Question

keeping in mind how components of religion, culture, food, health and heritage factors into an individual's health care needs. Compare and contrast at least 2 common health problems and practice's among the Appalachian and Arab Heritage. As a current or potential individual working in the health care field, what can you do to help both heritages if you are providing care for them in your chosen career or major pertaining to their health care?

Answer 1

Religion is the vital factor in the individual's values and beliefs. In olden days, people took the traditional medicine for the healthcare problems. Foods and diet are mainly influenced by the culture and beliefs. Foods are differ based on the religion. The cultural values and belief have great influence on individual health. The healthcare professionals should respect the individual cultural values and belief.

Health problems and health practices in Appalachian and Arab Heritage:

• The Appalachia and Arab feel impolite or aggressive if maintaining direct eye contact with them.
• Both the heritage does not give much importance to the punctuality, only distinct between day and night and not on hours.
• The Appalachians prefer mostly for residential care and Arab women not allow the male physician to touch and treat.
• Both Appalachians and Arabians are high risks of diabetes and obesity.

Nurses must understand the spiritual and cultural values of both the heritage. The nurse should also concentrate on eating habits and practices. For Ex: Appalachians diet is deficient in vitamin A, calcium, and iron. The nurse must concentrate on the diet patterns. Arab has the habit of eating only with the right hand and consider the left hand is unclean. Arabs also avoid the use of alcohol-based mouthwash, syrups, and medication prepared from pigs such as insulin, coated capsule.

Effective communication helps to interact with the patient. Always consider patient cultural values when giving nursing care. Medicines could be changed according to the cultural and ethnic values. Support and give space to the family members feelings. Use words or language they are familiar with it.