Airline operators say the current fare hike in air travel globally would outlive the coming festivities.

Admitting that the increase was not arbitrary, the operators noted that a surplus in demand that typically follows celebrations and prevailing shortage of fleet would naturally raise the price.

They expressed concern that there would not be corresponding airlines to address the traffic, as more than half of the regular fleet are either due for maintenance or stuck overseas on account of paucity of funds.

According to travel experts, the resultant effect would be more stress for flyers, as many might opt for the journey by road.

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said the local economy could only grow when people move around.

International Air Transport Association Director-General, Alexandre de Juniac, called on governments to include market stimulation measures in their bailouts to keep aviation financially viable.

A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba Delta State has ruled that it’s illegal for banks to charge depositors N50 stamp duty.

The ruling delivered on December 9 puts an end to the controversial policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earlier. The presiding Judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said in the verdict that the CBN and all banks should immediately stop further collections of stamp duty fees from Nigerians because the Stamp Duties Act does not have provision for such taxes.

“… there was no express provision in the Stamp Duties Act or any law authorizing the deduction or imposing any obligation to deduct and remit N50 as stamp duty on teller deposits or electronic transfers of monies from N1,000 (one thousand naira upwards and accordingly nullified same, the conduct of the 1st and 2nd defendants in continuing to impose, direct the imposition, receive and or charge, deduct or remit the said sum of N50 as stamp duty on teller deposits or electronic transfers of money transactions from N1,000 upwards from the account of the plaintiff domiciled with the 2nd defendant is wrong in law, dismissive and contemptuous of the lawful orders of superior courts of competent jurisdiction, condemnable, null and void and of no effect,” the court’s judgment said.

A Nigerian businessman, Rupert Irikefe had, last year, filed a suit against the CBN, Attorney-General of the Federation and Zenith Bank, challenging the decision to impose N50 stamp duty charge on depositors.

Following CBN’s directive, Nigerian banks have been charging N50 on transactions above N1,000, a development that was seen as exploitation by depositors.

The court awarded Irikefe N50,000,000 in damages for the inconveniences and pains caused by the unlawful and arbitrary imposition of the N50 stamp duty on his account.

Experts over the years have helped individuals understand why the foods people ate led to longer lives. Also distilled are 150 dietary surveys of centenarians, or those who live to 100 or longer, to reveal the secrets of a strong longevity regimen.

These nine simple guidelines reflect what foods (and how of much of it) Blue Zone residents eat to stay healthy:

1. Ensure that your diet is 90% to 100% plant-based.

Centenarians eat an impressive variety of garden vegetables and leafy greens (especially spinach, kale, beet and turnip tops, chard and collards) when they are in season.

During the off-season, they pickle or dry the surplus. Beans, greens, sweet potatoes, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds dominate Blue Zone meals all year long.

Olive oil is also a staple. Evidence shows that olive oil consumption increases good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol. In the Greek island Ikaria, for example, we found that for middle-aged people, about six tablespoons of olive oil daily seemed to cut the risk of premature mortality by 50%.

2. Retreat from meat.

On average, Blue Zone residents eat about two ounces or less of meat about five times per month (usually as a celebratory food, a small side, or as a way to flavor dishes).

One 12-year study, which followed a community of 96,000 Americans in Loma Linda — a Blue Zone region in California — determined that people who lived the longest were vegans or pesco-vegetarians who ate a small amount of fish.

Vegetarians in Loma Linda, according to the researchers, were more likely to outlive their meat-eating counterparts by as many as eight years.

Okinawans in Japan probably offer the best meat substitute: Extra-firm tofu, which is high in protein and cancer-fighting phytoestrogens.

3. Go easy on fish.

In most Blue Zones, people ate small amounts of fish, fewer than three ounces up to three times weekly.

Usually, the fish being eaten are small, relatively inexpensive varieties like sardines, anchovies and cod —species in the middle of the food chain that are not exposed to the high levels of mercury or other chemicals that pollute our gourmet fish supply today.

Again, fish is not a necessary part of a longevity diet, but if you must eat it, elect varieties that are common and not threatened by overfishing.

