Heritage Assessment

Grand Canyon University

NRS 429V- Family Centered Promotion

Heritage Assessment
The United States has a vast number of cultures, traditions and views on health care, it is important to recognize that a particular cultures view on health is not wrong but just simply their view point on health. Since the Unites States has a large collection of cultures and races it is expected to have some of these cultures join together. In this paper we will introduce three different families and their views on health when intertwined with their culture. Family A is an interracial family the mother from Mexico and the father is African American. Family B is an intercultural family the mother is American and the father is from the United Kingdom. Family C is also an intercultural family the mother from the Philippines and the father from Hawaii. Cultures and traditions will change and advance; this paper will explain the differences and similarities of each family focusing on their views on health maintenance protection and restoration.
Family A
Family A is a family from Goodyear, Az. The mother is from Nogales Mexico, the father is of African American decent. Family A will enlighten the reader of how health is view in this household focusing on the mother tradition with some similarities to that of the father’s culture. The Mother grew up in Mexico until age 5 then migrated to the United States. Her mother is from Nogales, Sonora Mexico, Sonora being a state in Mexico. Nogales being a border town has a large number of tourist and tourist activities. Medical care in Nogales is a huge contributor to tourism in this city. Many American cross the border to receive dental care, prescriptions, to name a few of the many medical needs that individuals get done in Mexico at a cheaper cost (personal communication 12/2/2012). This town is filled with restaurants that have traditional food, multiple shopping strips that sell handmade items. Biracial families are easily found do the large amount of tourism. Family A’s Health maintenance has been greatly influenced by American culture however some aspects of the Hispanic culture are still very much present the families daily activities. In Nogales the mother lived on mountain side where the first grocery store was a 15 minute walk. To keep her family active she has kids and she walk to nearby stores when a small amount of items are being purchased. Family A’s diet is a combination of Hispanic culture and African American cultures, rice, beans, and green vegetables are a part of most meals. Oregano, a natural antioxidant, is used as a main spice to bring out the flavor in many dishes. Comfort foods such as homemade chicken soup is used to “cure a cold” (personal communication 12/05/12). Family A also uses many of the common healing techniques that the Hispanic culture is known for Vick’s to chest, back, and feet to help get rid of a cold or a thin slice of potato tied to the forehead to absorb a fever. Most if not all meals use olive oil if necessary instead of the commonly used lard by more traditional Hispanic families. Families A consist of two adults with significant knowledge on common illnesses. Health Protection is obtained by annual vaccination, child hood vaccination, and yearly well checks for all members of the family. Spiritual guidance from certain saints or relatives that have pasted are traditions that are used by both parents. This particular family has a connection to St Jude, the patron on hopeless cases. The family has a large statue outside their home and a smaller statue in the living room. Family A has ties to a county with many healthcare issues however with the health education that has been given in the United States family has found a common ground to interface both tradition and modern health to promote an optimal wellbeing.
Family B
Family B is a family with a Hawaiian mother and a father from the Philippine islands. The Parents of the mother were born and raised in Hawaii and she was born and raised here. The father came to America at age 30. The writer will concentrate on the Philippine culture on their aspect of health. This family has more western influenced than eastern influences, currently this family does not practice any of the spiritual beliefs that many Philippians have. Healthcare in the Philippines is mainly enforced by the government which is why 52% of the sick prefer to seek home care verses formal care (Sy, 2003, p. 564). This family has a strong association with the westernized medical field. Health promotion, protection and restoration is an important and regular component of their daily life. All members of the family receive their yearly exams and vaccinations. Family B has a good aspect on nutrition and regular exercise. Spiritual or religion traditions that are regularly practice in the Philippines are not practices in this family. Family B is more spiritual than religious, common holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated but other religious days are disregarded. Family B common from a vast cultural background having adjusted to a new or different lifestyle has worked for this family’s health.
Family C
Family C is from Chandler, Az , the mother is American and the father is from the United Kingdom. The father came to the States when he was three years of age. He still stays in contact with his family in Gloucester UK. Gloucester which has great historical monuments such as St Oswald’s Priory founded in 900, St Mary de Lode Church built in the 12th century, and The Great Witcombe Roman Villa (http://www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/). Family C has become accustomed to the western lifestyle of the United States. They still take part of regions traditions in the Catholic Faith. Family C takes great pride in being a healthy family, yearly physicals and yearly vaccinations. Physical activities are done at a local gym; they have a healthy diet that consists of a more paleopathic approach. The paleo diet commonly known as the caveman diet consists of fish, meats, fruits and vegetables. In the paleo diet it is either a personal choice or a medical choice to avoid wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats. Family C maintains a healthy life style, protects and restores health by annual checks and a healthy diet.
Conclusion
The Heritage assessment was a useful tool to capture the interest and lifestyle of these families. By looking deeper into each family cultures and traditions the writer was able to appreciate the cultural influences that America has offered. The assessment also creates a better understanding of the similar health viewpoints have to offer. All families has similar views on health maintenance, health promotion and restoration, they all had traditional and cultural influences to guide them to optimal health.

References
Sy, P. (2003). Welfarism vs free enterprise: considerations of power and justice in the Philippine Healthcare Sysytem. Bioethics, 17(5/6), 555-556. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2004137855&site=ehost-live&scope=site