...Health Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives Shelley Thornton Grand Canyon University Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V Minerva Gonzales December 06, 2015 Health Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives When compared to the National average inequality and the persistent challenges that American Indians and Alaska Natives face are troubling. Demographics and economy along with poor health standards, drug and alcohol use and disproportionate disease burden exist due to inadequate education, high rates of unemployment, discrimination in the delivery of health care and cultural differences. In this paper we will explore Native Americans current health status and the barriers that influence health in their culture, socioeconomic and sociopolitical groups along with how race, ethnicity and education influence health and address current health status in addition to how they define health promotion and what health disparities exist. American Indians and Alaska Natives are people that have origins in the North, South and Central America that maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. “There are 562 federally recognized tribes in the US, including 223 village groups in Alaska; about 100 other tribes are recognized by individual states. There are also tribes that have existed since this country was formed but do not have federal or state recognition” ("American Indians," p. 2). Per records from “2012 there were estimated 5.2 million people” ("Profile...
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...American Indian and Native Alaskan Health Status According to the Center for Disease Control, or CDC, there are currently 566 government recognized tribes of American Indian and Native Alaskan origin in the United States (2015). This group of tribes roughly equates to 5.2 million individuals who make up this minority group. There are many stereotypes that come along with Native American heritage, such as alcoholism, poverty, and illness. Sadly, these stereotypes are true and this minority has several major health disparities which affect them as a whole, including those previously mentioned. Current Health Status and Health Disparities Of the 5.2 million American Indian and Native Alaskan population, a measured 26.9% lack health insurance (CDC, 2015). The unemployment rate does not help the poor health status of this group, being the second highest of all minority groups at 15.8%. A major health concern for Native Americans is diabetes. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, American Indians and Alaskan Natives are 2.2 times higher to develop diabetes. Ninety-five percent of American Indians and Alaskan Natives effected by diabetes have type 2 diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2015). According to US News, only 51 percent of Native American high school students graduate (2013). The educational status of this minority group already puts them at a disadvantage for receiving proper health promotion and maintaining self-preservation. Higher dropout rates can be...
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...Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations Healthcare is an ever changing entity with an ever changing population of clients. In current day 2016, the United Sates has become a melting pot of many different cultural backgrounds, which has led to changes within the system to accommodate the patient base. Unfortunately, not all changes have been able to effectively reach any and all persons from every background. We still see language and cultural barriers that have direct correlation to the inability to seek healthcare and or the ability to change cultural perspectives to ensure healthy lifestyles. Within this paper, the health of American Indian and Alaskan Native populations will be discussed along with the barriers to care and the health disparities within this culture. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the number of American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN) residents residing within the US was 4.5 million in 2013 and among that population 14.3% were considered in fair or poor health (CDC, 2016. p.1). Taking into consideration cultural and geographic location, one may think that number would be higher. There is a predominant amount of people within the selected group that live off the grid, which makes means for proper healthcare almost none existent. Traditional health remedies within this group also makes seeking out modern medicine a non-likely occurrence. Because of these barriers, the current health status of the described group is...
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...Native American Teen Health " Nearly one in Native American adolescents has attempted suicide, a rate four times that of other teenagers, according to a study that found alarming health problems on reservations." Suicide has a big affect on Native American teens. Providing more awareness about teen health in the Native American culture, would result in a fewer teen suicide." Native American teenagers/ Youth are planning on taking their life's or they have already took their life's for many reasons. Out of all the races Native American/ Alaskan Natives have the highest risk for teen suicide. In the article " Teen Suicide Statistics" has noted that "77.9% of all suicide are male and females has attempted suicide 3 times as often as males, fire arms are used in 51% of males suicides, also 38% of females suicides are use drugs ( poising) as the method of suicide." Statistics like these have shown many times they have tried to commit suicide. Suicide very's from Native communities to other Native communities around Native country. So many Native people are overwhelmed to be going to funerals...
