Mexican Heritage

1268 Words6 Pages
Heritage is a special or individual possession that is typically inherited from generations before. It is directly correlated to the direct concept of health throughout society (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014). Beings that heritage is passed down from generation to generation, its key factors are normally found deep at the core of the individuals. Nurses have the upper hand at promoting health and preventing disease through holistic care. India is a country of with a holistic views of medicine that increases the focus on prevention. The use of folk traditions is commonly passed from generation to generation by word of mouth (Palat, 2012). Many of these traditions focus on astrology and religious practices. Fear of illness is commonly…show more content…
Cost of health care and corresponding medications in noted to be much less than the United States (Kemp, 2005). In early relationships with the Hispanic population, over-familiarity, physical touch, or verbal casualness in not appreciated. Direct eye contact is also noted to be less common within this culture. Disagreement amongst Hispanics and health care providers may lead to silence and non-compliance. Effective communication is the key, along with trust and comfort, to providing and promoting quality care. Folk healers are important and easily available to deliver great relational aspect care within this culture. This involves providing the patient with an etiology, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and the manner in which treatment is provided (Kemp, 2005). Acknowledgement and respect for the Hispanic’s family value is crucial for optimal care. In Hispanic families, males, typically the father, maintain the greatest power and sometimes choose health care options for other individuals in their family. Culturally, women are required to show appreciation and resignation to their spouse, develop a tight family and household structure while preserving duties and culture, be the focused caretaker, and possess most responsibility for parenting. Most patients that seek medical attention will have previously reached out for help from other family members or those respected first. Spiritual…show more content…
The United States is known as the “Melting Pot” for cultural immigration. Therefore, this brings every culture and its considerations to the forefront. Americans view illness as a result of naturally occurring development, and advocates for active medical interventions to fight against infection or utilization of highly advanced technical knowledge to name and care for a disease ("Euromed Info," n.d.). Cultural influences will contribute to a large percentage in patient compliance with a formulated plan of care. Opposing opinions often alter patients’ perception about health care and their ability to comprehend, govern, and handle the course of a sickness, diagnosis, and risk versus benefit of medical treatment. Cultural specific ideas are presented through patients and their families bring as well as values that directly correlate to their theories of health status, description of signs of illness, thoughts of how their personalized care will be conveyed, and beliefs about pharmaceutical and skilled interventions ("Euromed Info," n.d.). In addition, many patients are highly influenced due to cultural values taught and encouraged throughout their life span. In America, health maintenance is encouraged through healthy eating habits, exercise, routine exams, and decreasing risky behaviors. We provide health protection through immunizations, early diagnosis and treatment, and education.
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