Tomaso Casoni (1880-1933): A Pioneer Remembered

No abstract Keywords: History of Science, History of Medicine, Tomaso Casoni, Tripolitania, Imola, Libya, Italy, Hydatid disease, Casoni Test, Sassari, Biography, University of Bologna Libyan Journal of Medicine Vol. 3 (4) 2008: pp. 49-5

GÖRAN ROTHMAN (1739–1778): The Swedish Physician, Botanist, Author and North African Explorer

No Abstract. Keywords: Göran Rothman, Carl Linnaeus, Tripoli, Libya, Tunisia, Sweden, History of Science, Expeditions Libyan Medical Journal Vol. 4 (1) 2009: pp. 56-5

Tomaso Casoni (1880-1933): A Pioneer Remembered

No abstract Keywords: History of Science, History of Medicine, Tomaso Casoni, Tripolitania, Imola, Libya, Italy, Hydatid disease, Casoni Test, Sassari, Biography, University of Bologna Libyan Journal of Medicine Vol. 3 (4) 2008: pp. 49-5

Care for People with Diabetes during The Moslem Pilgrimage (Haj) An Overview

Haj is one of the five cardinal components of Islam commonly known as the five pillars of Islam. Approximately two million Muslims perform it each year. Haj involves travel to the holy sites in and around Mecca and Medina during a specified short period of time in a limited space, not usually inhabited by such a large number of people. This article deals with the effects of this event on diabetes and its management. The importance of this arises from the fact during Haj, the person's life routine changes as he travels to a different place of his own for a period of 4–6 weeks where geography, weather, diet, and habits are different. During Haj most people live what is effectively a very basic life in very crowded places. Therefore, medical conditions, such as diabetes, whose management depends on a stable routine, would predictably be affected significantly. People with diabetes should have enough time to consider a management plan for their diabetes. The objectives are to achieve a good control and avoid any complications that may be particularly associated with the conditions faced during Haj

Practical Management of Diabetes during Ramadan Fast

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all healthy Muslim adults. No food or drink may be consumed between dawn and sunset [1]. Strictly speaking, the fast of Ramadan is a period of “intermittent fasting” or daily cycles of “alternating” fasting and feeding periods. The periods of the fasting and feeding vary by the geographical locations and by time of the year. During the month of Ramadan, there are two main meals in most Moslem communities. These are commonly referred to by their Arabic origin, namely the “Iftar” (i.e. break of fast immediately after sunset) and “Sohur or Suhoor” (i.e. pre-dawn meal). As the Islamic calendar year is lunar, Ramadan (the ninth month) therefore starts approximately 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This year, 2007, Ramadan is likely to start between 12th and 14th September

Understanding the risk and protective factors associated with obesity amongst Libyan adults - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: There are a range of multifaceted behavioural and societal factors that combine to contribute to the causes of obesity. However, it is not yet known how particularly countries' cultural norms are contributing to the global obesity epidemic. Despite obesity reaching epidemic proportions in Libya, since the discovery of oil in 1959, there is a lack of information about obesity in Libyan adults. This study sought to explore the views of key informants about the risk and protective factors associated with obesity among Libyan men and women. METHODS: A series of qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with Libyan healthcare professionals and community leaders. RESULTS: Eleven main themes (risk and protective factors) were identified, specifically: socio-demographic and biological factors, socioeconomic status, unhealthy eating behaviours, knowledge about obesity, social-cultural influences, Libya's healthcare facilities, physical activity and the effect of the neighbourhood environment, sedentary behaviour, Libyan food-subsidy policy, and suggestions for preventing and controlling obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Key recommendations are that an electronic health information system needs to be implemented and awareness about obesity and its causes and consequences needs to be raised among the public in order to dispel the many myths and misconceptions held by Libyans about obesity. The current political instability within Libya is contributing to a less-active lifestyle for the population due to security concerns and the impact of curfews. Our findings have implications for Libyan health policy and highlight the urgent need for action towards mitigating against the obesity epidemic in Libya