Tips for Coping with Depression

Tips for Coping with Depression

What is Depression?
Anyone can feel down from time to time or experience bouts of emotional grief or sadness due to some unexpected life event. For instance, they grieve when someone dies, or feel the sadness and loss when a close relationship ends, or even lose a job.

All these feelings are normal and are part of the ups-and-downs of life. But clinical depression is more than just the blues, more than the expected grief after any loss, and most certainly more than a bad couple of days.

Depression is a deep and dark state, a black hole that may seem impossible to emerge from, and a serious medical condition involving a delicate balance of brain chemicals. Unlike a bad mood that you can simply snap out of, depression can severely disrupt the ability to function properly and can extend through every aspect of your life with serious consequences.

Signs of depression may include feeling somewhat flat, tired and unmotivated. As it progresses a person with depression may no longer want to participate in social activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed.

Eventually individuals with depression may even lose the drive to work altogether, their relationships become strained and they push people away and become unreachable, and the will to live a happy, productive life slowly fades.

Although the future for someone suffering with depression may look bleak, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - depression is treatable and those suffering can live a happy, normal life. 

Signs of depression

• Weight loss or weight gain 
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia) 
• Difficulty thinking and concentrating 
• Difficulty making decisions 
• Fatigue or loss of energy 
• Feeling physically slow, agitated, or restless to the degree that others begin to notice 
• Physical complaints such as headaches, joint pains and stomach aches 
• Low self-esteem, feeling worthless or excessively guilty 
• Low libido or diminished interest in sex 
• Suicidal thoughts, or continuous thoughts of death and self-harm

Tips for Coping with Depression
1. Regular exercise! Even if only for 30 min at a time, three days a week, a good workout will increase happiness inducing endorphins while burning the stress hormone cortisol which is associated with depression. If you do not feel motivated, or dislike exercising at first, keep going for long enough and you will definitely begin to see benefits within 3 - 6 weeks.

2. Talk it out. Talk to someone you trust, a close friend or a licensed counselor and try and come up with a plan of action. Often it is the first steps to recovery that are the most difficult, so try not to do it alone.

3. Eat a healthy diet. A poor diet depletes energy levels and a deficiency in certain nutrients (e.g. iron) can result in fatigue and feelings of depression.

4. Ensure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs, and explore serotonin uplifting foods such as oats, turkey, milk, pasta and other carbohydrate-rich foods.

5. Set realistic goals and responsibilities. It is important to have a plan of action and to start taking responsibility for the future, but know your limits and set your goals within reason. Small steps taken consistently are better than big steps which cause you to bomb out.

6. Prioritize and learn to say no. Avoid unnecessary stress by doing what needs to be done first and learn to look after your own needs. Be careful not to allow others to overload you with their responsibilities.

7. Make a conscious effort to stop negative thoughts. Try and change these thoughts into neutral thoughts and do not indulge in pessimism. Remember that this will take time, and may be difficult at first, but it can also be life-changing. Psychotherapy can be very helpful in this regard.

8. Take action! While your symptoms of depression may make you feel like crawling into bed or existing in your pajamas and slippers all day, make a decision everyday to get up, get dressed and do something. Simply cleaning your room, going for a scenic drive or doing something creative can be uplifting and help break a bad cycle.

9. Turn to nature. One of the best ways to re-energize and uplift your spirit is to get in touch with nature. Go for a walk in the forest, a picnic in the park or a simply sit on the beach and watch a sunset.

10. Let others help you. Don’t turn down a helping hand or a comforting hug. When depression hits, you may feel like pushing people away, but this is the time you need love and affection the most. Pets are also a great source of love and comfort!

11. Help others. One often feels a loss of purpose when depressed, so regain a positive purpose by helping others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or help out at an organization that could benefit from your time and skills.

12. Make a change. Change is often very invigorating and refreshing. Aim to change your life-style to a healthier one, change your negative attitude towards life, and change your job if you know that your current work makes you miserable. It need not even be a drastic change. Simply re-arranging furniture or giving a touch of paint to a dull room can go a long way to uplifting your mood - better yet, it will keep you busy.

13. Read all about it. There are many books which are very helpful in learning how to manage depression. These include books written by experts in the field - as well as books published by ordinary people with a useful or uplifting contribution to share.


