New research by AIR Group, a leading shisha molasses producer and owner of the Al Fakher brand, reveals that shisha is the highest-margin item for cafes, bars, and restaurants across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.

Recent interviews with hospitality owners in Nigeria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, and the U.S. indicate that around 80% of these establishments rely on shisha as a top revenue driver, with profit margins reaching up to 95%, compared to just 5% on food.

“Shisha is one of the most equitable consumer goods worldwide,” noted Ronan Barry, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of AIR Group, who stressed that much of shisha’s value goes directly to local businesses. “The lion’s share of revenue benefits the small establishments that serve the experience.”

For many of these venues, shisha is essential for survival, with nearly half of respondents in Africa and other regions indicating they would struggle without it. Garth Beer, who manages a shisha catering business that services dozens of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, explained, “In some cases, it’s ‘come for the shisha, stay for the food,’ while in others, it’s ‘come for the food, stay for shisha.’ That after-dinner shisha can make a table profitable.”

Despite shisha’s popularity, safety concerns with traditional charcoal shisha limit its availability in certain venues. AIR Group’s latest charcoal-free, pod-based system, OOKA, addresses these issues and has already been adopted by nearly 250 establishments across regions, including Africa. In Nigeria and beyond, this innovation is helping more small businesses offer shisha to customers safely and with fewer regulatory challenges.

Mario, manager of a premium nightclub in Dubai, noted, “We initially excluded shisha due to smoke and fire concerns, but with OOKA, we’ve had incredible customer feedback—it’s setting us up for a record season.”

The Lagos State government has revealed that there are about 8.67 million residents of the state living with hypertension.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this on Friday at a press briefing to announce a state-wide public health campaign on hypertension and diabetes with the theme ‘Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers’.

The commissioner added that there are also 3.48 million residents living with obesity, while another 1.73 million live with diabetes.

He disclosed that the state government would be providing free check-ups and tests for hypertension and diabetes from October 28 to November 3, 2024.

According to him, within this one week, the state government hopes to test and screen 800,000 residents for free.

He said, “We may even get more than 800,000 people who would have been tested at the end of the week.”

He said that the free check-ups and tests would be available in all state government-owned hospitals, the over 300 Primary Healthcare Centres, and general hospitals.

Abayomi further said that it is important to do regular check-ups because the symptoms of hypertension and diabetes show up when it is serious or late, with dire consequences for the patient.

The commissioner stated that it is important for every resident to do regular check-ups and tests because hypertension and diabetes do not only kill; they damage a person through stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections. Yet, many people overlook this crucial habit, putting themselves and others at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of hand washing, its benefits, and provide tips on proper hand washing techniques.

Why Hand Washing is Important

1. Prevents the Spread of Infections: Hand washing removes germs, viruses, and bacteria that cause illnesses like the flu, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
2. Saves Lives: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand washing can reduce diarrheal diseases by 47% and respiratory infections by 16%.
3. Protects Vulnerable Populations: Hand washing is especially crucial for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
4. Reduces Antibiotic Resistance: By preventing infections, hand washing helps reduce the need for antibiotics, slowing antibiotic resistance.

When to Wash Your Hands

1. After Using the Bathroom
2. Before Eating
3. After Coughing, Sneezing, or Blowing Your Nose
4. After Touching Animals or Their Waste
5. After Being in Contact with Someone Who’s Sick
6. After Handling Garbage or Chemicals
7. Before and After Preparing Food

Proper Hand Washing Technique

1. Wet Hands with Warm Water
2. Apply Soap
3. Rub Hands Together for 20 Seconds
4. Scrub All Surfaces (Palms, Backs, Fingers, Wrists)
5. Rinse Thoroughly
6. Dry Hands Completely

Additional Tips

1. Use Soap and Water: Hand sanitizers are effective, but soap and water are best.
2. Wash Hands Frequently: Aim for 8-10 times per day.
3. Teach Children: Instill good hand washing habits early.
4. Lead by Example: Demonstrate hand washing importance to others.

Hand washing is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing illnesses and saving lives. By incorporating hand washing into your daily routine, you’ll protect yourself, your loved ones, and contribute to a healthier community.

The human brain is a marvel of complexity and sophistication, comprising billions of neurons and trillions of connections. It’s the control center of our body, enabling us to think, learn, move, and experience emotions. In this article, we’ll delve into the brain’s structure, function, and fascinating processes.

Brain Structure

The brain consists of three main parts:

1. Cerebrum: Divided into two hemispheres (left and right), it processes sensory information, controls movement, and manages higher-level thinking.
2. Cerebellum: Coordinates muscle movements, balance, and posture.
3. Brainstem: Connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, regulating basic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Brain Function

The brain’s primary functions include:

1. Sensory Processing: Interpreting sensory information from our environment.
2. Motor Control: Coordinating movement and action.
3. Cognition: Processing thoughts, emotions, and memories.
4. Emotion Regulation: Managing emotional responses.

Neurotransmitters and Synapses

Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) transmit signals between neurons through synapses (small gaps). Key neurotransmitters include:

1. Dopamine: Regulates pleasure, reward, and motivation.
2. Serotonin: Influences mood, appetite, and sleep.
3. Acetylcholine: Involved in memory formation and muscle contraction.

