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a photo of me during my intimate birthday celebration

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Health to me means that my overall health, including physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, is at a rate where it grants me the ability live my day-to-day life free from any illness. Being healthy is important to me as I want to be able to work without feeling tired easily and feeling keen and energised to start each day of my life.

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Carinosa, a traditional Filipino dance, is renowned for its flirtatious movements that symbolize courtship. Influenced by the Spanish colonial era, its name derives from "carinosa," a Spanish word for affectionate. This dance, reminiscent of the Spanish bolero, portrays a courtship scenario with two dancers. They begin behind handkerchiefs or fans, gracefully approaching each other. Mirroring steps in a circular motion, they symbolize a romantic connection. Beyond its cultural significance, Carinosa contributes to well-being through physical activity, stress reduction, and the fostering of cultural identity, instilling a sense of belonging and pride in dancers.

Cultural dance: An opportunity to encourage physical activity and health in communities. (2023). Healthevidence.org. https://www.healthevidence.org/view-article.aspx?a=cultural-dance-opportunity-encourage-physical-activity-health-communities-15502

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Tradition Meets Healing: Albularyo’s Role in the History of Filipino Healthcare

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Tradition Meets Healing: Albularyo’s Role in the History of Filipino Healthcare

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Albularyo or arbulario is the Philippines’ traditional healers or witch doctors, who practices herbal remedies as well as spiritual rituals and traditional diagnosis (Mario Alvaro Limos, 2018). I remember growing up, I was once brought to an albularyo by my father, as I became sick for no reason when we arrived in his hometown, where people believe in these type of miracle healers. The healing began as the albularyo uses a piece of ginger that she prayed on prior to the healing, then drew a cross on my forehead while whispering chants/ prayers to seek guidance and assistance with spiritual forces. She then continued by massaging my head to inspect any energy imbalances that can provide insights to what the problem may be. In the end, she came into a conclusion that I may have hit an entity that the naked eye doesn’t see, during the time that I was throwing rocks by the beach. She also mentioned that my late grandmother was just visiting me and guiding me as we travel in their hometown. After the healing, I was given a piece of garlic in my pocket (amulet) to protect me for the rest of our vacation.

Mario Alvaro Limos. (2018). Albularyo: Why “Magic” Healing Still Prevails in the Philippines. Esquiremag.ph. https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/albularyo-origins-and-practices-philippines-a00293-20200418-lfrm

Huohea Nanu. (2019, January 13). Throughout generations quack doctors(Albularyo) where known as a substitute healers for those who…. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@huohea/throughout-generations-quack-doctors-albularyo-where-known-as-a-substitute-healers-for-those-who-36d0b73c96fe

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Traditional parol (Parol: A Symbol of Filipino Christmas Spirit, 2013)

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Paskong Pinoy: The Joy that Christmas Brings

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Paskong Pinoy: The Joy that Christmas Brings

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Christmas, known as "Pasko" in the Philippines, stands as the country's most extended holiday, commencing as early as September. The streets come alive with dazzling Christmas lights, festive banners called "banderitas," and the delightful sound of children singing carols door-to-door, receiving "aguinaldo" in return. Each home adorns a Christmas lantern, or "parol," often in the form of a star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Personally, I deeply miss these traditions since moving to Australia. The vivid jingling of homemade tambourines made with old bottle caps and the cherished memories of family gatherings stand out. The feasting on succulent hams and the delightful "putobumbong" (purple rice cake) lingers in my memories. Christmas in the Philippines offers much more than festivity; it serves as a balm for one's well-being. It provides relaxation, reducing stress and enhancing mental health. The social bonds formed during this season stave off loneliness, fostering happiness and emotional well-being (Ahmed, 2020).

Ahmed, N. (2020, December 11). Why celebrating Christmas is good for your mental health. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/why-celebrating-christmas-is-good-for-your-mental-health-151123#:~:text=Festivities%20also%20often%20highlight%20the,help%20to%20boost%20our%20mood.

Parol: A symbol of Filipino Christmas Spirit. (2013, December 16). The Mixed Culture; The Mixed Culture. https://themixedculture.com/2013/12/15/parol-filipino-christmas/

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Bidyoke, famously known as karaoke, is a popular form of entertainment in the Philippines and worldwide. This device is present at various events, from birthdays to Christmas parties and even funerals. Karaoke symbolizes the country's deep love for music and the strong bonds shared among family and friends. Singing, a common activity during karaoke, offers numerous health benefits, encompassing psychological and physical well-being. It reduces stress, elevates mood, and enhances respiratory function (Uusi-Hakimo, 2023). In my experience, it also boosts my self-esteem and stage confidence. Incorporating karaoke into one's social life can contribute to holistic health and happiness.

