Russian, Polish and Thai Heritages

Russian, Polish and Thai Heritages

Russian Heritage

            The Russians believe that health is the absence of a disease. They believe that the individual is responsible for his or her health. The Russians have a holistic view of health and expect their health care providers to conduct a wholesome evaluation of the individual’s health problems. They believe that the Western medicine focuses too much on laboratory tests and drugs (Purnell, 2012). Therefore, they tend to include self-diagnosis and alternative medicine and therapies in their treatment. The Russians stigmatize mental illnesses and the affected person may lie when being assessed by the healthcare provider.

Polish Heritage

            The Polish regard the family, friends and self-help groups as important sources of advice regarding the appropriate treatment for an illness. They use both the modern and traditional medicine. Most Poles tend to use self-diagnosis and self-help measures and only see a physician when the self-help measures prove ineffective. Their traditional remedies include herbal tea, honey and rubbing compounds. The Poles are respectful to authority figures and agree with their directions and suggestions to avoid offending them. Therefore, a Polish patient is likely to avoid asking the health care provider any questions or clarifications. Many Poles wear religious amulets.

Thai Heritage

            The Thais believe that health is attained through spiritual and physical harmony within the individual and nature. They use both the modern and traditional medicine. Many Thais use magic-religious amulets for healing and protective rituals.  They consult monks during serious illnesses. However, the Thais respect doctors and nurses highly. They avoid direct eye contact with authority figures (Edelstein, 2011). The Thais avoid complaining publicly and thus may not communicate all their health problems to the physician unless the physician asks very specific questions. Touching the head of a Thai is upsetting because it is the most sacred part of the body.