Cross Cultural Health Perspectives When

Cross Cultural Health Perspectives When studying the health of various groups of the population, there are a number of cultural factors that will have an effect on them. Part of the reason for this, is because these traditions will have an impact on the kinds of foods they consume and their lifestyle choices. In the case of Mexican-Americans, this is having consequences on how they are able to deal with these kinds of issues. (Dilip, 2001, pp.

81 -- 87) To fully understand how this is impacting this group requires looking at: a key health problem and the social factors that are influencing the choices that are contributing to this situation. Once this occurs, it will offer specific insights about the way these issues are effecting this population demographic and the long-term impact. Using the Pen 3 model, there are several different elements that will help in our study of Mexican-Americans to include: cultural identity, relationships / expectations and cultural empowerment.

When we apply the first characteristic to this demographic, it is clear that their cultural identity is based on the foods that they are consuming. As the majority of them involve high amounts of: corn starch, lard, cheese and various spices. This has been a part of their cultural traditions, with Mexican food often involving a combination of: Spanish dishes that are augmented with Native American cuisine.

This is important, because these traditional foods are a part of their culture with it allowing them to: embrace their traditional roots and heritage. (Dilip, 2001, pp. 81 -- 87) However, the problem with eating this cuisine on a consistent basis is that it often leads to an increase in heart disease. Where, studies have found that rates of this condition are 40% higher in comparison with whites. The reason why, is because many Mexican-Americans will often eat their traditional foods in the home and at various restaurants.

Due to the fact that there are larger amounts of: saturated fat and cholesterol. This will cause many to begin to experience increased levels of hypertension and obesity. Over the course of time, this will lead to a dramatic rise in the number of cases that are being reported, based upon the kinds of foods that are being consumed by this demographic. (Dilip, 2001, pp. 81 -- 87) As a result, different cultural factors are having an impact on this problem.

While at the same time, many individuals will feel pressure to consume this cuisine. Part of the reason for this, is because it is expected that they eat this to embrace their culture. If they do not, they risk the possibility of being seen as some kind outcast. (Cousins, 1992, pp. 549 -- 555) To change what is happening, we need to leverage the relationship / expectations towards: shifting the way these foods are prepared and the frequency that they are consumed.

As, we want to encourage people to begin cooking in vegetable / olive oil and to reduce the regularity of eating them. Once this occurs, this would have an impact on how this group will look at these foods by allowing them to continue to embrace their culture. While at the same.