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by Neville Perera, Assistant Medical Officer

Once a teacher asked her pupils, "What is the longest word you know?" A smart student replied, "Madam, the word is smiles." Why do you say so?" asked the teacher. The student replied, "Because there is a MILE between the two S's S-M-I-L-E-S. Yes, a smile goes a long way.Although it lasts only a moment, the power and the memory will stay with you all your life. Its value is immense.

A smile is produced by a muscular contraction in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upwards expressing satisfaction.

Even a baby, a few months after birth, smiles. This delights the proud new parents. Even to us adults, this reflex smile may still occur after a delicious meal or while we are listening to music.

A baby after a few months, smiles in response to a face or voice. This cheers up not only the parents but also the entire family. I get a lot of satisfaction when I visit a grandchild of mine who is only six months of age.

Smiling has a positive influence on everyones physical health. A sincere smile communicates our feelings without the need for words. It may be a smile of greeting, of sympathy or of encouragement. Yes, by this simple gesture, we can benefit ourselves and others. Why not make this most valuable gift - a warm smile ?

There are many sayings about smiles. Here are a few.

Spread the slow smile through all company. - Lord Tennyson

Everytime a man smiles, he adds something to his fragment of life - Hippocrates.

Softly speak and sweetly smile. - Addison

Begin, little boy, to recognise your mother by a smile. - Virgil

Keep smiling, ever smiling,

Every cloud has a silver lining. - Traditional saying.

A smile is a wonderful gift we can give by standing faithfully with a friend in need.

A smile helps a true friend to keep going when he may feel like giving up. In a smile there is incredible encouragement and power when two people are allied in life.

I shall end this article by quoting the words of a song which we heard during World War Two.

Pack up your troubles in the old kit bag
And smile, smile, smile.
While you've a Lucifer to light your fag
Smile boys, that's the style.
What's the use of worrying ?
It never was worthwhile,
So ! pack up your troubles in the old kit bag,
And smile, smile, smile.

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