Cultural Views on Health

Cultural Views on Health

Christina Stephens

HCA/230

June 10, 2011

Jeff Kindrai

In this paper, the subject to demonstrate is how Hispanic American and African American view health differently because some people from different cultures have their own perspectives on health; some are very different from others. Health is a reflection of how someone feels, how he or she relates to his or her environment, beliefs, morals as well as how he or she relate to the people he or she shares the society with. Certain groups of people will resist health treatment on the basis that it specifically does not respect their cultural identities. People are often affected by their own cultural beliefs concerning overcoming diseases and how they can find the right cure. Furthermore, religion, and cultural beliefs may hinder people from receiving the proper medical care needed.

In the United States, religious beliefs and spirituality play important roles in health care among Hispanic cultures. Most of Hispanics are Catholics, who believe health is a gift from God and their health problems are a result of God’s will. In addition, health is a reward for good behavior, and illness can sometimes become a punishment for wrongdoing.

Folk medicine has a long-standing place in Hispanic American culture, and is especially common among first-generation Hispanics. Healing through the folk system is practiced by both curanderos, and santeros. Cuaranderos are naturalist healers, who use herbs and plants to heal illness. Santeros uses the power of the saints to heal, aid, and counsel individuals. Some Mexican Americans may not have resources for health care and use traditional healings to treat their illness. Not all Hispanic-Americans use the folk system, but health care providers should remain aware that patients who seem to have delayed seeking health care have most likely depended on curing their illness using the folk process....