In the first issue of 2025, the Middle East Journal of Family Medicine (MEJFM) continues to illuminate the dynamic field of family medicine with ground breaking research and comprehensive reviews that address critical health issues prevalent in the Middle East and beyond. This edition includes pivotal studies by Kharel et al. and Helvaci et al., exploring the impacts of lifestyle choices on pulmonary and renal health respectively, and insightful reviews by Olol & Zbaidi and Zbaidi & Olol on emerging strategies for managing chronic diseases through intermittent fasting and mobile health technologies. Each piece contributes to our understanding of complex health dynamics in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the journal's commitment to fostering a healthier future through robust scientific inquiry and innovative medical practices.

Kharel et al., looked at the pulmonary function test (PFT) in smokers and non-smokers between 25-45 years. Healthy male subjects, 120 smokers and 120 non-smokers, between 25-45 years without any symptoms were included as subjects. Patients with uncontrolled debilitating diseases were excluded. Collected data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Service (SPSS) software version 21. Total of 240 males, 120 smokers and 120 non-smokers matched for age, height, weight were enrolled in this study. From the result, the FEV1, FVC, FEF, FEV1/ FVC ratio were obtained and analysed. The mean difference in values for pulmonary function was highly significant (P < 0.05) between smokers and non-smokers. The mean FVC in smokers was 1.88 ± 0.61 L and in non-smokers was 2.83 ± 0.55 L. The decrease in FEV1 in smokers (1.34 ± 0.47 L) as compared to non-smokers (2.52 ± 0.62 L) clearly indicates the obstructive pulmonary disease. The authors concluded that smoking is common in males between 25-45 years age group. Smoking is highly associated with an abnormal PFT. Avoiding of smoking in any form should be encouraged and PFTs from time to time in adults both smokers and non-smokers will be useful for early detection of the respiratory ailments.

Helvaci*, et al., looked at the use of Metformin in the treatment of chronic renal disease. All patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD) were included. We studied 222 males and 212 females with similar ages (30.8 vs 30.3 years, p>0.05, respectively). Smoking (23.8% vs 6.1%, p<0.001), alcohol (4.9% vs 0.4%, p<0.001), transfused red blood cells (RBC) in their lives (48.1 vs 28.5 units, p=0.000), disseminated teeth losses (5.4% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), ileus (7.2% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), chronic renal disease (CRD) (9.9% vs 6.1%, p<0.05), coronary heart disease (18.0% vs 13.2%, p<0.05), cirrhosis (8.1% vs 1.8%, p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.2% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), leg ulcers (19.8% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), digital clubbing (14.8% vs 6.6%, p<0.001), and stroke (12.1% vs 7.5%, p<0.05) were all higher in males, significantly. The authors concluded that as a prototype of systemic atherosclerosis, hardened RBC-induced capillary endothelial damage initiating at birth terminates with end-organ failures in much earlier ages in the SCD. Excess fat tissue may be much more important than smoking and alcohol for the development of atherosclerosis and end-organ insufficiencies in human being. The efficacy of metformin in loss of appetite is well known for several years. Since metformin is a safe, cheap, orally used, and effective drug for excess weight, it should be prescribed for the treatment of CRD even in normal weight individuals, since there are nearly 20 kg of excess fat tissue between the upper and lower borders of normal weight in adults.

Olol & Zbaidi, reviewed Intermittent Fasting and glycaemic control in Type II Diabetes : A review. Type II diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by hyperglycaemia secondary to the inadequate utilisation of insulin .The incidence of Type II Diabetes continues to increase globally and remains a significant healthcare concern(3). Prevention and early intervention are key to reducing the health burden on individuals and healthcare systems(10). Health professionals have alwaysencouraged general lifestyle and dietary changes in patients; however, in recent years, intermittent fasting has become a specific pattern of eating that could aid patients with Type 2 diabetes. This paper explores the impact of intermittent fasting on Type 2 Diabetes and its role as an adjunct to pharmacological interventions.

Zbaidi- &Olol , reviewed mobile health through a review of current and emerging evidenceDigital health is a diverse field encompassing various technologies targeting or specialising in healthcare(1). Mobile health specialises in wireless or mobile technology, including digital applications, wearables and remote monitoring. Digital health in general, and mobile technology in particular, aim to improve health outcomes by using technology to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and health-related conditions. Mobile technology distinguishes its services from other digital health by providing remote, continuous or on-demand access and potentially higher consumer control and ownership of their health.