...April 2015 The Native American Indian with Respect to Healthcare and Religious Practices Carrie Johnson The American Native Indian culture has used alternative medicine and tribal rituals for many centuries. This culture has used natural remedies to treat and cure diseases and aliments within their tribe. The term “Medicine Man” is coined from the Native American Indian tribes. The person who held this title was generally an elder of the tribe. The inflicted person(s) would seek out the elder or “Medicine Man” to treat their sickness. The tribe will use natural substances and tribal rituals as their source for treating diseases and illnesses. A few examples of natural elements are plants and root extracts from their demographic region. Examples of customary rituals could include: chants, dances and prayers. Another unique custom of the tribe is the involvement of the tribe in rituals to treat the sickness of a tribal member. Cultures that exist outside of the tribe may have some difficulty understanding their cultural beliefs and alternative practices, but these practices have been around for centuries. The following are census facts and demographic statistics of the Native American Indian: “Total American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) alone population: 2.9 million or about 0.9 percent of the US population. About 32% of Natives are under the age of 18, compared to only 24% of the total population...
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...pleasure of caring for many different cultures throughout a lifetime career. Cultural competence is vital in caring for a person from another culture. Leininger’s Cultural Care Diversity and Universality Theory (McEwen & Wills, 2014, p. 233) states “demonstrating to nurses the importance of considering the impact of culture on health and healing.” McEwen & Wills, (2014, p.233) reports “the goal for application of Leininger’s theory is to provide culturally congruent nursing care to persons of diverse cultures.” Purnell (2013) explains if the care plan doesn’t include the patient’s own health cultural viewpoints; the plan will more than likely not be followed. Native American people place high importance on their culture and heritage. Interacting with this unique group of people, becoming more knowledgeable, and culturally sensitive to their needs is the basis for this paper. By increasing knowledge and appreciating the Native American culture, nurses may improve communication to better care for their Native American patients. Even though the Native American population in Colorado is a mere 56,000, according to the 2010 United States Census Bureau, it has grown from 1.1 percent to 1.6 percent of...
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...Health and Wellness in Native North America It is true that many of the old ways have been lost. But just as the rains restore the earth after a drought, so the power of the Great Mystery will restore the way and give it new life. We ask that this happen not just for the Red People, but for all people, that they all might live. Black Elk, Oglala, Sioux Contemporary health status of American Indians can be best viewed through the lens of various federal policies enacted over the past 500 years. These policies were developed largely in response to dramatic population losses among the indigenous peoples of America, resulting from genocidal actions of military campaigns, the lack of immunity to the diseases that accompanied European colonizers, and the assimilation efforts that destroyed tribal structures and wellness practices. Medical services were first coordinated through army physicians in the Department of War in an effort to control the spread of diseases from early reservation sites placed on or near military forts. By the twentieth century, the rapid decline of the Indigenous population, documented by the “Meriam Report” of 19281 prompted new assimilation efforts to save the first Americans. Healthcare services were re-coordinated within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and then into the Public Health Service, finally resting within the Federal Indian Health Service (IHS). Assimilation policies, however, proved to be highly destructive resulting in the...
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...Populations: Understanding the Challenges Faced by the Native Hawaiian Population Kristen L. Gallagher Grand Canyon University: NRS 429V March 7, 2015 There are many diverse cultural groups living in the world today. The United States is no exception, with the U.S. Census bureau reporting that as of 2010, more than 36% of the U.S. population identified themselves as members of a minority group (Hixson, Hepler & Kim, 2012). While many people face challenges in access to healthcare, members of minority populations face even greater barriers. In an effort to combat some of these difficulties, the Department of Health & Human Services established the Healthy People 2020 initiative. Healthy People 2020 is an evidence based plan designed to improve the health of our country’s people by reducing preventable health diseases (“About Healthy People”, 2010). The people native to the Hawaiian Islands face roadblocks to healthcare that are uncommon in the rest of the country, and the Healthy People 2020 action plan faces unusual considerations in Hawaii that are not concerns on the mainland (“Hawaii’s Healthy People”, 2012). Hawaii has long been thought of as paradise, with its temperate climate, beautiful beaches and the culture of its native people. While these visions of Hawaii may be true, Hawaii also suffers from exorbitant costs of living, geographically limited healthcare, and the dilution of a culture in which native Hawaiian people had flourished for nearly 1400 years...