Research what is best for you. If you have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make changes without first discussing them with your doctor in order that your condition may be monitored. Well informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for their own health. 

Coping With Panic Attacks

Coping With Panic Attacks 

To find out how to cure panic attacks, you must first understand what it is. Panic attacks are situation you find yourself in where you suddenly become fearful and that leaves you in a state where you have anxiety. Many sufferers have often described it as if you are experiencing a feeling as if your heart disappeared. It could easily leave you in quite an embarrassing situation. Fortunately there is a way to deal with this, so continue reading and learn more about how to cure panic disorders for ever.

Here are some simple ways to cope up with panic attacks.

A). Know the Physical Symptoms of a Panic Attack 

1. Palpitations/racing heart
2. Trembling or shaking
3. Weak knees
4 . Dizziness, unsteadiness, faintness
5. Chest pain or discomfort
6. Numbness or tingling sensation (pins and needles)
7. Nausea, upset stomach, abdominal distress
8. Muscle pains
9. Breathlessness
10. Feeling of unreality
11. Weak bladder
12. Visual disturbances
13. Tension
14. Dry mouth and throat
15. Sweating
16. Shortness of breath of smothering sensation
17. Choking
18. Disorientation
19. Hot flashes, cold chills
20. Fear of disease or of dying
21. Fear of going crazy or losing control

B). Getting Yourself through an Attack 

1. Breathe slowly and deeply.
2. Don't worry what other people are thinking. In general, people can't tell by looking at you that you are having a panic attack.
3. Tell yourself nothing serious will happen to you.
4. Let the attack peak and pass. Do not fight the attack.
5. Take any prescribe PRNs.
6. Relax
7. Think positively. Positive self talk.
8. Listen to music.
9. Focus on external things, i.e. the different colors in the room or the cars passing by.
10. Talking with someone.
11. Getting fresh air.
12. Eating or drinking something.
13. Changing scenery.
14. Moving around.
15. Watch light TV/Movie
16. Cuddle a teddy, blanket, or pillow
17. Avoid crowds
18. Drawing, painting, crafting, etc.
19. Use a cold washcloth.
20. Look at comforting pictures.
21. Quiet your inner critic.
22. Put on a comforting scent (body lotion or perfume).
23. Have a cool or hot drink.
24. Spend time with pets.

C). Things to do on a Regular Basis 

1. Exercise to help burn off excessive adrenaline.
2. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
3. Eat regular meals and avoid processed foods and drinks, to keep blood sugar levels stable.
4. Don't bottle up your emotions. Find someone to confide in.
5. Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
6. Reduce your exposure to unnecessary stress.
7. Join a self-help group.
8. Carry a cell phone for when you need to call people
9. Don't focus on the people around you when out, just look in front of you.
10. Read self-help book.
11. Meditate regularly

Man With 24 Fingers - Polydactyliy

Man With 24 Fingers - Polydactyliy

Yoandri Hernandez Garrido, 37, proudly displays his 12 fingers in Baracoa, Guantanamo province, Cuba. His condition, known as polydactyly, is relatively common, but it's rare for extra digits to be so perfect.

Polydactyly or polydactylism (from Ancient Greek πολύς (polus) "many" + δάκτυλος (daktulos) "finger"), also known as hyperdactyly, is a congenital physical anomaly in humans, dogs, and cats having supernumerary fingers or toes. Polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly (fewer fingers or toes).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydactyly

Enhance beauty with the mudpack

Enhance beauty with the mudpack

The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of mud packs of moistened earth in the treatment of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils and wounds. Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of diseases relating to general weakness or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diphtheria, neuralgia, sexual disorders,headache, toothache and general aches and pains. This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies.

The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter. A mud pack is prepared with clay obtained from about ten cm below the surface of the earth, after ensuring that it does not contain any impurities such as compost or pebbles. The clay is then made into a smooth paste with warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a strip of cloth, the size of which may vary according to requirements. The dimensions of the pack  meant for application on the abdomen are generally 20 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm for adults. The mud bandage, after being placed on the body, should be covered with flannel or other protective material. The pack is applied for 10 to 30 minutes.

Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago.Alternate application helps to relieve discomfort caused by flatulence and intestinal obstructions.
It is also helpful in amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis and other inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.

Famous People Diagnosed with MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Famous People Diagnosed with MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that produces weakness and abnormally rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles. MG is considered to be an autoimmune disease because in this disorder the immune system attacks the body.

It is very rare, occuring in only about one out of every 1 to 10 million people, and can easily be mistaken for other diseases that affect nerves in muscles. It is very much an "equal opportunity" disease and has the same incidence in either sex, all ethnic groups, and all age groups.

#1. Amitabh Bachchan  (October 11, 1942 - )
Brief Bio:  Star of Millennium (voted on BBC), he first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Bollywood cinema and is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis currently in remission
Source:  http://www.iloveindia.com/bollywood/actors/amitabh-bachchan.html 

#2. Aristotle Onassis  (January 20, 1906 – March 15, 1975)

Brief Bio:  He was a prominent Greek shipping magnate and business tycoon as well as the second husband of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com/dead.nsf/onames-nf/Onassis+Aristotle

#3. Augustus Pablo (June 21, 1953 – May 18, 1999)

Brief Bio: A popular reggae musician whose original name was Horace Swaby, he was known for what he called the "Far East sound": haunting, minor-key tunes with sparse lines for melodica. He helped define the Dub Reggae style.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis.
Cause of Death:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.myspace.com/officialaugustuspablo 

#4. Brandon Cox (October 31, 1983 - ) 
Brief Bio:  Starting Auburn Quarterback from 2005 through to 2007 who finished with a record of 29-9.  He set a state record with a career completion rate of 68.7% throwing for a total of 5,417 yards.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3645300 

#5. Christopher Robin Milne (August 21, 1920 – April 20, 1996)  
Brief Bio:  As the son of author A.A. Milne, the author of Winnie The Pooh, Christopher Robin Milne found success as an author as well once both his parents had passed on.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Natural Causes
Source:  http://www.poohcorner.com/Christopher-Robin-Milne.html 

#6. Connie Haines (January 20, 1921 – September 22, 2008) 
Brief Bio: American singer who performed up-tempo big band songs with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Frank Sinatra. Haines performed in a number of films, including Duchess of Idaho.
Diagnosis: Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death: Myasthenia Gravis.
Source: http://www.hollywoodmemoir.com/connie-haines

#7. James Carter (May 7, 1978 - ) 
Brief Bio:  James Carter is a world class Olympic champion who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis as a teen and underwent a thymectomy.
Diagnosis: Myasthenia Gravis in remission.
Source: http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=145/bio/index.html

#8. John Spencer (June 18, 1935 - July 16, 2006) 
Brief Bio: Famous snooker player who twice won the world championship in 1969 and 1977. He went on to become a commentator on the BBC and chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.
Diagnosis: Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Cancer
Source:  http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/16/sports/othersports/16spencer.html?_r=1

#9. Karl Malden (March 22, 1912 – July 1, 2009) 
Brief Bio:  Karl Malden was an actor whose career that spanned more than seven decades.  He was featured in classic Marlon Brando films such as “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “On the Waterfront.”  He was best known for his role in the 70s TV series "The Streets of San Francisco."
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death :  Old Age
Source:  http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/karl-malden.s-battle-to-see

#10. Lamar Lundy (April 17, 1935 - February 26, 2007) 
Brief Bio:  Former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker and member of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defense.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Poor health
Source:  http://www.bigten.org/genrel/020208aaa.html

#11. Roger Smith (actor), ( 1956–1977 )
Brief Bio:  American actor famous for his role in "77 Sunset Strip" and as the husband of actress Ann-Margret. Roger Smith suffered from MG from the mid-60s until his MG went into remission in 1985

#12. Sir Lawrence Olivier  (May 22, 1907 – July 11, 1989) 
Brief Bio: Famous actor was a famoius English actor, director, and producer who became one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century along with such contemporaries as John Gielgud and Alec Guinness.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Cancer
Source: http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept37389/files/79690.html

#13. Opchanacanough (unknown – 1644)
Brief Bio:  Opchanacanough was a much-feared warrior and a charismatic leader of the Powhatans of the Algonquin Nation as well as a Tribal Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy.
Speculative Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:   Shot to death (murder or execution)
Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3277598