4. Eat a daily dose of beans.

Beans reign supreme in Blue Zones and are the cornerstone of every longevity diet in the world: Black beans in Nicoya; lentils, garbanzo and white beans in the Mediterranean; and soybeans in Okinawa.

Most centenarians eat at least four times as many beans as Americans do average— at least a half cup per day. And so should you. Why? Beans are packed with more nutrients per gram than any other food on Earth. On average, they are made up of 21% protein, 77% complex carbohydrates, and only a few percent fat. Because they are fiber-rich and satisfying, they’ll likely help to push less healthy foods out of your diet.

5. Slash sugar.

Blue Zone communities eat sugar intentionally, not by habit or accident.

They consume about the same amount of naturally occurring sugars as North Americans do, but only about a fifth as much added sugar — no more than seven teaspoons a day.

Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of added sugar in the American food supply rose by 25% (about 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day) — generally, the result of the insidious, hidden sugars mixed into soda, yogurt and sauces.

If you must eat sweets, save cookies, candy and bakery items for special occasions (ideally as part of a meal). Limit sugar added to coffee, tea or other foods to no more than four teaspoons per day.

Skip any product that lists sugar among its first five ingredients.

6. Snack on nuts.

Eat two handfuls of nuts per day.

A handful weighs about two ounces, the average amount that Blue Zone centenarians consume: Almonds in Ikaria and Sardinia, pistachios in Nicoya, and all varieties of nuts with the Adventists in Loma Linda.

A study on food and longevity found that nut eaters outlive non-nut eaters by an average of two to three years. So try to snack on a couple handfuls of almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, or peanuts every day.

7. Sour on bread.

If you can, strive to eat only sourdough or 100% whole wheat bread.

Most commercially available breads start with bleached white flour, which metabolizes quickly in sugar and spikes insulin levels.

But bread in Blue Zones is either whole grain or sourdough. In Ikaria and Sardinia, breads are made from a variety of whole grains such as wheat, rye or barley, each of which offers a wide spectrum of nutrients.

Whole grains have higher levels of fiber than most commonly used bleached flours. Some traditional Blue Zone breads are made with naturally occurring bacteria called lactobacilli, which “digest” the starches and glutens while making the bread rise.

The process also creates an acid — the “sour” in sourdough. The result is bread with less gluten than breads labeled “gluten-free,” with a longer shelf life and a pleasantly sour taste that most people like.

8. Drink mostly water.

If possible, strive to avoid soft drinks, including diet soda. With very few exceptions, people in Blue Zones drink only coffee, tea, water and wine.

(Soft drinks, which account for about half of Americans’ sugar intake, were unknown to most Blue Zone centenarians until recently.)

Here’s why:

Water: Adventists recommend seven glasses of water daily. They point to studies showing that being hydrated facilitates blood flow and lessens the chance of a blood clot.

Coffee: Sardinians, Ikarians, and Nicoyans all drink coffee. Research associates coffee with lower rates of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Tea: Okinawans prefer green varieties, which have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and several cancers. Ikarians drink brews of rosemary, wild sage and dandelion — all herbs known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Red Wine: People who drink — in moderation — tend to outlive those who don’t. (This doesn’t mean you should start drinking if you don’t drink now.) People in most Blue Zones drink one to three small glasses of red wine per day, often with a meal and with friends.

9. Go whole.

We found that most centenarians traditionally eat whole foods.

These are foods made from single ingredient — raw, cooked, ground or fermented — and are not highly processed. They eat raw fruits and vegetables; they grind whole grains themselves and then cook them slowly.

They also use fermentation — an ancient way to make nutrients bioavailable — in the tofu, sourdough bread, wine and pickled vegetables they eat and they rarely ingest artificial preservatives. Blue zones dishes typically contain a half dozen or so ingredients, simply blended together.

Lead poisoning happens when lead builds up in the body. After months or years, these can reach dangerous and possibly fatal levels.

Lead is a heavy metal and a strong poison. It can accumulate in the body if it enters the mouth or is inhaled. It can also enter through splits in the skin or through mucous membranes.

It can damage all of the body systems, including the heart, bones, kidneys, teeth, intestines, reproductive organs, and the nervous and immune systems.

