Health Assessment Cultural Diversity Project

“Culture is a result of human socialization. People acquire knowledge and values by interacting with other people through common language, place, and community. In the Americas, there is vast cultural diversity among more than 2,000 tribal groups. Tribes have unique cultures and ways of life that span history from time immemorial to the present day”(Native Knowledge 360, 2022). For this assignment, I interviewed a family member who I refer to as Mr. Todd. Todd is a Native American, which is very different from my culture. I chose to interview Todd because of his culture since it is very different than mine. Todd is a 70-year-old male who has given me permission to share his views. Affiliations Mr. Todd identifies as 80% Native American. His mother was full Native American, and his father was Italian. Todd was born in Laffite, Louisiana and now lives in Marrero, Louisiana. He has been an operator at Dow Chemical in Hahnville for 17 years. Values Todd believes in cremating the deceased. Cremating helps the dead enter the afterlife. He also told me in this interview that wellness signifies more than the absence of the disease. Todd thinks highly of health care providers. When I asked Todd how he views work he stated, “Working is essential to live and provide.” Todd also made a comment that Native Americans have a high unemployment rate. Todd has only received a high school diploma, but he believes that education is very important in a person’s life, especially in his culture. I asked Todd how he feels about change. The answer I got was “Change is constant, it can be good or bad.” Todd believes everyone needs privacy. He also believes that age and gender are important as well as getting the consent to touch someone. Todd stated that he relates to those not from his culture because he is hard-working, open-minded, and nonbiased. Cultural Sanctions/Restrictions Members of Todd’s culture typically express emotion and feelings through talking circles. Like I stated earlier, Todd believes in cremation for the deceased. His family and himself believe that cremation is essential for the dead to go into the afterlife. Todd does not have any healthcare nor surgery constrictions. Also, Todd does not follow any restrictions about discussing the dead or fears related to the unknown. Communication Since Todd was born and raised in the United States, his primary language is English. Todd can also speak Latin. He prefers English when communicating. Todd’s level of fluency in English is 100%. Since he speaks fluent English, he will not need an interpreter. He likes to be addressed as “Sir, or Mr. Todd.” Todd states that “nonverbal gestures is a big part of communication in his family.” For example, they may use humor to express truths or difficult messages. They might cover the pain with smiles or jokes. “There is no single American Indian culture or language” (Native knowledge 360, 2022). Health-Related Beliefs/Practices Today, native Americans combine traditional healing practices with medicine to promote wellbeing. Todd’s family believes greatly in natural healing. He participates in natural healing but believes greatly in medicine. Native Americans consider healing a sacred calling. He believes in vitamins, exercise, and diet is key to being healthy. Todd is a Christian. Nobody influences his type of healer and treatment. Nutrition Todd’s culture greatly influences his nutritional factors. Todd’s diet is full of lean meat, protein, low-fat foods, and vegetables. Also, he watches his sugar and sodium intake. Native people ate this way due to having to hunt, fish, and gather food from their land. Like many others, Todd eats mainly breakfast and dinner. He eats in the morning before work and in the evening with his family. Todd claims healthy eating consist of protein, carbs, and low-fat foods. Unhealthy would be high-fat, high-sodium, and sugary foods. His wife usually does the grocery shopping at a local market. Todd states he cooks every now and then, but his wife does most of their weekly meals. Socioeconomic Considerations Todd’s family or “social support network” would define caring as being there for one another always, emotionally, and physically. Todd’s wife is usually the caregiver of the family. His mother used to treat any illnesses that they has but after she passed, his wife took over. His family participates in health promotion by following the same high-protein, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Since Todd works for a good company, he has excellent benefits. He has a private insurance which is great when it comes to medical expenses. Organizations Providing Cultural Support Todd is not influenced by any ethnic or cultural organizations. Educational Background Todd’s highest level of education is a High School Diploma. Todd can read and write English; he grew up in the United States. Todd states he must learn through a “hands-on” experience. He likes it to be demonstrated, then he demonstrates it back. Religious Affiliation Todd’s religion affects his health because the Christian belief is to take care of their bodies, not to overindulge in food and drink, and seek spiritual health through prayer. Todd believes that through prayer and his cultures healing rituals can promote well-being. His mother used to perform these healing rituals when she was still alive. Cultural Aspects of Disease There are several genetic conditions more prevalent to Native Americans. These include diabetes, liver disease, and hepatitis. Todd has been lucky to not have any of these. Some of the socioeconomical disease that are more prevalent to Native Americans are substance abuse, obesity, suicide, and teenage pregnancy. Biocultural Variations Todd has two very distinctive physical features of Native American. He has dark brown hair and very dark/tanned skin. Anatomical, racial, and ethnic variations affect physical examination because of face structure, hair texture, skin color, and more. Developmental Considerations Native Americans have denser bones than Caucasians. They do not eat a lot of dairy foods. Native Americans do not have a specific view on youth or older adults. Todd believes that once you are old enough to work, you should be working until you can’t anymore. He also believes the youth should be focused on education and creating a future for themselves.