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The National President of Moro’a (Asholio) Development Association in Kaduna state Northwest Nigeria, Dr. Joshua Laah, said his people have stemmed the tide of insecurity in the communities by living peacefully with other ethnic nationalities. Dr Laar stated this Saturday when the Asholio people marked their second edition of their cultural day and 2024 thanksgiving in Abuja. He also said Asholio people had witnessed peace for encouraging their citizens, especially, the young ones to imbibe moral values and regard people of other ethnic stock as friends instead of seeing them as enemies. “What we are doing as an association is to encourage mediation, is to encourage people to live together, to be patient. Whatever we have, come from God. You know, the issue of craving for wealth, especially, among the young ones. “But if we can imbibe moral values, culture and live peaceful with everybody, you discover that instead of looking at somebody as an enemy, you look at him as a friend. You discover that through that process, he will give you peace and that is one of the strategies we have adopted, especially, with the Fulanis living in our midst. “And through them we get those that are really bad because in every tribe, we have people that are bad. So we try as much as possible to ensure people volunteer information about bad people and when we get such people, we hand over to the security agencies for proper action”, Dr Laah said. He urged them to invest in human capital development and also commended the people of Asholio nation to be resilient. The Chairman of the Asholio Moro’a Development Association, Mr. Kaboshio Dauda, Abuja Branch, urged the people to come together, and appreciate the need to foster unity among one another. Mr. Dauda said, “we are not merely marking a cultural tradition—we are also recognizing the significance of what it means to be part of something greater than ourselves—a community united by shared values and a common purpose.” He also said that the event “holds a deeper meaning, as we celebrate not just the beauty of our culture but the strength and resilience of our people.” He noted that “As we reflect on the value of unity, we see that it is more than just a word—it is the foundation upon which we build everything else.” He reiterated that “Unity brings us together in times of joy and sorrow, in moments of triumph and in times of challenge. It is through our culture and our unity that we find our identity and strength.” The Chairman of the Occasion Mr. Thaddeus Ibrahim said the Asholio are great and resilient people across the globe. He noted that the indigenous people of Kaduna state “are diligent in everything” they “are do.” Other speakers also admonished the Asholio people and the entire indigenous people of Kaduna state to continue to be good ambassadors wherever they are no matter the challenges. This occasion was marked to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural values of the people which serve as a vital reminder of their unity, peace, and progress that it fosters.
Croatian presidential election heads to 2nd roundUnlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. Recommended Videos For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Mariah Carey's reign as the "Queen of Christmas" continues. The Grammy-award-winning singer's holiday ballad, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," is now the first to have topped Billboard's Hot 100 list for six years in a row. It's the first song to top the Hot 100 in six distinct runs on the chart, according to Billboard . Only one other song, "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, has even led two stays on the chart. Carey has now placed at the top of the Hot 100 for a record-extending 20 years thanks to her holiday song, which was first released in 1994. RELATED STORY | Barbie released a new Mariah Carey doll for the holidays She also holds the record for number of weeks an artist has sat at the top of the Hot 100 chart with 94. Behind her is Rihanna with 60 and The Beatles with 59. In just the first week of December this year, “All I Want For Christmas Is You" drew 38.2 million streams and 24.4 million radio airplay audience impressions, according to data from Luminate. Carey has leaned into her reign as a Christmas queen since her song started to chart again, even attempting to file a trademark for "Queen of Christmas" but was ultimately denied. Each year, as the holiday season starts to peak over the horizon, she releases special videos on her social media saying, "It's time."In an era where health and wellness are at the forefront of global priorities, the industry is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by innovation, ancient wisdom, and a shift toward preventive care. