Irish, Italian and Puerto Rican Heritages

Irish, Italian and Puerto Rican Heritages

Irish Heritage

            Irish, Italian and Puerto Rican Heritages The Irish believe that health is attained by balancing the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of life. Some of their health-seeking behaviors include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a positive attitude. They have a fatalistic view of health and tend to delay getting medical help unless a condition becomes serious (Kittler, Sucher, & Nahikian-Nelms, 2011). The Irish healthcare system is a combination of traditional remedies and western medicine. The Irish attempt to treat illnesses using various home remedies before seeking medical help. Their communication and interactions are characterized by a lot of emotional restraint. They tend to underreport their pain and suffering and may hide their physical and psychological distress.

Italian Heritage

            The Italians believe that health and wellbeing is the ability to participate in the normal day-to-day activities. They believe that the individual’s health declines with age. The Italians attribute sicknesses to unclean air, contaminated food and water, suppression of emotions and supernatural causes (Dayer-Berenson, 2014). They use both the traditional and western medicine to treat or manage illnesses. The Italians maintain direct eye contact during conversations and perceive the practice as a symbol of honesty and sincerity. Direct physical contact between men is accepted.

Puerto Rican Heritage

            The Puerto Ricans believe that health is the balance between the hot and cold forces. They use both the traditional and western medicine. Mental illnesses are attributed to supernatural causes and can only be treated by the santero. The prominent traditional remedies among Puerto Ricans include dietary modifications, herbs and malt drinks. The Puerto Ricans avoid direct eye contact with authority figures (Purnell, 2012). They value personal space and privacy and consider questions that focus on the individual’s family as disrespectful. The family plays a key role in the patient’s health-care decisions.