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...Running head: ASSIGNMENT 1, WEEK 6 Assignment 1 Teassa Eubanks Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness Mansour Rostami, Instructor November 13, 2010 Minority Population | Health disparities | Native American Indian Native Alaskan | Health disparities are believed to be the result of the complex interaction among genetic variations, environmental factors, and specific health behaviors. Compared with other Americans, Indians experience disproportionately high mortality from alcoholism, tuberculosis, diabetes, injuries, suicide, and homicide. Tribal leaders report that diabetes, unintentional injuries, alcoholism, and substance abuse are rising to crisis proportions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities | Asian | Lack of access to regular care. Asians are least likely to report having a personal doctor compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the US. 19.4 % of Asian adults compared to 12.9% of whites report being without a usual source of health care. Cambodians and Vietnamese are three times more likely to forgo visiting a doctordue to cost compared to all Asians or US residents.• Less satisfaction with care. Compared to other racial and ethnic groups, Asians are least likely to be satisfied with the speed of their care, doctor-patient communication, and office staff.• Fewer preventive services. Asians are less likely to have blood pressure monitoring and pap smears. In fact,cervical cancer screening...
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...Native Americans Native Americans are identified as having pre-Columbian ancestors who were indigenous to the land within the nation’s boundaries. Native Americans are represented through distinct tribes, ethnic groups and bands. The terms Native Americans generally identify themselves with varies both geographically and generationally, with many older Native Americans referring to themselves as “Indians” or “American Indians,” and the younger generation identifying with the terms, “Indigenous” or “Aboriginal.” Within the United States, approximately 2.9 million people identify as a Native American. An additional 2.3 million identify as part of this culture and another race (Dayer-Berenson, 2014). There are 566 federally recognized tribal governments in the United States. Each tribe has its own unique political structure, social systems, clothing styles, types of shelter and foods, art and music styles, language, education, and spiritual and philosophical beliefs. A common similarity is the strong tie between Earth and nature among these tribes. The Alaskian Natives who make up 229 of these tribes are further divided into three groups: Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos (Dayer-Berenson, 2014). In addition to these tribes, there is an additional 200 that are not federally recognized. Where and what tribe someone belongs to can depend on the amount of Indian blood they have; however the Cherokee tribe requires no minimum. Since this population can be so diverse the Indian...
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...Health Promotion in American Indians/Alaska Natives Mona Reed Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V August 02, 2015 Health Promotion in American Indians/Alaska Natives American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are people who maintain a tribal or community attachment and are descendants from any of the original inhabitants of North, South and Central America. The U.S. Census Bureau, in 2013, reported that there are greater than 5.2 million AI/AN in the United States, and that number is expected to increase to 11.2 million by 2060 (CDC, 2015a). AI/ANs have experienced a lower health status when compared to the national average of the non-Hispanic white population. The Indian Health Service (IHS), who provides health care services to those who reside on reservations, reports that this is due to inadequate education, discrimination in delivery of health services, disproportionate poverty and cultural differences. Also noted is that less than half of “AI/ANs permanently reside on a reservation and therefore have limited or no access to IHS services” (Indian Health Service, 2015a). In addition, the CDC reported in 2013 that 26.9% of AI/ANs lacked health insurance coverage. This writer will compare and contrast the health status of the AI/AN population with the non-Hispanic White population. Health disparities in the AI/AN population are well documented in research. The Office of Minority Health (OMH) Health Disparities Overview notes that this population suffers from low education...