#14. Sir Peter Wright (November 25, 1926 - ) 
Brief Bio:  Former director of the Royal Birmingham Ballet and currently a Vice-President of the Myasthenia Gravis Association in the U.K.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.brb.org.uk/3215.html

#15. Phil Silvers (May 11, 1911 – November 1, 1985) 
Brief Bio:  He was was an American entertainer and comedic actor. He is best known for starring in 1950s sitcom, The Phil Silvers Show which was set on a U.S. Army post.  He played the role of Sergeant Bilko.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Heart Attack
Source:  http://www.free-press-release.com/news-new-breakthrough-treatment-1252615911.html

#16. Phillips Lord (July 13, 1902 - October 19, 1975) 
Brief Bio:  Phillips Lord was a writer, producer and sometime actor who created Seth Parker's Singing School, Gang Busters, and other celebrated radio shows of the 1930s and 1940s.
Diagnosis: Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death: Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,913650,00.html

#17. Roger Smith  (December 18, 1932 - ) 
Brief Bio:  Roger Smith is a famous actor and the husband of well-loved actress Ann Margaret.  Ann-Margaret is also the chairperson of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Myasthenia Gravis Division.
Diagnosis;  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.ann-margret.com/roger.htm

#18. Stephen Garrett (November 11, 1974 – February 25, 2008) 
Brief Bio:  Hip hop and R&B songwriter who wrote hits for well known hip hop artists Ginuwine, Pretty Ricky, Aaliyah, and Lil Wayne.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://leoweekly.com/news/static-star

#19. Suzanne Rogers (July 9, 1944 - )  
Brief Bio:  Famous soap opera actress from "Days of Our Lives" in the 70s and 80s.  She insisted that the writers have her soap opera character diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis to educate viewers about MG.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis currently in remission
Source:  http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1739-suzanne-rogers

#20. Vijay Tendulka (January 6, 1928 - May 19, 2008)  
Brief Bio: Renowned Indian playwright who wrote "Ghashiram Kotwal"  as well as numerous other plays. With over six thousand performances in its original and translated versions, remains one of the longest-running plays in the history of Indian theater.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Cause of Death:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/amitabh-saddened-at-vijay-tendulkars-death_10050838.html 

#21. Wilma Mankiller (November 18, 1945 - )  
Brief Bio:  First female principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation who was elected in 1987, and re-elected again in 1991 in a landslide victory, collecting 83% of the vote.  She did not run for a third term due to health issues.
Diagnosis:  Myasthenia Gravis
Source:  http://www.biography.com/articles/Wilma-Mankiller-214109 

Enhance Beauty with the Mudpack

Enhance Beauty with the Mudpack

 Mudpack is a paste made of mud that you put on your face to help your skin look better. An example of mudpack is something you put on your face at the spa.

The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of mud packs of moistened earth in the treatment of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils and wounds. Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of diseases relating to general weakness or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diphtheria, neuralgia, sexual disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and pains. This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies. The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.

A mud pack is prepared with clay obtained from about ten cm below the surface of the earth, after ensuring that it does not contain any impurities such as compost or pebbles. The clay is then made into a smooth paste with warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a strip of cloth, the size of which may vary according to requirements. The dimensions of the pack meant for application on the abdomen are generally 20 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm for adults. The mud bandage, after being placed on the body, should be covered with flannel or other protective material. The pack is applied for 10 to 30 minutes. Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago. Alternate application helps to relieve discomfort caused by flatulence and intestinal obstructions. It is also helpful in amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis and other inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.

Famous People with a Cleft

Famous People with a Cleft

This is a list of well known people with a cleft.

Cleft is a congenital deformity caused by a failure in facial development during pregnancy.

Cleft lip and cleft palate, which can also occur together as cleft lip and palate are variations of a type of clefting congenital deformity caused by abnormal facial development during gestation. This type of deformity is sometimes referred to as a cleft.

A Cleft is a sub-division in the body's natural structure, regularly formed before birth. A cleft lip or palate can be successfully treated with surgery soon after birth. The term hare lip is sometimes used colloquially to describe the condition.