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy now exceeds $4.5 trillion, spurred by advancements in health technologies, nutrition, and natural remedies. Among the pioneers leading this transformation is Dr. G. Shunmuga Raja, a visionary blending ancestral knowledge with modern marketing strategies to revolutionize health and wellness. Dr. G. Shunmuga Raja, an English Literature graduate with a Doctorate in Network Marketing, embarked on a mission to create a disease-free society. With over two decades of intensive research into the ancient texts of Siddhars and ancestral traditions, he unlocked the secrets of a powerful natural source identified by his guru. This discovery became the foundation of his innovative approach to health. “ On December 3, 2020, Dr. Shunmuga Raja launched introducing food supplements, agri-natural products, and napkins that emphasized affordability and efficacy. These products, derived from ancient knowledge, gained rapid traction for their ability to improve health without chemical additives. The company leveraged a direct distribution model, cutting out intermediaries to make high-quality products accessible to the public. This strategy not only ensured affordability but also empowered individuals by enabling them to become distributors. Building on the success of Rightway Global Marketing, Dr. Shunmuga Raja expanded his vision with the establishment of . The new venture aimed to integrate holistic health solutions with financial empowerment. His innovative business model enables individuals to improve their health while gaining financial independence. Consumers can become distributors, building businesses that promote health products while achieving personal financial goals. Dr. Shunmuga Raja’s dual mission—to address health challenges and provide economic opportunities—has positioned Rightway Health International as a transformative force in the global wellness industry. Rightway Health International’s contributions have earned widespread recognition, with accolades such as: by by by by by by the at Oxford University, London These prestigious awards highlight the company’s innovative contributions and its potential for further growth. Dr. Shunmuga Raja envisions making a global leader in health and wellness over the next decade. His strategy includes expanding the reach of health supplements and creating a worldwide community committed to holistic wellness and financial freedom. “The future of wellness lies in combining ancient wisdom with modern science,” says Dr. Shunmuga Raja. “Our mission is to impact global health, alleviate financial struggles, and create the largest health-and-wellness company in the world.” By bridging the gap between ancestral knowledge and contemporary health needs, Dr. Shunmuga Raja is reshaping the wellness industry. His work demonstrates that holistic health solutions can be both effective and accessible, empowering individuals physically and financially.None
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Introducing Hyaluronic Acid, Exosomes, and PDRN SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Maypharm Co., Ltd., a leading innovator in medical and dermo-cosmetic products, proudly introduces the global launch of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome, a groundbreaking hybrid mesotherapy filler designed to redefine skin hydration and revitalization. Maypharm Co., Ltd. is set to revolutionize the aesthetic industry with the introduction of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome. This cutting-edge hybrid filler combines the power of hyaluronic acid, exosomes, and PDRN to maximize skin hydration, elasticity, and regeneration. Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome is a breakthrough in aesthetic innovation, offering unmatched benefits for skin health and rejuvenation. Unlike traditional hydration fillers that focus solely on moisture, Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome elevates skin health standards by leveraging the regenerative potential of exosomes and PDRN. "At Maypharm, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of aesthetic technology to deliver transformative results for our customers," says KWON JONGWOOK, CEO of Maypharm Co., Ltd. "With Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome, we aim to provide a comprehensive solution that not only hydrates the skin but also promotes long-term elasticity and regeneration." Key Features of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome: In comparison to traditional hydration fillers, Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome emerges as the superior choice. While conventional hydration fillers deliver quick moisture, their benefits are often limited to hydration alone, offering minimal regenerative effects. In contrast, Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome not only provides immediate hydration with hyaluronic acid but also promotes long-term skin elasticity and regeneration through the inclusion of exosomes and PDRN. This innovative formulation leads to a significant overall improvement in skin condition, positioning Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome as a revolutionary advancement in aesthetics. With the launch of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome, Maypharm Co., Ltd. continues its commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction in the field of cosmetic medicine and dermo-cosmetic products. Experience the future of medical and aesthetics with Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome and unlock the secret to radiant, youthful-looking skin. Partnership with Beauty Factory: The production of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome is supported by Beauty Factory, a leading Korean medical aesthetics manufacturer renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality. While Maypharm is responsible for the global distribution and commercialization