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...IHS Affirmative Observation One: Inherency 2 Advantage One: Health 5 Advantage Two: Indigenous Economy 9 Observation Two: Solvency 14 Only federal action can solve the case- denying Indian health care furthers an ongoing policy of American Indian genocide 17 Inherency – Lack of Funding 18 Inherency – Lack of Funding 19 Inherency – Lack of Funding 20 Inherency – Lack of Funding 21 Health Impacts – Disease/Death 22 Health Impacts – Disease/Death 23 Health Impacts – Disease/Death 24 IMPACT: Mental Health and Suicide 25 IMPACT: Mental Health and Suicide 26 Extensions to Genocide/Racism Impact 27 Extensions to Genocide/Racism Impact 28 IMPACT: Moral Obligation/Human Rights 29 Solvency Extension - IHCIA/IHS Solves 30 Solvency Extension - IHCIA/IHS Solves 31 Solvency Extension - IHCIA/IHS Solves 32 Solvency Extension - IHCIA/IHS Solves 33 Solvency Extension - IHCIA/IHS Solves for cultural sensitive health 34 Solvency Extension – Congress Key 35 Solvency Extension – Federal Government Key 36 A2: I.H.S. is Racist 37 A2: Transportation 38 A2: “Structural/Distribution Barriers” 39 A2: No Qualified Professionals 40 A2: Bureaucrats 41 A2: IHS has arbitrary eligibility standards 42 A2: Blood Quantum 43 A2: Medicaid Solves 44 AT: Medicaid Solves 45 AT: Medicaid Solves 46 A2: IHS doesn’t use traditional medicine 47 Tribal...
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...In Eastern Oklahoma there is a particularly high density of Native Americans relative to the total population, and this has had a substantial effect on the region, historically, as well as in the present day. One of the most highly concentrated native enclaves in Oklahoma is the proliferation of members of the Cherokee Nation in the northeastern corner of the state, including Adair County. According to the 2010 Census, Adair County’s population is 43.3% Native American, and almost the largest single portion of the Cherokee Nation lives in Adair and the neighboring counties, such as the Cherokee, Delaware, Muskogee, and Wagoner Counties, as well as nine more. There are smaller portions of other Native American tribes and nations living in the...
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...physical well being, the health of most Americans has increasingly improved. However, the same cannot be said of the health of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Health improvements for American Indians and Alaska Natives have not improved, with health disparities still existing in areas such as: infant mortality, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, obesity, cirrhosis and liver disease, arthritis, smoking, and cancer (Indian Health, n.d.). According to the 2000 Census, there are 4.1 million Native Americans/Alaskan Indians in the United States (U.S Census Bureau, 2000). Historically, Native Americans have lived in extreme poverty. The U.S. Census reported in both 1990 and 2000 that poverty still prevails in Native American populations throughout the nation, accounting for 25% of the nation (Selected Population, 2012). There are known health disparities between the Native American population and the rest of the U.S. Some of these disparities exist due to geographic isolation, cultural barriers and economic factors. Health care experts, policymakers and tribal leaders are trying to account for the many factors that impact the health of Indian people (The Health Care Challenge, 1999). Native American males are found to have the quickest dying rate of most citizens in the U.S., with life expectancy of 71 years of age, 6 years younger than the life expectancy of white males. Female Native Americans are trending about the same; 20% increase...
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...facing the need to provide nursing care to an increasing diverse patient population with a nursing workforce that, in itself, is impacted by generational, ethnic and gender differences. The purpose of this paper is to present the importance of diversity in the workplace and delivering culturally competent nursing care, the impact of gender diversity, and the misrepresentation of minorities in the nursing profession. Importance of diversity in the workplace America is a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions, races, and nationalities. The USA Quick Facts from the US Census Bureau shows the following 2011 population statistics: White 63.4%, Hispanic/Latino 16.7%, Black/Afro-American 13.1%, Asian 5.0%, American Indian & Alaska Native 1.2%, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders. 0.2%. In 2012 minority population increased to 37% and is projected that minorities will be the majority by 2043. Mason, Leavitt & Chaffee (2012) pointed out that as our population “continues to grow and increase its diversity, it is important that the nursing workforce reflect these changes to effectively meet patient care needs and ensure cultural competency” (p. 378). Cultural assessments must be part of the nurse’s health assessment. To be culturally competent nurses need to be aware of their own culture, and the diverse culture of their colleagues and patient populations (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Culturally competent nursing care is important for positive patient outcomes and patient satisfaction...