Cleft lip is formed in the top of the lip as either a small gap or an indentation in the lip (partial or incomplete cleft) or continues into the nose (complete cleft).

Cleft palate is a condition in which the two plates of the skull that form the hard palate (roof of the mouth) are not completely joined. The soft palate is in these cases cleft as well. In most cases, cleft lip is also present. Cleft palate occurs in about one in 700 live births worldwide.

Cleft lips or palates occur in somewhere between one in 600-800 births. Cleft lip and palate is very treatable, however the kind of treatment depends on the type and severity of the cleft. A cleft palate or cleft lip is nothing to be ashamed of or to fear. Thanks to modern technology cleft palate surgery is safer than ever before and can help a child make a full recovery.

List of Famous People with a Cleft:

Tutankhamun - (1341 BC - 1323 BC) was an Egyptian Pharaoh of the Eighteenth dynasty (ruled 1333 BC - 1324 BC in the conventional chronology), during the period of Egyptian history known as the New Kingdom. Tutankhamun was only eight or nine years old when he became pharaoh, and reigned for approximately ten years, making him eighteen or nineteen years old at death. He was originally thought to be a son of Amenhotep III and his Great Royal Wife Queen Tiye. Later, further research claimed that he may have been a son of Amenhotep III, although not by Queen Tiye, since Tiye would have been more than fifty years old at the time of Tutankhamun's birth. The 1922 discovery by Howard Carter of Tutankhamun's intact tomb, KV62, received worldwide press coverage and sparked a renewed public interest in ancient Egypt, for which Tutankhamun's burial mask remains the popular face. According to diagnostic imaging Tutankhamun the Egyptian Pharaoh may have had a slightly cleft palate.

Cheech Marin - Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin (born July 13, 1946) is an American comedian and actor who gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech and Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Don Johnson's quick-and-scheme partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges. His stage persona is that of a stereotypical Mexican American, or an uneducated urban Chicano. Marin was born with a cleft lip, which has long since been repaired. He speaks fluent Spanish and uses it in some of the movies he stars in. Marin's trademark is his character's Mexican-accented voice.

     

Doc Holliday - Dentist, gambler and gunfighter of the American Old West frontier. "Doc" Holliday was born in Griffin, Georgia, to Henry Burroughs Holliday and Alice Jane Holliday (nee McKey). His father served in both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. At birth he had a cleft palate and partly cleft lip. At two months of age, this defect was repaired surgically by Holliday's uncle, J.S. Holliday, M.D., and a family cousin, the famous physician Crawford Long. The repair left no speech impediment though speech therapy was needed, which was conducted by his mother. However, the repair is visible in Holliday's upper lip line in the one authentic adult portrait-photograph which survives, taken on the occasion of his graduation from dental school.

     

Rita MacNeil - born May 28, 1944) is a Canadian country and folk singer from the community of Big Pond on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. Her biggest hit, "Flying On Your Own", was a crossover Top 40 hit in 1987 and was covered by Anne Murray the following year, although she has had hits on the country charts throughout her career. In the United Kingdom, MacNeil's song "Working Man" was a #11 smash in 1990. Rita grew up in Big Pond, Cape Breton with three brothers and four sisters. Often chaotic, her youth included the physical and psychological trauma of surgery for a cleft palate.

Wendy Harmer - Australian comedian The comedian, author and former radio star says she has always felt older than her real age, perhaps because of the responsibility thrust upon her as the eldest of four children, after her parents split up when she was 10. Or perhaps it was the toughness and maturity needed to cope with a double cleft lip and palate, enduring stares and bullying in the country Victorian town she grew up in. The birth defect was not fixed until she was 15 and required her mouth to be sewn together for three months.

Peyton Manning - Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He is widely regarded as one of the best active quarterbacks in the NFL. He previously played college football for Tennessee. Manning was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the older brother of current New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Tad Lincoln - Thomas "Tad" Lincoln (April 4, 1853 - July 15, 1871) was the fourth and youngest son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Tad was born with a cleft palate. (A cleft palate is a large hole in the roof of the mouth) Surgical intervention to correct the situation was unheard of in the 1850's when he was born. This cleft presented many problems. Among others, it was the cause of a speech impediment in the form of a lisp in Tad's voice. This same cleft caused diet problems and it made it impossible for his teeth to grow straight which, in turn, made it difficult to chew. As a result, Tad's diet consisted of items he did not have to bite into or chew very much.

