulfilling lives, with little to no visible signs of surgery.advertisementChildren with clefts cannot lead normal livesThe reality is that cleft-affected children have normal intelligence and can achieve just as much as their peers. While some may require speech therapy or dental care, these challenges are manageable with proper medical support. Many individuals born with clefts have gone on to become successful professionals, athletes and even celebrities.Clefts are caused by eclipse or bad karmaOne of the most persistent myths is that clefts result from bad karma, an eclipse, or a mother's actions during pregnancy. The reality is that cleft is a medical condition, not a punishment or supernatural occurrence. Although the exact cause is not clear, most experts agree that the condition occurs due to several factors, both genetic and environmental. This includes maternal health conditions, use of alcohol and drugs (including tobacco), infections or Vitamin B (also known as folic acid) deficiency in pregnant mothers.Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business Standard
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
VMPL Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 21: In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. "I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day," said Gangireddy,. "Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region." As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. "Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,"said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia."There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals." Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, "A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts." Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.
The Wire
21-07-2025
- The Wire
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
Renowned Telugu actress pledges support to raise cleft awareness, break stigma, and promote inclusion for children with clefts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, July 21, 2025 — In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. 'I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day,' said Gangireddy,. 'Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region.' As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. 'Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,'said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia.'There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals.' Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, 'A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts.' Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. Smile Train India For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- The Hindu
Is social media telling you what to eat? Here's how to access accurate nutritional information
Do you start your mornings with detox water, flaxseeds, chia seeds, eat collagen for skin during the day and add a dose of magnesium for good sleep? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. The global health and wellness market stood at $1.4 trillion in 2024 according to a report by McKinsey, the multinational consulting firm. The report highlighted that people are prioritising wellness more than ever and are looking for science-backed products. How is wellness and nutrition a central narrative of our conversations these days? Clinical nutritionist Amita Gadre explained: 'Today, the ultimate status symbol is health and vitality. A glowing skin, a high-energy lifestyle, and a fit physique are the new aspirations. And social media is the perfect stage for this display.' However, in an information-filled world, people are struggling to understand nutrition science, an area of study that is already a complex subject. A recent peer-reviewed study conducted on Indian students highlighted how 'social media impacts an individual's eating patterns by acting as a stimulus for immediate consumption of food, cravings and trying trends.' Another study from South Africa also found that social media is used to 'access and implement nutrition information while showing the inability of participants to assess whether nutrition information on social media is evidence-based and correct.' A simple Google search tells us what to eat or drink and how much, for our weight concerns, skin concerns or even conditions such as diabetes. However, this information is not always accurate, as it is sometimes not backed by strong scientific evidence, may promote conflicting views and could even distort scientific findings to promote one particular food item or product. 'While social media has raised awareness, it has simultaneously created a 'Wild West' of information that has deeply complicated the public's understanding of nutrition,' said Ms. Gadre. So what is the science behind nutrition and food? Eating five oranges will not give you glowing skin overnight Vikrant Ghanekar, scientific officer, Biology Cell at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education explained that the small intestine has an extensive supply of blood vessels to facilitate the uptake of nutrients. He added that 'excess vitamins, minerals may not give immediate benefits because water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin B and Vitamin C) are lost through body fluids [urine] and excessive oil-soluble vitamins can be harmful for metabolism. Regular supply through fruits and leafy vegetables is enough to maintain a balance,' he said. Ms. Gadre explained how eating one food may not immediately impact our health. 