High-Risk Nutritional Practices - Essay Example

High Risk Nutritional Practices Alarik Fryling, RN Grand Canyon HLT-324V High Risk Nutritional Behaviors Practices Introduction High-riskbehaviors are definitively regarded as lifestyle activities that invariably place individuals at greater risks of suffering from particular conditions. This is influenced by the prevailing contextsin terms of socio-economic, geographical and religio-cultural aspects. With regard to nutritional intake and value, high-risk behaviors are fundamentally associated with the continued exposure to foodstuffs, beverages and nutritional intake that is not balanced in the optimally recommended manner. Accordingly, associated negative/ risky practicesinclude the lack of constant exercising, proper hydration, and continuous cleanliness, as well as participation in general medical checkups and examination. In this regard, there are a host of factors that inevitably result in the lack of or limitation of access to proper nutritional value and health. When delving into the aspect of culture and traditional affiliations, it is critical to note that a majority of cultural practices and/ traditions and essentially linked to the religious aspects of given social settings. Therefore, the need to be considerate of religious input with regard to cultural practices pertaining to nutritional intake and practice is vital (Grant, 1998). The paper will delve on the influences of cultural ideals and practices, on various populations’ dietary/ nutritional intake. Focus will be on the existing influential factors as well as co-relative factors founded on cultural perspectives and practices. This will encompass prevailing historical belief systems and inclusive practices portrayed, with each culture being explored further in terms of such high-risk behaviors. Cultural Affiliation and Influences on High-risk Nutritional Behaviors Within European contexts, the U.S. is often regarded as the ‘melting pot’ of all cultures, religions and ways of life. As Kittler and Sucher (1999) portray, this is best represented by the diversity portrayed and subsequently experienced in the daily life of American citizens, eventually affecting critical aspects such as socialization, nutritional value intake, political affiliations and ideological perspectives. Looking at high-risk nutritional behaviors, it is worthwhile to note that other aspects of socializations i.e. family/ gender roles, age-group category/ bracket, spiritual beliefs, education, health care practices, physical activities, drug and substance abuse, cultural practices and traditions amongst others, fundamentally influence the nutritional behaviors present within different social contexts. In terms of cultural diversity, the U.S. is uniquely positioned with the presence of nearly all types of populations, as represented globally. As a result, different cultural contexts, influences and effects are portrayed with regard to nutritional behaviors as well as associated practices. Despite the diversity in nature, recurrent research in cultural diversity has been able to portray a sustainable correlation between specific forms of risky nutritional behaviors to unique social categories. Thus, despite the diverse nature of cultural affiliation, specific linkages were availed, with regard to such unwanted nutritional behaviors to specific group categories such as the youth, adult men vis-à-vis women, the ageing population and children (Kittler &Sucher, 1999). White Americans The nutritional characteristics of white Americans are not linked to traditions or religion but to issues of modernity and affluence. As such, many of them consume foods high in calorie and sugar such as French fries, burgers and chocolate. They also prefer fast foods, which is a risky behavior. Alcohol intake is also high among this population. Haitian Americans Amongst Haitian American populations, the prevailing health belief system can be categorically linked to some of the prevalent high-risk behaviors. Accordingly, many immigrants believe they either have no time, or see no importance of constant exercising. For instance, they consider going to the gym as a luxury rather than an essential human activity. Change in lifestyle is also to blame, as Haitians continue to assimilate into existing U.S. culture, hence indulgence in risky behaviors such as smoking, and being over-weight. This is perhaps because of the traditional Haitian culture envisaging being fat with being healthy vis-à-vis thinness indicating poor health (Grant, 1998). Mexican Americans Mexican Americans tend to take more rice and less vegetable. They also have the likelihood of consuming whole milk, hence a greater dietary intake of saturated fat, cholesterol and fat from carbohydrates. Overall, this critical American population is generally low in various micronutrients compared to the white population. The general intake of calcium, zinc and vitamin E, falls below the recommended daily allowance. Smoking, drinking and substance abuse are other associated practices, which generally affect their health in a negative manner. A more sedentary lifestyle augmented by lack of continuous exercising is a primary factor of influence. This is also affected by an increase in cigarette smoking, alcohol and substance abuse in the younger generations (Hajat, Lucus &Kington, 2000)). African Americans African Americans on their part have specific health beliefs thatare still observed to the present day. There is preference of whole milk and buttermilk, in addition to consumption of fried and breaded meats. In addition, there is a liking for starchy vegetables and greater intake of carbohydrates. Also influential to this are the socio-economic and educational levels present, with fast foods being a preferred choice for many urban populations. Fast foods lack nutritional balance because they have a greater concentration on carbohydrates (fat and cholesterol) and sodium. Most of them engage in alcohol and substance use, which invariably influence human health in a negative manner. Asian Americans The American Asian-Indian community, because of its huge