Thomas Malthus -  Thomas Robert Malthus (13 February 1766 - 23 December 1834) Malthus developed a theory of demand-supply mismatches which he called gluts. Considered ridiculous at the time, his theory foreshadowed later theories about the Great Depression, and the works of admirer and economist John Maynard Keynes. Malthus refused to have his portrait painted until 1833 because of embarrassment over a cleft lip. After surgical correction, Malthus then became considered "handsome." Malthus also had a cleft palate (inside his mouth) that affected his speech. These cleft-related birth defects occurred relatively commonly in his family.

Carmit Bachar - (born September 4, 1974) is an American dancer, singer and actress. She was a member of the successful pop/R&B group, the Pussycat Dolls and was one of the three main vocalists of the Pussycat Dolls, next to Melody Thornton and Nicole Scherzinger. Bachar departed the group in March of 2008. Bachar has also appeared in several films, including 13 Going on 30, Along Came Polly, and 2003's Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle featuring the Pussycat Dolls. It has been reported that she wishes to form a non-profit organization called "Smile With Me": "I want to have my own charity for children and adults who are born with a cleft palate. I was born with one and I want to educate and inspire people by saying that inner beauty is more important than looks." Bachar is an ambassador of "Operation Smile", a worldwide children's medical charity that helps improve the health and lives of children and young adults born with facial deformities.

Jesse Jackson - Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. (born October 8, 1941) is an American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and served as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He was the founder of both entities that merged to form Rainbow/PUSH. Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. is his eldest son.

Richard Hawley - (born Richard Willis Hawley, 17 January 1967, Sheffield, England) is a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. After his first band, Treebound Story (formed while he was still at school), broke up, Hawley found success as a member of Britpop band The Longpigs in the 1990s. He later played with Pulp, led by his friend Jarvis Cocker. Bullied at primary school for the hair lip and cleft palate that distinguished him from his peers, he says he never saw himself as frontman material. "At the same time," he adds, "the music was always there. Always."

Michael Helm - Canadian novelist. Helm was born in Eston, Saskatchewan, and studied literature at the University of Toronto after receiving a degree in English at the University of Saskatchewan. His debut novel, The Projectionist (1997), was nominated for the Giller Prize and the Trillium Book Award. His second novel, In the Place of Last Things (2004) was a finalist for the regional Commonwealth Prize for Best Book and the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Helm has also been an editor of the Canadian literary journals Descant and Brick.

Jurgen Habermas - (born June 18, 1929) is a German philosopher and sociologist in the tradition of critical theory and American pragmatism. He is best known for his work on the concept of the public sphere, which he has based in his theory of communicative action. His work has focused on the foundations of social theory and epistemology, the analysis of advanced capitalistic societies and democracy, the rule of law in a critical social-evolutionary context, and contemporary politics, particularly German politics. A cleft palate gives a slightly asymmetric feel to Habermas' square, strong face and has left him with a minor speech impediment. Might this be behind his reluctance to appear before the cameras? "The pragmatic reason why I refuse these requests is that I have to protect the time and rest (I need) for my professional work," he notes. Then Habermas adds, "Maybe there are also reasons of a more personal nature."

Stacy Keach - (born Walter Stacy Keach, Jr. on June 2, 1941 in Savannah, Georgia) is an American actor and narrator. He is most famous for his dramatic roles; however, he has done narration work in educational programming on PBS and the Discovery Channel, as well as some comedy and musical roles. His brother, James Keach is known most notably for being the director of the 1993 TV series and 1999 movie Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. He has been married three times: to Marilyn Aiken in 1975, to Jill Donahue in 1981, and to Malgosia Tomassi around 1986. He has two children from his third marriage. He was also romantically linked to singer Judy Collins in the early 1970s. Keach was born with a cleft lip and a partial cleft of the hard palate and underwent numerous operations as a child. He is the honorary chairman of the Cleft Palate Foundation, and advocates for insurance coverage for such surgeries.