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...Policies in Native American Communities Devyn Vazquez Nova Southeastern University The indigenous people of North America have settled in areas across the present day United States and continue to live on and off reservations throughout America’s fifty states. Throughout Native Americans longstanding history the significant battle with alcohol has not only tarnished the culture of numerous tribes and the public perception of American Indians, but alcohol use has ruined the lives of countless people. The introduction of alcohol in Native American societies began with English explorer Henry Hudson in the early 1600’s during the exploration of what is now considered the New York City metropolitan area. The brief encounter began as an attempt to thwart any possible mischievous plans of the Mohawk chief and continues to harm the Native American people (Morris 1880). As of 2010, the United States population contains 4.1 million individuals who identify themselves as having American Indian or Alaska Native heritage. Within this population, Native Americans are six times more likely to die from alcohol related causes, have a life expectancy rate six years lower than the national average, and report heavy alcohol use almost double the other ethnicities in America (American Psychiatric Association 2010). There is never a simple solution to the complex problem of alcohol within any ethnicity and this toxic relationship is ever present in many Native American communities. Both...
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...impact on health. Include reference to two sources of epidemiological data to support your description. The group I am going to focus is Native American a segment of the population which includes American Indians, Alaska’s indigenous populations, and Native Hawaiians. They are extremely at risk at tobacco smoking .The rate of Tabaco smoking is extremely high in that group than many other cultural groups. According to lung cancer alliance organisation, leading diseases causes of death for Native Americans in 2006 are the disease that are usually caused from smoking such as Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases, lung cancer, heart attack, asthma, kidney cancer, liver cancer and diabetes . When an individual in the community smoke, people around them are also affected because when someone smoke , people near that person can easily pick up smoke as well which may lead to respiratory problem from hailing all that smoke. FIGURE. Lung cancer incidence,* by race/ethnicity and and U.S. census region - c --United States, 1998--200 2. Discuss the influence of cultural traditions and habits within the group that contribute to the health issue. High rate of tobacco smoking in Native Americans is mostly...
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...The Health Status of the American Indian Bonnie Watkins Grand Canyon University The Health Status of the American Indian The American Indian has long been without adequate healthcare. It was without choice that they were forced trade their land and resources for care and protection offered by the Anglo-Americans ("Barriers," 2016). In 1955 the Indian Health Service was created to provide healthcare to the American Indians. Although the intent was good, this service has lacked the necessary resources to provide proficient care to the American Indian. Unfortunately, little has changed, and the American Indian continues to lack the resources necessary to obtain adequate medical care. Studies show that since the early 1960’s disparity in health status exists between the American Indian and the Anglo American. It consistently documented poorer health, with an increase in diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and depression. From the report: Invisible Tribes: Urban Indians and Their Health in a Changing World findings were: * 30 percent of American Indians/Alaska Natives adults suffer from depression ("American Indians Urban Needs," 2007). * American Indians/Alaska Natives have higher prevalence of diabetes ("American Indians Urban Needs," 2007). * Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives ("American Indians Urban Needs," 2007). One of the biggest challenges is the inability to access adequate...
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...Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations Shahla Tehrani Grand Canyon University Family-Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V Dana McKay May 1, 2015 Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations With the advancement of medical technology and increasing self awareness of both mental and 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...
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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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...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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...Teen suicide in male Native American teens Elizabeth Nather Teen suicide in male Native American teens Community can be interpreted and defined in a variety of ways depending on the group, it’s purpose, size, their interests, makeup, history, and bonds. Some communities have a history together while others form for just a short period of time. Because of these variables, a community can exist for different reasons, and have a unique make up with its own particular standards and goals. While one community may exist to counsel its members short term, another may have existed for many years with the goal of promoting future generations and preserving the history and traditions of their community. Webster defines community as, “a group of people with a common background or with shared interests within a society (Meriam Webster, 2010). The Native American Indians are an identified community. They share a common history and have shared interests within their society. Theirs is a unique culture with rich traditions and beliefs that have been passed on through many generations; a culture very different from many typical US ones. Historically, Native American communities have encouraged interdependence among Indian youth, families, and community connections (Long, et al.,2006). As these communities foster interdependence, many Native American youth are faced with a one sided knowledge of American society. The reservation is all they know so they cannot acclimate to...