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... Vulnerable Immigrant Population: Social, Economic, and Psychological Issues It is a difficult challenge for immigrants as they try to integrate with a new environment, new language, and a new socio-economic society. This paper will reveal the social factors that obstruct immigrants from integrating into society like; poor quality and type of education for themselves and their children, lack of secure jobs and poverty level, wages resulting in inadequate housing that is poor and overcrowded, mental issues such as depression, isolation from services that could assist them as well as cultural differences that may deter them from seeking service. To fully provide immigrants with the services they need, the United States needs to research the psychological and physical effects that predict the attitudes toward immigrants. By gaining more knowledge of those practices to support the policies and programs so that service care workers can carry out the appropriate interventions to meet the specific needs of the immigrant population. A century ago the revolution served as a promoter for immigration, providing the global economy with the distribution, production, and consumption of goods and service, much as it is today. Where ever the money and enterprise are sound, immigrants gravitate toward that country. The...
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...Weichao Xu Sciology 101 Chapter 7 Native American 1. Sociohistorical Perspective Early Encounters A. Place the pre-European colonization number of Native Americans become United States. a) Tribes changed their values, customs and beliefs. B. Debate about native American and European culture. a) Indigenous people to be savage. b) Incorrupt children of nature always engage in pleasurable activities. C. The stereotype of Native Americans is negative. 1. They obstruct Europeans from occupying the native americans’ land. 2. Cruel, treacherous, lying and dirty health. 3. Scalps, firearms and firewater. D. Outsiders frequently generalize about Native Americans. 1. The Native’s American language decrease from 300 to 175 . 2. English become the main language in home, school and work place. E. The relationship between Native Americans and whites. 1. Whits was the newcomers to Native Americans. a) Distrust b) Uneasy truces c) Violent hostilities F. The major issue whose way of life would prevail. 1. European a) Beatings, hangings , and imprisonment. b) The land would be developed further. 2. Native American Natural state, abounding with fish and wildlife. G. Forced relocation of Native American tribes to encourage westward expansion. ...
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...North America has a big tapestry of Native tribes, each of which has unique histories, cultures, and contributions. This essay will delve into the story of the Cherokee tribe specifically. The Cherokee tribe is one of the largest and most influential of the native tribes in the United States. Their journey is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a continuous fight to preserve their cultural heritage. We will explore the core aspects of the Cherokee culture, such as their spiritual beliefs and the challenges faced by them today. I chose to explore the Cherokee nation because I have Cherokee ancestry and their long and complex history is interesting to me. In other words, this is fascinating to me because of their social structure and agricultural...
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...is home to people from all around the world. With such a diverse population, it is vital for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable and aware of cultural differences in order to provide excellent service to all patients. The Heritage Cultural Assessment is just the tool needed when assessing the cultural diversities. This assessment allows for medical professionals to learn about the patients’ ethnicity, religious preference, health traditions, as well as their cultural heritage. In my paper, I will discuss three culturally diverse families, the Latin American, Jewish American, and Native American. I will compare and contrast the different health traditions, religious beliefs and evaluate how families apply to these traditions and practices. The Heritage Assessment Tool offers information that assists in identifying the best care to administer to a diverse culture of people. The heritage assessment tool involves questions about the patient’s cultural background, family ties, religious beliefs and traditions. With the proper information, the health professionals are able to provide a balance between the medical practices as well as the traditions the patients believes in (Saver, 2007). Taking these steps insures that the provider is informed and can provide the best care. The patient is confident that their needs and preferences are met. Cultural traditions have a major impact on the way a patient feels, thinks, and receives medical attention. When taking into consideration...
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