Young children, especially before the age of 6 years, are particularly sensitive to lead poisoning. It can irreversibly damage mental and physical development.

The most common sources are lead-based paint and water pipes in older buildings, lead-based dust, and contaminated water, air, or soil. Particles of lead can collect in household dust and garden soil. Cigarette smoke may also contribute.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lead poisoning typically appear when a dangerous amount of lead is already in the body.

Occasionally, it can occur from a single high dose, but more often it is a gradual build-up.

High levels of lead in adults and children can cause damage to the kidneys and central nervous system, eventually leading to seizures, unconsciousness, coma, and even death.

Symptoms vary across age groups.

In Children

Children are more at risk from lead poisoning for a number of reasons:They are more likely to pick up lead contamination from the soil and to then consume it.

They are also closer to ground level more frequently and, therefore, more at risk of breathing in dust from the floor.

Signs and symptoms of acute lead poisoning include:

abdominal pain and vomiting

jaundice

lethargy

black diarrhea

encephalopathy, which affects the brain and can lead to seizures, coma, and death

However, symptoms are more likely to appear over time. This is known as chronic poisoning.

These include:

slowed body growth

reduced IQ

loss of appetite and weight loss

constipation and mild abdominal pain

irritability

general fatigue

blue tinge around the gums

anemia

hearing loss and reduction in other senses

neurological weakness, in the later stages

Young children absorb lead 4 to 5 times more readily than adults and, because their bodies are still developing, the risks are further increased.

In adults

The following are symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:

abdominal pain is usually the first sign if a high dose of lead is ingested

raised blood pressure

joint and muscle pain

constipation

anemia

tingling, pain, and numbness in the extremities

memory loss and decline in mental functions

headache

hallucinations

unusual taste in the mouth, often described as metallic

difficulty sleeping

mood disorders

reduction in sperm volume and quality

loss of pregnancy or preterm birth

foot or ankle drop, in the later stages

Adults may develop gout, carpal tunnel syndrome, and low fertility.

Those who work in jobs that involve lead have a higher risk than those in other occupations.

Examples include auto repair shops and home improvements, especially if the home was built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978.

Causes

Lead is a natural element found in the earth’s crust. Human activity — such as mining, burning fossil fuels, and manufacturing — has made it more widespread and accessible. Where lead is in the air as a pollutant, it can be present in dust.

It is no longer used in paint or fuel in the US, but it is still present in batteries, pottery, pipes, solder, some cosmetics, and jewelry.

Lead as a constituent in paint was banned in 1978, but it may still be present in some older residences. The majority of lead poisoning cases in children are due to eating old lead-based paint chips.

Brass plumbing fixtures and pipes made or soldered using lead and can release lead into tap water. Lead solder used in the manufacture of food cans is banned in the U.S., but is still used in some countries.

Other sources

• Soil: Lead that has arrived in the soil from lead-based gasoline or paint can survive for many years. Areas next to old walls or by the sides of roads can be particularly affected.
• Dust: Paint chips or contaminated soil can form dust particles.
• Toys: Old toys might have been colored with lead-based paint. Although this is illegal in the US, toys from other countries may still use lead-based paints.
• Traditional cosmetics: Kohl, used as an eyeliner, has been found to contain high levels of lead.
• Stained glass: Making stained glass involves using lead solder.
• Pottery: Some ceramic glazes contain lead.
• Tobacco smoking: Active and passive smoking have been linked to higher lead levels in the blood.

Traditional medicine

Other, less common sources of lead include some traditional medicines:

• Daw tway: This digestive aid, used in Thailand, contains high levels of lead and arsenic.
• Ghasard: This is an Indian tonic and digestive aid.
• Ba-baw-san: A Chinese herbal remedy that is used for colic in babies.
• Litargirio: This peach-colored powder is used as a deodorant, particularly in the Dominican Republic.
• Greta (also called azarcon): This is a Hispanic powdered remedy for upset stomachs. It is also used to soothe teething babies. Some preparations contain 90 percent lead.

Effects

Lead damages every system in the body that it encounters. Two of its most damaging interactions are with the enzymes and the nervous system.

On enzymes

Much of the damage lead produces is due to an interruption in the work of enzymes. These are proteins that carry out multiple functions within the human body.