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...Alcohol Use and Native American Populations Alcohol Use and Native American Populations Alcohol consumption by Native Americans is higher than all other ethnic groups or subgroups in the United States. Roots of the epidemic of alcohol-related problems among many Native Americans are in response to European arrival. Initially, Native American's responses to alcohol were heavily influenced by the example of White frontiersmen. Whites also deliberately pressed alcohol upon the natives because it was an immensely profitable trade good; in addition, alcohol was used as a tool of "diplomacy" in official dealings between authorities and natives. Compared with the U.S. population in general, the Native American population is especially at risk for alcohol related consequences. Prior to colonization, the Native Americans had been naïve to the effects of distilled spirits, having used only weaker fermented beverages for religious ceremonies. The cultural beliefs, risk behaviors, consequences, population at risk, a cultural plan of action, ways to modify behavior, and community/national resources regarding Native Americans and alcohol will be discussed. Cultural Beliefs and Assumptions The primitive religions of the Native Americans were based on the culture of Animism. Animism is a religion based on the spiritual idea that the universe, and all natural objects within the universe, has souls or spirits. In this religion it is believed that souls or spirits exist not only in humans...
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...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Jenna Franz Grand Canyon University HLT-310V Andre Mooney November 7, 2013 Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity There are many different religious faiths throughout the world; with many different belief systems each has its own view of health care. Health care professionals, nurses, physicians and other providers should be aware of any religious beliefs that their patients may practice in order to provide competent medical care. Providing medical care should include cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs and values of the patient, in order to provide holistic care for the patient. The belief systems of Buddhism, Native Americans and Jehovah’s witnesses will be reviewed to determine similarities and differences and compared to Christian beliefs as well as the views and beliefs of the author of this paper, and provision of health care and care providers. Spiritual Perspective on Healing Even though the definitions and expressions vary most Americans consider religion and spirituality a large part of who they are. (Klilewer, 2004, p. 4) In Jehovah’s Witnesses and Native American and Christianity there is belief in God as the creator of Heaven, Earth, and the universe, where as with Buddhists this speculation is rejected. ("What do Buddhists Believe?," 2013, p. 3) Buddhists and Native Americans do not believe in prolonging life by artificial means, death should be peaceful. (Bhikshu, 2010, para. 4) For Native Americans...
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...Running Head: Native American Cultural Native American Cultural Impact on Healthcare Sherry Phillips Grand Canyon University NUR-502 March 25, 2015 Native American Cultural Impact on Healthcare Culture plays a unique and significant role going to healthcare process. Each culture has their own belief systems and values. Native American make up 1% of the population in the United States ("Diversity: Understanding and Teaching Diverse Students," n.d.). Understanding their system of beliefs and values would help to benefit Native American women during the prenatal care. When nurses become culturally competent in their care, not only do the patients benefit but the healthcare system does as well. It is important to understanding the Native American culture in order to facilitate their healthcare. Summary of Article One article that discussed Native American women and their prenatal care is “Living in Two Worlds: Native American Women and Prenatal Care.” This article discusses a study that looked at traditional practices related to pregnancy and compare them to current practices related to prenatal care. The review of literature look at barriers to prenatal care that resulted from conflicts between traditional practices and Western Medicine (Long & Curry, 1998). Focus groups were held to look at exploring traditional beliefs and ways to improve prenatal care (Long & Curry, 1998). The authors chose the focus groups from two sites in Oregon (Long...
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...Legislation Legacy CheckPoint There are several issues that reside between the Native Americans and the federal government today. My focus is on the issue about the methamphetamine addiction epidemic in the Indian Country. According to Annette James, Health Director, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, “In the last two years, about a quarter of the babies born on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona tested positive for methamphetamine” (James, A, p.1). James also stated that, “…on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, assaults and criminal charges for drug possession tripled, thefts doubled, and reported incidents of child abuse increased by 85% between 2003 and 2004” (James, A, p.1). It is a known fact that people have been using methamphetamines for ages, however this drug is a relatively modern problem in the Indian Country; the Indian Health Service clinics became aware of this issue and started noticing signs of methamphetamine usage some years ago. Acknowledging the use of methamphetamine’s within the tribe and its devastating consequences to Native Americans is a critical issue. Several tribes are working endlessly in order to alter the methamphetamine situation, in which it seems to be making much improvement. In April, 2009, White Bison, the National Indian Health Board, and the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest co-sponsored the conference “Taking a Stand Against Meth: Recovery Is Possible.” This held conference...
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