Uusi-Hakimo, J. (2023, January 22). The Many Unknown Health Benefits of Singing Karaoke. Medium; ILLUMINATION. https://medium.com/illumination/the-many-unknown-health-benefits-of-singing-karaoke-3377c2767a8#:~:text=Scientists%20believe%20this%20is%20because,through%20shared%20experiences%20and%20laughter.

Emeterio, L. (2022, September 30). A background on the karaoke culture in the Philippines. Your Guide to the Big City. https://villagepipol.com/a-background-on-the-karaoke-culture-in-the-philippines/

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For me as a student nurse, the most significant aspect of domain 7 is the competency standard 12.1. Being able to learn this standard, will allow me to be culturally safe in my future nursing career as I will be engaging with patients as well as colleagues from different cultural background. Although I know that during this time, it will be a struggle to adjust in being open minded in certain beliefs of others that might contest my own beliefs. I hope that in the future, I will be able to apply this skill so that I will perform and provide a patient-centred care whilst being self-aware for any cultural biases that I may unconsciously do, so that my patients and everyone that I will be actively engaging with will feel safe and respected for their personal and cultural background.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Malunggay, or Moringa Oleifera, is a popular nutritious Filipino food, celebrated for its remarkable health benefits. This medium-sized tree boasts a rich nutritional profile, featuring essential vitamins (like vitamin C), minerals (such as potassium and iron), and antioxidants (Faizal et al., 2014). Filipinos also use Malunggay as an herbal remedy for wound healing, boosting lactation in nursing mothers, and aiding digestion. Globally recognized for its role in addressing malnutrition, it thrives in diverse climates and can be regularly harvested without harm. This plant is rooted in my culture and offers many advantages, from its highly nutritious leaves to water-purifying seeds and delectable seed pods used in culinary creations.

Faizal, A., Muhammad Din Ibrahim, & Saie Brindha Kntayya. (2014). Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 15(20), 8571–8576. https://doi.org/10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8571

Hudson, P. (2022, October 13). Moringa Tree Superfood. Poppys Wild Kitchen. https://poppyswildkitchen.com/moringa-tree-moringa-oleifera/

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touched by a hilot (onlyinthephilippines, 2019)

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Hilot or traditional massage is known throughout my country for it power to manipulate muscles as well as healing through proper alignment of free-flowing energy in the body (The Age-Old Healing Art of Hilot, 2022). This tradition is passed on through generations as it is a local remedy for going to a doctor. They often use coconut oil or chamomile oil for relaxation and to decrease friction as they glide their hands to remove knots in the muscles of the body. Some manghihilot (massage therapist) also uses cupping therapy or “ventosa” to improve blood circulation in certain parts of the body which reduces pain and muscle stiffness.

The Age-Old Healing Art of Hilot. (2022). Medicaltourism.com. https://www.magazine.medicaltourism.com/article/the-age-old-healing-art-of-aeoehilotae-c2-9d

onlyinthephilippines. (2019). Touched by a Hilot. Blogspot.com. http://onlyinthephilippines-philippines.blogspot.com/2009/05/photo-courtesy-of-lightstalkers.html

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3 social determinants of health that impacts refugees/ migrants

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3 social determinants of health that impacts refugees/ migrants

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Improving Social Protection for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers An Overview of International Practices. (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org/egypt/media/6876/file/Improving%20social%20protection%20for%20migrants

Issue Brief #1 Human rights of all migrants, social inclusion, cohesion and all forms of discrimination, including racism, xenophobia and intolerance. (n.d.). https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/sites/default/files/issue_brief_for_first_thematic_session.pdf

What impacts refugee children’s mental health? - Emerging Minds. (2023, September 14).

Emerging Minds. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/what-impacts-refugee-and-asylum-seeker-childrens-mental-health/

Reidpath, D., & Allotey, P. (2019). The Health of Refugees (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

World. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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Improving Social Protection for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers An Overview of International Practices. (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org/egypt/media/6876/file/Improving%20social%20protection%20for%20migrants

Issue Brief #1 Human rights of all migrants, social inclusion, cohesion and all forms of discrimination, including racism, xenophobia and intolerance. (n.d.). https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/sites/default/files/issue_brief_for_first_thematic_session.pdf

What impacts refugee children’s mental health? - Emerging Minds. (2023, September 14).

Emerging Minds. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/what-impacts-refugee-and-asylum-seeker-childrens-mental-health/

Reidpath, D., & Allotey, P. (2019). The Health of Refugees (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

World. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

World. (2023, July 18). Hepatitis B. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b#:~:text=Hepatitis%20B%20is%20an%20infection,from%20cirrhosis%20and%20liver%20cancer.

‌ Iraq. (n.d.). https://www.health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-10/ACTH%20Community%20Profile_Iraq.pdf

‌ Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health. (2023). Refugeehealthguide.org.au. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

‌ Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)» Australian Refugee Health. (2014). Refugeehealthguide.org.au. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hepatitis-b/

‌ Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI)» Australian Refugee Health. (2013). Refugeehealthguide.org.au. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/