Feature: July/August 2010

Muslim Religious Observances and Diabetes

In 2010 the estimated dates for Ramadan are August 11 through September 9. 

As one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan is believed to be the most blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. The classic Islamic point of view is that Ramadan fasting is good for the health and spiritual cleanliness of Muslims. Many Muslims who are religiously exempted from fasting on the basis of being sick still fast. Those who are diabetic face significant challenges managing their diabetes as fasting requires abstention from all food, fluids, oral medications, and IV fluids (medicinal and nutritional) during daylight hours. To read more about Ramadan fasting and diabetes, as well as general recommendations for health care providers concerning patient care and medication management for diabetics during periods of fasting, read entire article...

Recent Features:

Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Cancer Screening, Early Detection and Care in the Latino  Population

Author: Rhoda Baer, Photographer; Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved groups are more likely to develop cancer and die from it than the general U.S. population (American Cancer Society, 2009). Statistics indicate that this is true for Latinos in the U.S. For those Latinos who have emigrated from another country, expectations about medical professionals and services based on experiences in the home country may affect health-seeking behaviors. This article provides information about cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting Latinos, with emphasis on issues related to women’s cancers and recommendations for providers.   Read entire article...

Nepali-speaking Bhutanese (Lhotsampa) Cultural Profile

Nepali Bhutanese residents of refugee camp in Nepal. Photo by: Mitra Dhital

As of February 2010, approximately 25,000 Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees have resettled in the U.S., and thousands more are expected to arrive from the refugee camps in Nepal they have lived for almost two decades following ethnic oppression and expulsion from Bhutan.  Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees may find many aspects of American culture in stark contrast to some core practices and values of their traditional culture. To learn about Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees, their culture, experiences with traditional and western medicine, and recommendations for providers, read more...

 Quick Links