Running head: HERITAGE

Heritage Assessment
Lara Abdallah
Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V Family Health Promotion
June 30, 2011

Heritage Assessment Different approaches to health care differ from one culture to another and are evident in the human race. In the health care field, having the knowledge that different people are usually shaped in life through the traditions that they were brought up with, some do use these traditional ways of health maintenance for their need for better health status. Due to the vast population in the United States coming from other countries it is of the utmost importance for nurses to care and understand different cultures and thus provide culturally competent health care. In different societies, communication and culture are closely linked together. “Communication is the means by which culture is transmitted and preserved (Giger & Davidhizar, 2008).” This writer originates from the Greek culture and has a vast array of beliefs and traditions that stem from a long history and culture that is still closely tied to. For example, the Greeks tend to be very superstitious people, it is said that one person can cast “the evil eye”, also known as “to mati”, on another causing sicknesses such as stomach aches or headaches, and that there are different ways to protect one’s self from such evilness. An amulet pinned onto a baby’s clothes or one worn as a bracelet or pendant on a necklace of an adult will help to protect them. When the “evil eye” is cast onto someone it is usually due to jealousy and only a prayer can remove any harm. The prayer is usually said by an elderly person while making the symbol of the cross, if the person reciting the prayer yawns, it is the “evil eye” leaving the person’s body thus healing them. While most Greeks tend to believe in modern medicine, the older community tends to lean on traditions ultimately giving in to modern medicine with the insistence of their children. Holy water is another cure all. Once a year, at Easter, the community congregates at the local church and receives a little vile of blessed water (D.A., 2011). This water is said to heal most ailments from the common cold to a stomach ache. It is kept fresh in the refrigerator and used throughout the year. This writer remembers always having a small jar of blessed water and to this day still believes in its powers. These are but two examples of what this culture believes and can be compared to the Christian Arab culture with the Mati. The Christian Arabs also believe in the “evil eye” and have the amulet usually pinned on to a small infant and child’s clothes until they reach school age (J.B, 2011). The Christian Arabs differ from the Muslim Arabs as well. With the Muslim Arabs, the women are taught to be subservient while the Christian Arabs have stronger more vocal women that have earned their rights in society. These women are more educated and will reach out from health care needs if necessary without the approval of a male family member. Still, in Israel, there is socialized medicine and many uneducated people, because of this it is important for nurses to realize that the older culture might not have the understanding to realize the needs that have to be met and should always try to use a family member to translate (G. B., 2011). These two cultures have many different beliefs even if they do come from the same part of the world. Most of their beliefs are the same such as the foods they eat and some of the healing remedies that they use. Most of the diet is made up of lamb, rice, yogurt, dates, and honey and should always be included in their care if at all possible (J. B., 2011). Do not assume that since the name is Middle-eastern they are of Muslim decent as the Christians have some different beliefs concerning their health care, the Muslim Arab will not donate an organ while the Christian Arab will (Guenther, 2011). The nursing profession is a constant change, from different types of care given to different situations the nurse might find his/herself in. It is import and professional to keep abreast of all areas of nursing with the primary focus being on the area of care given in a particular unit the nurse is working in. Nurses must always show professionalism with all patients and keep an opened mind with all cultures that are encountered. If a nurse is unsure, it does not hurt to ask the family or a peer that might be of the same culture or background. The most insulting situation to anyone of a different culture is blatant disregard of the beliefs and customs that have been passed down from the generations.

References
Doris Abdallah (Personal Communication, June 25, 2011).
Gloria Barham (Personal Communication, June 26, 2011).
Giger, Joyce Newman & Davidhizar, Ruth Elaine (2008). Tanscultural Nursing: Assessment and Intervention. St. Louis: Mosby & Elsevier.
Greiner, P. A., & Edelman, C. L. (2010). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span 7th Edition. St. Louis: Mosby & Elsevier.
Guenther, Heather (2011). New HCV Drugs. Study Reveals Arab American Views on Organ Donation. Retrieved June 27, 2011 from http//:www.hepatitisnewdrugs.com/2011/01/study-reveals-arab-american-views-on.html.
Joseph Barham (Personal Communication, June 26, 2011).