'Take Vitamin C as an example (from oranges). It is water-soluble, so it is absorbed in the small intestine and carried in the blood. Your body takes only what it needs. The rest is excreted in urine. No amount of oranges can force your skin to glow instantly. Glow comes from a combination of hydration, healthy fats, protein and antioxidants, not just one vitamin. Also, absorption depends on gut health, the presence of other nutrients, and overall balance.' 'So yes, eat your oranges. But also eat your dal, rice, ghee, sabzi, nuts - glow comes from nourishment, not gimmicks.' Food as a cure What many struggle to understand or often misunderstand, is whether food can cure diseases or medical conditions. Krish Ashok, author of the book Masala Lab explained 'good food provides ingredients for the body's immune system to function at its best (genetically determined) capacity. But beyond that, food cannot act like medicine.' It is the same with seeds, spices and water. According to Ms. Gadre, kitchen ingredients such as carom seeds or fennel seeds (ajwain, dalchini, jeera, saunf) are great in culinary doses and have traditional digestive benefits. When asked if they could help lose weight, she said, 'To expect them to cure obesity or diabetes is taking it too far. Superfoods don't undo overeating or inactivity. Weight loss and metabolic health require exercise, stress and sleep management and calorie balance.' Commenting on daily water requirements, she said, 'Hydration is vital, but that 8-glass rule is generic. Overhydration can lead to electrolyte imbalance. A good rule of thumb: drink when you're thirsty, sip more in hot weather or after workouts, and observe your urine color - pale yellow is ideal. Water doesn't flush toxins.' The internet's latest obsession A simple keyword search - 'how to lose weight' unwraps a whole lot. Search results lead to multiple videos explaining how to lose weight with the help of 'natural ozempic'. These videos say that a concoction of vegetables such as cucumber, celery, and bitter gourd constitute 'Nature's Ozempic' and claim that this can lower blood sugar and melt fat. Ozempic is an antidiabetic and anti-obesity medicine which is prescribed under medical supervision for weight management. There are multiple videos promoting juices of certain vegetables and drinking these on empty stomach for weight loss. Ms. Gadre, commenting on this trend, explained: 'There is no clinical evidence supporting these drinks for sustainable weight loss. Moreover, Ozempic is a prescription GLP-1 drug used for type 2 diabetes under strict medical supervision. You can't DIY that with karela [bitter gourd].' She further warned that 'Overconsumption of raw vegetable juices can cause bloating, nutrient imbalances, risk of kidney stones and even blood sugar dips if not combined with meals.' Hazards of social media-related nutritional information While social media promotes certain foods, it also creates fear around a few food products. This makes understanding what to eat and what not more complex. Both sugar and carbohydrates have earned a bad reputation on social media. And while too much of either can be detrimental, many take extreme measures to curb it from their diets. The Mayo Clinic prescribes: 'people need at least 130 grams of carbohydrates every day to meet the body's energy needs.' A Johns Hopkins blog post on sugar explains, 'Our bodies run on sugar. Removing natural sources of sugar and other carbohydrates from your diet — fruits, dairy products and grains — is not a healthy choice'. Diets that cut out all carbohydrates and sugars, such as the ketogenic diet, can be harmful to your health, it says. Ms. Gadre added: 'Social media thrives on black-and-white thinking. Nutrition science is all about context, dose, and individuality. Is sugar 'bad'? It depends. A spoonful in your chai is vastly different from drinking a litre of soda. The diet that worked for a 22-year-old actor in Bollywood is unlikely to be the right fit for a 45-year-old working mother in Delhi. Genetics, gut microbiome, lifestyle, stress levels, and cultural background all determine what works for you.' The nuances of nutrition science When it comes to a nuanced understanding of nutrition science, randomised controlled trials are the gold standard to understand how and why certain foods get easily absorbed by the body. But a lot of claims are based on observations and observational studies, and therefore can or cannot be applied to everyone. A study by the American Diabetes Association explores what makes nutrition research so difficult to conduct and interpret. It states: 'observational studies have been used to track dietary intake in large numbers of participants and can be used to track such data over many years. Observational studies are not carefully controlled like clinical trials, so their results may be less reliable.' So how do younavigate nutritional misinformation? Here are some tips that may help: Follow verified accounts and check the credibility of the person posting the video. Do not follow anything online blindly. Always verify - cross check, read and use multiple sources. Beware of fad diets, easy solutions and seemingly magical remedies. If in doubt, or if you have an existing medical condition, always consult your doctor before starting or stopping anything (Nabeela Khan is is a Delhi-based health and science journalist. nabeelainayati@