diversity, in terms of regional basis or affiliation portrays different dietary intake. This is influenced by the varying forms of religio-cultural affiliations. Marmot and Bell (2011) show thatas result of acculturation, there has been a more frequent preference of other ethnic or American foods, especially for main-meals. Thus, there has been an increase in the intake of doughnuts and cookies amongst other Western pastries. This is in addition to intake of curried vegetables, daily rice rations, and yogurt, spiced foods amongst others in the currently low fiber, high saturated fat, and higher-fat animal protein nutritional diet. In general,convenience and fast foods have become acceptable and convenient options. All this is worsened by stressful and sedentary lifestyles where a variety of metabolic abnormalities arguably adding to insulin resistance. Immigrant populations Marmot & Bell (2011) assert, Mediterranean immigrant populations in the U.S. i.e. Italians, Greek and Spanish while being exemplary gifted with the presence of a nutritionally health traditional dietary intake have as a result of acculturation of/ into the mainstream American culture engaged in subsequent unhealthy nutritional behaviors. As a result, there is greater intake of carbohydrate-rich foodstuffs that invariably lead to a number of lifestyle diseases amongst this population segments. American Indians This is also true of the indigenous Indian populations, which abate having strong foundational basis in terms of nutritional intake and dietary balance have been influenced by the acculturation of other dominant dietary cultures and lifestyles. They take curried vegetables, daily rice rations, and yogurt, spiced foods amongst others in the currently low fiber, high saturated fat, and higher-fat animal protein nutritional diet (Marmot & Bell, 2011). Arab Americans The nutritional practices among Arab Americans are highly traditional or cultural. They consume red meat, coffee, rice, dairy products, fruits and alcohol. Among these, red meat, alcohol and coffee are dangerous for their health because they increase risks to diseases such as diabetes, liver problems and conditions such as alcoholism. German Americans People from this culture consider food as a symbol of celebration and love. As such, they are infatuated with food sometimes rich in calorie and sugars, i.e. fried meat, sausages and butter cream. This is dangerous to their health because they lead to obesity and diabetes. Puerto Rican Culture Puerto Ricans exhibit high-risk nutritional practices such as smoking, alcoholism, drug use and lack of physical exercises that exposes them to diseases such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. They also believe that being overweight means wealth and being healthy, which is not the case. As Kittler and Sucher (1999) allude, it is worthwhile to note that despite the cultural differences portrayed, the various social segments of the diverse American society do essentially share similar traits, influences and characteristics in terms of lack of proper nutritional behavior. Primarily, the most influential aspect in this regard is the economic placement of the minority groups that are inevitably left with the greatly viable option of fast foods consumption. As is known in the contemporary U.S. setting, the fast food industry is able as a result of its economic of scale advantages is able to reduce overall expenditure, thereby suitably pricing the wide array of products presented. These are however more rich in carbohydrates, sugars and unsaturated fat/ cholesterol with very little room for vegetables and whole-grain dietary intake. Further worsening this critical state of affairs is the growing problem of obesity and overweight issues, especially so, as influenced by the sedentary culture prevalent in American culture. Due to the development of the nation, manyactivities that would otherwise be tiresome and strenuous are however eased by the presence of enhanced mechanical automation (Kittler &Sucher, 1999). Therefore, there is a lesser focus on strenuous physical activity, as part of daily routine that is aimed at correlatively tackling the food intake, and subsequent energy projections, with adequate physical exercises. It is quite ironical that American populations do enjoy the variety of American gaming options present, abate while seated in sedentary participation. Socio-economic placementis another key factor given that some of the negative effects associated with low per capita include crime, alcohol and substance abuse, prostitution, teenage pregnancies, prevalence of STD, general delinquency and rebellion amongst other social vices. Unfortunately, this scenario is further worsened by the prevailing educational contexts present within different social settings. This is influenced by the economic capacity of target populations with most of the minorities also suffering from the aspect of limited knowledge acquisition and knowledge-based advancement opportunities. Loose moral values lead to greater participation in negative leisure activities such as binge drinking, substance abuse and immorality (Ezzati, 2012). Conclusion While it is understandable that different religio-cultural backgrounds are influential on specific populationsin terms of dietary intake and nutritional value addition, there are underlying socio-economic settings that universally affect different populations. For example, it is the urban poor, who are more likely to suffer from dietary deficiencies despite their racial/ ethnic background, because of the dependence on fast food services. Adding to this is the fact that as a result of resource (per capita) limitations, different issues are experienced, as a means of relieving their daily-life stresses, or as a means of enhancing their future prospects. Above this is the lack of higher education opportunities that further limits the level of nutritional competency and knowledge, vital in enhancing overall dietary intake. References Cultural Competency and Haitian Immigrants: High-Risk Health Behaviors. (2003). 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