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Examine the high-risk nutritional behaviors associated with different cultures. Identify the historical perspectives, belief systems, and other factors associated with these high-risk nutritional behaviors for each culture.

Write APA 7th word paper on your findings in which you accomplish the following:

Summarize the high risk-nutritional behaviors practiced among two or three different cultures.
Discuss the historical perspectives and belief systems of these cultures that influence the high-risk nutritional behaviors.
Discuss the role of the health care provider in caring for individuals with high-risk behaviors for each culture. These may include, but are not limited to (a) education, (b) family roles, (c) spiritual beliefs, (d) health care practices, and (e) drug and alcohol use.

Be sure resources are current within the last five years.

Use link s below as reference for ( 2 )- only need 2 more to make 4 reference total
https://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bpj/757
http://www.cambridgeblog.org/2017/06/culture-and-risky-behavior/

ANSWER

High-Risk Nutritional Behaviors in Different Cultures

Every culture in humanity has its own tradition and ceremonies that embrace food as the foundation of its delight. For some, food is not just a necessity, but a crucial mark in their tradition, especially on transitions between different age stages, like from a boy to teenagehood. Different cultures have special delicacies that they hold dear, and it is almost entirely impossible to convince them of alternative food options. Apart from other ceremonial indulges of different cultures like sports, songs, and burials, food is the fundamental identity of every culture (Gatley, 2016). They form an emotional connection, a symbol of love and unity, and a form of approval while being welcomed to a certain stage in society.

However, as much food is a necessity and way of lifestyle for different cultures, some foodstuff and eating habits pose a high-nutritional risk and threat to their health (Gatley, 2016). For instance, tribes like the Maasai, located in eastern Africa, indulge in milk, blood, and meat as part of their mark and traditions. Another culture with the same high-risk nutritional behavior is the Hispanic, whose indulgence in high cholesterol food has seen a high mortality rate for the middle-aged in the society. This essay will analyze these two cultures, Hispanics and Maasai’s high risk nutritional and the traditional aspects of their choice of diet.

The Maasai

The Maasai are predominantly conservatives who have long embraced their tradition. Located in East Africa, they are normally pastoralists and nomadic, choosing to keep cattle as they move from place to place in search of greener pastures (Orech & Schwarz, 2017). As they normally live in dry areas, the Maasai often have limited access to vegetables and other nutritional diets. The women, who often take care of the kids, eat bitter herbs, milk, and meat as part of their diet. Such diets pose a challenge for babies, as the mothers fail to produce enough milk for them. For men, meat is not only the source of nutrients but a fundamental and crucial aspect of their identity. Children cannot partake in meat consumption until they go through a rite of passage into adolescence (Orech & Schwarz, 2017). Only the elderly indulge in meat and milk often, and this form of cultural tradition has become a high-nutritional risk for them. The Maasai prefer their meat to be smeared with blood and not overcooked. This, combined with high cholesterol, has long created various health issues related to red meat consumption, like brucellosis.

However, such health issues are not a concern for this community, as the utmost importance in this partake is the cultural implications. A man who has been allowed to eat with the elderly has rightfully gained a good social status for them. After the rite of passages that sometimes necessitates the young Maasai to hunt and kill a lion, having a bite of that red meat is the ultimate fulfillment of a true Maasai, a position that is revered (Orech & Schwarz, 2017).

Hispanic Food and Culture

The Hispanic people are renowned for their high devotion to their traditions and way of life. They have numerous celebrations, from girls getting into adulthood (Quinceanera) to the celebration of their ancestors (Dia de los Muertos). Such celebrations are sparked with jubilations and celebrations, and most are an important part of these traditions (Villegas et al., 2018). Apart from these celebrations, the Hispanic culture is riddled with the indulgence of fatty foods in their daily lives, especially for the young generations. According to Villegas et al. (2018), the age group between 15 and 24 records the highest rate of mortality rate, with these age groups recording high statistics in obesity and other heart-related diseases. This is attributed to high cholesterol levels from the food they eat like red meat, burritos, flour tortillas, chicken-based dishes, among others.

But like the Maasai, the high cholesterol problems and high-risk nutritional diets do not hinder them from continuing such habits (Villegas et al., 2018). For the Hispanic culture, food is a factor that brings the family together. It is common knowledge that Hispanics are renowned for emphasizing embracing unity among the family, and food is part of their foundation for unity.

Food is also important for them, as mentioned, as they use it to celebrate special occasions during the year. During the day of the dead, they celebrate the passing of their close family members, as they believe remembering them continues to hold them together as a family. During the occasion, different delicacies are prepared and put at the alters, which bear the images of the dead. Through this tradition, they use food to show love and honor to their former loved ones. Thus, food plays an important role in the Hispanic culture, regardless of the high-risk nutritional threat that they pose (Villegas et al., 2018).

Role of Health Care Providers

Healthcare providers have a duty and obligation to provide and advocate for healthy living and diets among different cultures. However, approaching people that have been deeply ingrained into their culture with a neutral attitude may pose a challenge. Therefore, health providers have a role to play in ensuring healthy living is promoted in several ways. For instance, health providers should be culturally adaptable. They need to understand that different cultures have different reasons why they choose to indulge in certain diets (Reddy & Anitha, 2015). They also need to understand and display cross-cultural communication skills. This will help create a bonding between the patient and the caregiver. Through the bond, the patient will be able to see the understanding and perception of the care provider, and change can be easily achieved through open channels of communication.

Another role healthcare givers play in providing care for people with high-risk behaviors is advocating for education in different cultures (Reddy & Anitha, 2015). This will allow the individuals to be enlightened for healthier food options that are in line with their traditions. Through education, individuals will understand the high health risks associated with some of their cultural practices. However, giving alternatives is an important factor and role for their caregiver. This will make the individual understand that the caregiver is not imposing for a complete overhaul on along and standing tradition, but an advocate for better and available options within the same cultural practice. Health alternatives will ensure that the cultural practices and values are being observed with the incorporation of healthy and low-risk nutritional diets.

Caregivers should also understand the psychological and social functions of these practices (Reddy & Anitha, 2015). They need to understand why specific foodstuffs are preferred on specific occasions and why others are observed on other occasions. By doing so, they will be able to understand which practices can be easily changed and which ones will take time to advocate for change. Having a detailed knowledge of the people’s beliefs and how they are associated with their food is essential. In the long run, this information will be crucial in advocating for better and healthy diets while not crossing any boundaries that will be deemed offensive to the cultures in question.

References

Gatley, A. (2016). The significance of culinary cultures to diet. British Food Journal.

Reddy, S., & Anitha, M. (2015). Culture and its influence on nutrition and oral health. Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal, 8(SpecialOct), 613.

Orech, F. O., & Schwarz, J. G. (2017). Ethno-phytotherapeutic remedies used in meat, milk, and blood products by the Maasai people of Kenya. South African Journal of Botany, 108, 278-280.

Villegas, E., Coba‐Rodriguez, S., & Wiley, A. R. (2018). Continued barriers affecting Hispanic families’ dietary patterns. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 46(4), 363-380.