Like other metals present in the body, lead binds to enzymes that non-lead co-factors bind to. These are sometimes called “helper molecules.”

But, while other metals and substances carry out necessary roles, being a co-factor for switching enzymes off or on, lead binds to co-enzymes without causing the appropriate enzyme action to occur. This impedes the enzymes from carrying out their work.

Lead negatively impacts delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and ferrochelatase. These enzymes are needed to help form a vital component of blood called heme.

On the nervous system

The brain is one of the organs most affected by lead, and particularly the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. These areas are responsible for high-level functions, mood regulation, and decision-making.

The barrier between the blood supply and the brain, known as the blood-brain barrier, protects the brain from many toxins. However, lead passes easily through this protective layer.

Once in the brain, lead interferes with the development of synapses, the production of neurotransmitters, and the structure of ion channels.

Lead also disprupts the myelin coating on nerves. This insulating layer is essential for the successful transmission of messages.

Many neurotransmitters are hindered by lead, including glutamate in the hippocampus. Glutamate is vital for learning and laying down memories.

Lead has been found to trigger programmed cell death (PCD, also called apoptosis) in the central nervous system, including the brain.

PCD is usually a normal function of the human body. It helps clear away old and broken cells. However, if PCD gets out of hand, it can wrongly destroy fully functioning cells. Depending on the type, these cells may not be replaced.

Diagnosis

Anyone who is concerned that their child may be affected by lead can request a blood test. This involves a simple prick of the finger or vein puncture.

In adults, lead levels 10 μg/dL are considered unsafe The CDC say that no level of lead is safe in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics note that changes in thinking have occurred with levels of 5 μg/dL

In adults, gastrointestinal symptoms are usually seen at 45 μg/dL or higher.

In most adults with levels of 25 μg/dL this is due to workplace exposure.

There are no safe levels of lead in the body. In other words, any presence of lead in the body can cause harm.

Other tests for lead poisoning include:

bone marrow biopsy

erythrocyte protoporphyrin level (a test for iron deficiency)

iron level

complete blood cell count and coagulation tests

x-ray of long bones and abdomen.

Treatment

As with most types of poisoning, the first step is to identify and remove the source of the poison.

If the problem is old paint, it may be best to seal in the paint rather than to chip it, sand it or burn it off, which could increase the quantities of lead in the air.

If removing the source does not reduce blood levels, the following may be necessary:

• Chelation therapy: This involves medication that binds with the lead and allows it to be passed in the urine or feces.

Additionally, if there are concerns that someone has eaten a life-threatening amount of lead in one dose, the following procedures might be needed:

Bowel irrigation: Flushing out the entire gastrointestinal tract with large volumes of polyethylene glycol solution

Gastric lavage: Also called gastric suction or stomach pumping, this involves washing out the stomach via a tube and saline irrigation inserted into the throat.

Intravenous fluid administration may be necessary.

Prevention

Measures that can help reduce the risk of lead poisoning include:

Running water: In older properties with lead pipes or fittings, run the cold water for at least 1 minute before use. Do not use the hot water tap for cooking or drinking.

Avoiding soil: Prevent children from playing in the soil. Perhaps provide a sandbox and plant grass to cover patches of bare soil.

Following a healthful diet: a diet that is rich in calcium and iron can help lower lead absorption.

Installing a filter: if water tests high for lead, consider installing an effective water filtering device, or switch to bottled water.

Washing: Wash children’s hands regularly to lower the risk of swallowing fragments of lead from soil and dust.

Cleaning: Keep the environment as free from dust as possible. Wipe floors with a damp mop and clean surfaces with a damp cloth. This keeps the dust from lifting back into the air and being breathed in.

Containers: Do not store wine, vinegar-based dressings, or spirits in lead crystal decanters for long periods of time, as lead can leach into the liquid.

Canned foods: Avoid imported canned foods, as some countries have not yet banned lead from manufacturing processes.

Adults who have experienced relatively minor lead poisoning may recover completely. As children are still developing, they may not fully recover. There may be permanent IQ and attention deficits. Other body systems, such as the kidneys and nerves, might also sustain permanent damage, depending on severity and recovery can take months or years.