In this issue of the journal an important paper discusses THE GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS which is affecting both developed and developing nations. The author discusses the crisis of the current health system worldwide, which is in crisis. This crisis is exacerbated by the costs and profits generated by the pharmaceutical industry. Not only that, but with climate change, there is increasing spread and re-occurrence of diseases that until now have been under control or in abeyance.

Dr Ghnaimat MM et al evaluates through a retrospective study the causes of falls in hip fractures in elderly patients. The study included four hundred patients with neck of femur fractures after falling down. The causes of falls in these patients investigated, included socio demographic variables, physical activity, acute and chronic health problems, dizziness, mobility, and medications. The authors concluded that intrinsic factors lead to hip fractures in (86.25%), while extrinsic factors caused fractures in (13.75%) of the patients.

A paper from Bangladesh reports on Modeling Population for Both sexes in the Rural Area of Bangladesh. The purpose of the present study is to build mathematical models for population of both sexes in rural areas of Bangladesh during 1974-2001. The authors conclude that the age pattern of population for both sexes follows a negative exponential model.

A descriptive study from Iran discusses the Relationship between Quality of life and Socio-demographic characteristics among older people. The study identified the relationship between QOL and Socio-demographic variables among older people. The authors stressed the significant differences in QOL in terms of gender, education, economic status, perceived health status, number of chronic diseases, and type of chronic diseases.

A review paper from Canada describes a stepwise approach for prescribing exercise to seniors. The author stresses the importance of exercise and the impact of exercise on diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and anxiety disorders. The author briefly reviewed the epidemiology of sedentarianism, and discussed the general benefits and risks of exercise, and then provides a step-by-step approach to exercise prescription.

A second review paper from Australia, that will appear in several parts, discusses the various aspects and problems of the anorectal region. The author stresses that the perianal, anal and rectal region lend themselves to early clinical diagnosis without the need to resort to complex investigative processes. He stressed that the history, followed by inspection, palpation, rectal examination, proctoscopy and then sigmoidoscopy are sufficient to clinically diagnose most conditions.