Tim Lott - British author, born on 23 January 1956 in Southall, west London. He graduated from the London School of Economics in 1986, after running his own magazine publishing business. His first book, the semi-autobiographical The Scent of Dried Roses, was published in 1996 and won the J.R.Ackerley Prize for Autobiography. His next work, White City Blue, was published in 1999 and won that year's Whitbread Award for Best First Novel. He was also shortlisted in the 'Best Novel' category of the 2002 Whitbread Awards for his work, Rumours of a Hurricaine. He has since published "The Love Secrets of Don Juan", "The Seymour Tapes" and "Fearless".

Ljubo Milicevic - (born 13 February 1981 in Melbourne) is an Australian football (soccer) player. Millicevic attended secondary school at St Bede's College (Mentone). He began his professional career with Melbourne Knights in Australia playing one game before moving to Perth Glory in 1999, where he played a major role in getting the Western Australian side to its first ever NSL Grand Final in 2000. He then moved to Europe and went on to play for FC Zurich, FC Basel, FC Thun and BSC Young Boys in Switzerland.

Nikki Payne - Canadian comedian and actress, from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is well known for her lisp and sports a cleft lip, holds nothing back when it comes to giving major lip to audiences. Not only is her stand-up exceptionally entertaining, but she delivers it with more flair and pizzazz than almost anyone else in comedy today. She has won three Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Stand-up Newcomer and Best Female Stand-up (2003 & 2005). She is the first stand-up in either the male or female category to win the best stand-up award twice. She is also the first stand-up of either gender to win both a best newcomer and best stand-up award. Nikki Payne has appeared in Last Comic Standing, A main character on "Video On Trial, Buzz, and the NFB documentary The Next Big Thing. She has also appeared in the Canadian sketch comedy show Comedy Inc. (TV series). She is a member of The Sketchersons, a sketch comedy troupe in Toronto, Ontario.

Geoff Plant - QC (born 1956) is a British Columbia lawyer and politician known for his interest in citizen's legal and electoral rights and aboriginal rights. Raised in Vancouver, Plant received a B.A. from Harvard University in 1978 and law degrees from the University of Southampton in England in 1980, Dalhousie University in Halifax in 1981, and from the University of Cambridge in 1989. For a year, Plant was a clerk in the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa prior to being called to the bar in 1982. Plant was counsel in a number of leading aboriginal rights and title cases, including the 1997 landmark case of Delgamuukw v. British Columbia where the Supreme Court of Canada made its most definitive statement on the nature of Aboriginal title in Canada. Plant was born with a cleft palate and has visible results of corrective surgery. The congenital disorder's effect on his speech was not a barrier to his succeeding in law and politics, two careers that require skillful verbal communication.

Lee Raymond - (born August 13, 1938) was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ExxonMobil from 1999 to 2005. He had previously been the CEO of Exxon since 1993. He joined the company in 1963 and has been president since 1987 and a director since 1984. His cleft lip didn't hold him back from life. On August 4, 2005, Raymond announced that he would retire at the end of 2005 as ExxonMobil's Chairman and CEO. ExxonMobil president Rex W. Tillerson succeeded Raymond on 1 January 2006. On April 14, 2006, it was reported that Raymond's retirement package was worth about $400 million, the largest in history for a U.S. public company.

Louis Wain - Louis Wain (5 August 1860 - July 4, 1939) was an English artist best known for his drawings, which consistently featured anthropomorphised large-eyed cats and kittens. In his later years he suffered from schizophrenia, which, according to some psychologists, can be seen in his works. Wain was born with a cleft lip and the doctor gave his parents the orders that he should not be sent to school or taught until he was ten years old. As a youth, he was often truant from school, and spent much of his childhood wandering around London. Following this period, Louis studied at the West London School of Art and eventually became a teacher there for a short period. At the age of 20, Wain was left to support his mother and sisters after his father's death.

Joaquin Rafael Phoenix - (born October 28, 1974), is a film actor, musician, and occasional rapper. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he lived for the first 4 years of his childhood. His family then moved to the continental United States, where he was raised. UPDATED - Joaquin Phoenix was born with what is called a micro cleft, not a birthmark. A micro cleft is the most minor form of a cleft lip. It never had to be repaired thus he believes he doesn't qualify as having a cleft.