Brain Regions and Their Functions

1. Frontal Lobe: Decision-making, problem-solving, and motor control.
2. Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.
3. Temporal Lobe: Plays a key role in memory, language, and auditory processing.
4. Occipital Lobe: Primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Fascinating Brain Facts

1. Brain Plasticity: The brain adapts and changes throughout life.
2. Neurogenesis: New neurons are born in certain brain regions.
3. Brain Wave Patterns: Different states (alpha, beta, theta, delta) reflect varying levels of consciousness.

The human brain is an intricate, awe-inspiring organ. Understanding its structure, function, and processes can provide valuable insights into our behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Continued research and exploration will unravel more secrets of the brain, shedding light on the mysteries of human consciousness.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and fatigue can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. A visit to the spa offers a tranquil escape, providing numerous benefits that extend far beyond relaxation. From rejuvenating skin treatments to holistic healing practices, spa therapy is essential for maintaining overall health and happiness.

Physical Benefits

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Massage therapy and meditation calm the mind and body.
2. Improves Sleep Quality: Relaxation techniques and aromatherapy promote deeper sleep.
3. Boosts Immune System: Detoxifying treatments and sauna sessions strengthen immunity.
4. Enhances Skin Health: Facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion promote radiant skin.
5. Eases Muscle Tension: Massage, reflexology, and hydrotherapy alleviate pain.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

1. Reduces Stress and Burnout: Mindfulness practices and meditation calm the mind.
2. Improves Mood: Endorphin-releasing treatments like massage and sauna boost happiness.
3. Increases Self-Awareness: Holistic therapies like Reiki and energy healing promote introspection.
4. Enhances Creativity: Relaxation and meditation stimulate imagination.
5. Fosters Connection: Couples and group spa treatments nurture relationships.

Types of Spa Treatments

1. Massage Therapy (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone)
2. Facials (Customized, Anti-Aging, Brightening)
3. Body Treatments (Wraps, Scrubs, Polishes)
4. Hydrotherapy (Aqua Massage, Jetted Tub)
5. Energy Healing (Reiki, Chakra Balancing)
6. Mindfulness and Meditation
7. Aromatherapy

Tips for Maximizing Your Spa Experience

1. Communicate with your therapist about needs and preferences.
2. Arrive early to relax and unwind.
3. Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
4. Consider package deals and membership programs.
5. Schedule regular visits for optimal benefits.

A visit to the spa is more than just a luxury – it’s an investment in your well-being. By incorporating spa therapy into your self-care routine, you’ll experience profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Treat yourself to blissful relaxation and rejuvenation; your body and mind will thank you.

Governor Peter Mbah has recruited no fewer than 2,200 primary healthcare workers in Enugu State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dan Nwomeh disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Nwomeh added that the federal government (FG) has commended the transformation of primary healthcare in Enugu State by the administration of Mbah.

He said the FG also praised the state for being well ahead in repositioning that layer of the healthcare system.

The commendation was given at the weekend by the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina during a working visit to Mbah at the Government House, Enugu.

“Enugu people are happy with you. The Federal Government is happy with you too for a number of reasons. When we came up, we said we want to revitalise our primary healthcare centres across the country,” Aina said.

“You got ahead of us. The news we are getting is extremely encouraging and that is one of the reasons why this is the first stop. This is my first visit to any state.

“You have gone ahead of us to commence the construction of 260 new health facilities. That is no mean feat. You have not just talked about it, you have actually completed some.

“You have awarded contracts for all. It is indeed a great honour and privilege to be here today given all of these strides.

“Beyond what I have just said, you have also focused on health workers, which is another big thing. You know that there is a shortage of health workers in the health sector broadly, but also in the primary healthcare system specifically. You are recruiting health workers of different cadres. You should be congratulated for this.

“We are also aware and we want to thank you because you are one governor, who is prompt to his counterpart-funding responsibility when there is funding needed for health activities and for health campaigns. I have never had to call you to plead to release funding,” he stated.

Dr. Aina said given the strides, the FG was going to support the state with N254m to help revitialise existing facilities to complement the new ones being constructed by the Governor Mbah Administration.

“Encouraged by all of these strides you are making, I would like to also tell you that Enugu State will benefit from the ongoing revitalisation of PHCs. We have completed the assessment of 253 facilities here and from what we found, there are quite a bit of gaps and we also stepped up.

“About 162 of them have the number of skilled birth attendants that you need to fully operate. Also, some of them need staff accommodation. We are going to support you.

“The sum of N254million has already been earmarked as part of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund that you will use to revitalise some of these facilities. We have over twenty that we will also be revitalising for the state to support your efforts.”

He added that the agency was ready to collaborate with the state in the area of training of manpower and replacement of obsolete cold chain infrastructure, among others.

Responding, Governor Mbah welcomed the support, noting that FG’s effort to reposition the education system was in sync with his administration’s priorities.

“We identified primary healthcare as one of those critical subsectors that we need to address. When we went out there to campaign in our various communities, there was hardly anyone that did not raise the issue of access to healthcare facility.

“We saw that with the state of the infrastructure we have and we are working on improving them. But we also saw the need to build brand new facilities. We are doing 260 Level 2 PHCs.

“But we are also more intrested in the equipment or facilities. In each Type 2 PHC we are doing currently also has a staff quarters to ensure a round the clock access to healthcare in these villages and rural areas. It was critical to us.

“But we know that 260 will not cut it for us. So, that is why the announcement you made here about the FG working with us to revamp some of the existing PHCs that may be reviveable excites us so much.”