Corean Healthcare System - Essay Example

Pregnancy Koreans have traditionally preferred to have male children compared to female children. In Korean society, males are regarded as special, and a woman is judged according to the number of sons that she bears. If a woman has no sons, then she is regarded as disgraceful and shameful. To insure that girl' children are not mistreated or to insure that the mother does not try to kill her child before it is born, the South Korean government has enacted laws to protect the children. These laws state that the sex of the child is not to be shared with the mother until after birth (Korean National Statistical Office-Women's Lives through Statistics). This would lead us to believe that the sex of the child is no longer as important as it used to be; however, if we look at the ratio of male to female children born, which are 121.8 males to 100 females (CIA World Factbook, 2008), we know that this is clearly not the case. This tradition is still highly regarded. During a woman's pregnancy, she moves into her mother-in-law's house. She tends to all of the household chores up until the birth of her child. When she gives birth, her mother-in-law will tend to all of her needs for an entire month (Korean National Statistical Office-Women's Lives through Statistics). Prenatal Care Just like in most of the western world, women in South Korea have monthly OBGYN visits. Sonograms are also part of the routine. Along with the routine checkups and sonograms that women undergo are certain foods that Koreans believe to be beneficial for prenatal care. For instance, pregnant women are strongly encouraged to eat only foods that are fresh, some of which are uncooked. In addition to these practices, women are also encouraged to relax and think about nothing negative. Koreans believe that doing all of these things will promote the health of the baby. During the labor and delivery process, the mother-in-law was traditionally the only one present. Now, however, other family members can be present. Women are to endure the delivery process in a manner that is quiet. They are not to shout loud. They are to just endure the pain. When the woman has gone through with labor and delivery, she is to come home and relax. Only the immediate family is allowed to visit the mother and baby, until the baby is one month old. To continue to maintain health after pregnancy, it is advised to consume seaweed soup twice a day for the first two weeks after giving birth (Korean National Statistical Office-Women's Lives Through Statistics). Nutrition As far as maintaining optimal health and nutrition is concerned, Koreans prefer to utilize natural methods. Some of the natural methods they make use of are getting plenty of fresh air, taking walks, and using traditional Oriental health practices as a means of preventing illness, such as the use of a fomentation bath or sauna to promote blood circulation (Shin et al, 2004). Other long standing traditions are observed, as well. For instance, traditions to show respect for parents and ancestors are observed routinely. In addition to this, there are traditions that are practiced in regards to the birth of the child, as well as on the child's first birthday to promote long life and happiness (Vogler, 2005). Korea offers a great variety of hearty and healthy dishes. Kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage) is the most popular, as it is eaten and enjoyed by almost everyone in Korea. Koreans are practically vegetarians; however, several dishes can be found that contain a wide variety of seafood's, as well as different meats. Many noodle and soup dishes are favorite among Koreans, and the variety of courses varies, depending on the class of people. Lower class individuals typically eat a meal that consists of three courses, while royalty will typically eat twelve (Shin et al, 2004). Since the introduction of western way of life into Korea, such as the eating habits and the westernized fast-food restaurants, obesity is on the rise. The South Korean media uses educational materials to promote healthier living and eating habits in the hopes that people will understand that making good choices is everything. Individuals are encouraged to be active and eat junk foods in moderation (Shin et al, 2004). At Risk Behaviors The amount of smokers in Korea has reached a worldwide high. Sixty percent of the males in Korea age twenty and over are smokers, and the amount of women smokers is increasing steady, since the 1990's. This alarming number of smokers has caused a number of individuals to want an antismoking policy. This antismoking policy will help individuals to see that there are serious risks associated with smoking. Smoking does not only affect smokers, it also affects those around them, causing problems such as children's asthma, lower respiratory infection, lung infection, heart disease, and lung cancer. In regards to this, an antismoking campaign has been launched to aid smokers to stop smoking. The campaign is designed to put smokers in touch with resources to aid them to quit smoking. An Antismoking Association has been established. The Antismoking Association is established to carry out all aspects of the campaign, and the association will also conduct scientific research on various antismoking efforts (Choi, 2004). Drinking is also starting to become a problem, as the consumption of alcohol to the point of drunkenness is starting to rise. Both males and females drink for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons why some drink are due to low education, marital problems, or smoking, as some like to drink along with the cigarettes to give them a good feeling. Severe alcohol consumption in the adult population has become enough of a problem to the point that attention to this issue is needed (Park, 2008). The use of recreational drugs in Korea has not been problematic enough to warrant worry. The only issue that seems to be slightly problematic is adolescent children using over-the-counter stimulants, such as diet pills. As society becomes more westernized, with both parents working and things becoming busier, it is anticipated that children will engage in more at risk behaviors, due to lack of supervision on the part of adults. Furthermore, things like obesity, heart disease, and other cancers will become more prevalent. References CIA-The World Factbook-Korea, South. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from https://cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/ks.html Korean National Statistical Office-Women's Lives Through Statistics. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.nso.go.kr/eng2006/e01__0000/e01c__0000/e01c_0000/e01ca_0000.html Shin, K. R., Shin, Chol, Blanchette, P. L.( 2004). Health and health care of Korean-American elders. Retrieved April 29, 2009 from http://www.usc.edu/isd/locations/ssh/korean/kabib_eld.html Vogler, C. J. (2005, October). Ancestral rites in Korea. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.clickkorea.org/ Choi, Eun-Jin (2004). Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. This month's anti- smoking guide in 2004. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.kihasa.re.kr/html/jsp/ Park, J., Kim, B., Jhum, H. "Alcohol Consumption and the CAGE Questionnaire in Korean Nutrition Examination Survey." Journal of Korean Medical Science 23.2 (April 2008). Retrieved April 29, 2010 from www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articleerender.fcgiartid=2526429 Read More