of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome, Beauty Factory's advanced manufacturing capabilities ensure that this product meets the highest industry standards. Beauty Factory operates state-of-the-art facilities that comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. With their proprietary HALO manufacturing technology, developed through partnerships with prestigious academic institutions like KINS Lab at Seoul National University and the Biomaterial Synthesis Lab at Sookmyung University, Beauty Factory maintains its leadership in medical aesthetics. Their collaborations with renowned global R&D partners in Poland and Germany further enhance the scientific and technological advancements that support the creation of Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome. Quality Control at Beauty Factory: Beauty Factory's rigorous quality control process ensures that every product, including Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome, meets the highest standards for safety and efficacy. With a 7-step quality control (QC) system in place, Beauty Factory guarantees that all products undergo meticulous testing to ensure consistent and reliable performance across all applications. Maypharm, in collaboration with Beauty Factory, is excited to introduce a product that combines cutting-edge technology and advanced formulation to not only provide immediate skin hydration but also support long-term skin health and rejuvenation, establishing a new standard in the aesthetic industry. For more information about Hyalmass Aqua-Exosome and other products from Maypharm Co., Ltd., please visit www.maypharm.net or contact [email protected] . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587984/Hyalmass_Aqua_Exosome.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587985/Hyalmass_Aqua_Exosome_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587986/Beauty_Factory.jpgTECH TALK: Emergent and limitless quantum computing
Uruguay's voters choose their next president in a close runoff with low stakes but much suspenseThe Minnesota Vikings are now going to be playing on national television when they face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. It's going to be a huge game, as a win for the Vikings will result in their week 18 game against the Detroit Lions being for the division and the top seed in the NFC . After their 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in week 16, the Vikings continue to control their own destiny. Two more wins will seal the deal. Even if they don't win out, the Vikings will at minimum be in the playoffs, as they clinched a playoff spot already. Kevin O'Connell gives multiple injury updates, including Harrison Smith Going into the game against the Packers, there are numerous injuries the Vikings are facing on defense. One of those is Harrison Smith, who missed his first game in two years on Sunday. O'Connell sounded very optimistic about Smith's availability for Sunday's border battle. "Harrison Smith, as I kind of said yesterday, truly was kind of a game-time feel to that. So to get the victory, and also make sure we gave him a day he should be able to progress through the week and be available for us." Jalen Redmond The young upstart defensive tackle has impressed across multiple games this season. He's played so well that the Vikings ended up starting him over Jerry Tillery and made two starts before ending up suffering a concussion against the Chicago Bears in the final minutes. He missed Sunday's game due to being in the concussion protocol after there being hope he would be ready to go against the Seahawks. "Jalen Redmond is doing well in the protocol," said O'Connell. "(He's) entering kind of the next phases of that, and hope to work him back in throughout the week." Ivan Pace Jr. Arguably the biggest one on this list is Pace, who is now eligible to be activated from injured reserve after missing four games. "We will open up Ivan paces window to begin practicing. Very excited about that. We'll see how he progresses, and coming off of a hamstring, you just, you never quite know. So I don't want to be absolute, but the plan is, as of right now, to open his window, get him some work, and then hopefully have him available." Fabian Moreau Moreau is one of those unsung heroes on the defense. He's been more than solid whenever he's entered the game for the Vikings and they could use more cornerback depth, as Dwight McGlothern might not be ready for a sincere workload. Moreau missed last week with a hip injury and he might be able to go on Sunday against the Packers. With their multiple threats on the outside, they could use Moreau. "Fabian Moreau is really the one that you know will be a progression throughout the week, to see if he can be available for us." This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione’s arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Related Story: Mangione’s Family and Upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather’s obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Related Story: Mangione’s Education and Work History Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Related Story: Time in Hawaii and Reports of Back Pain From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone’s lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police Report a Darker Turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said.