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I appreciate my family for having good health, and we enjoy spending time together with nutritious food while taking care of our mental and physical well-being.

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Health to me means feeling good in both my mind and body. I feel well when my parents and husband are in good health and happy. Staying active in society and work and maintaining positive outlooks on life is essential for my well-being. Health, to me, also involves having a strong support system of good friends and healthy family members.

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Shayda" is a 2023 Australian drama film by Noora Niasari. The film portrays the story of a young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter who seek refuge in an Australian women's shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz). It is also Australia's entry for the Oscars.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13200006/

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Afghanistan has faced significant challenges, including political instability and conflict. As a result, many Afghan refugees seek shelter in countries like Australia. In 2020-21, Australia granted 562 refugee and humanitarian visas, with Afghan individuals listed among the top three recipient groups (Home Affairs, 2020-21). Upon arrival in Australia, Afghan refugees commonly face health concerns such as malnutrition, mental health issues, and infectious diseases like tuberculosis (RACGP, 2012).

Mental Health:

Concern: Afghan refugees may experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to the conflict and trauma they have endured (Refugee Health Guide).

Treatment Options: Treatment includes trauma-informed counseling, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy. Support groups and community-based mental health programs can also help.

Infectious Diseases, Including TB:

Concern: Afghan refugees may have been exposed to infectious diseases, like tuberculosis (TB), due to overcrowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare (Smartraveller, 2023).

Treatment Options: Comprehensive health assessments, including TB screening, are essential. For diagnosed cases, proper medications and follow-up healthcare are crucial (Refugee Health Guide).

Malaria:

Concern: Some Afghan refugees may carry malaria from endemic regions, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue (Smartraveller, 2023).

Treatment Options: Early diagnosis and treatment are vital, with rapid testing and antimalarial medications used. Preventive measures like bed nets and educational campaigns are important for transmission prevention (World Health Organization, 2023).

https://www.unrefugees.org.au/campaigns/afghanistan-crisis/
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/afghanistan
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-stats/files/australia-offshore-humanitarian-program-2020-21.pdf

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For me, the most important part of Competency Standard 12.3 lies in maintaining high ethical standards when caring for individuals from diverse cultures. It underscores the importance of cultural competency in healthcare, emphasizing values like person-centered care, equity, safety, respect, and effective communication. This competency is essential in my profession as it guarantees that I can provide exceptional treatment to all patients, including those from migrant or refugee backgrounds, ultimately improving health outcomes and building trust in our diverse healthcare environment.

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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The cultural diversity of Australia benefits from immigrants and refugees; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified issues with income, education, housing, and more that may impact their health.

Income and Social Protection:

Impact: Migrants and refugees often struggle to secure stable employment due to barriers like unrecognized qualifications, language issues, and discrimination, leading to lower incomes and financial instability. This makes accessing essential healthcare, nutritious food, and adequate housing challenging. Without social protection, they lack safety nets for unexpected hardships.
Health Effects: Limited income and social protection worsen health disparities. Financial instability can delay or prevent healthcare access, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increased stress and mental health issues.

Education:
Impact: Quality education is vital for social integration and economic opportunities. But language barriers, issues with educational qualifications recognition, and limited access to resources can hinder educational attainment for migrants and refugees.
Health Effects: Limited education can make it harder to navigate healthcare, understand health information, and make informed decisions about well-being. This knowledge gap can lead to health disparities and difficulties managing chronic conditions.
Housing and Environment:
Impact: Migrants and refugees often struggle to find affordable, safe, and stable housing. Overcrowding and substandard conditions are common, with some living in areas with environmental hazards.
Health Effects: Inadequate housing increases the risk of infectious diseases, mental health issues, and stress. Exposure to environmental hazards adds to these health risks.

WHO. (2023) Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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Protests in Iran persist, and Australian artists in Melbourne and Sydney are creating murals to express support for the Iranian protest movement. Iranian-Australians view art as a vital form of expression suppressed in their homeland, believing,
“Art is something that connects with all the cells in one’s body. Art builds relationships with people of any age,” she said.
https://www.sbs.com.au/language/persian/en/article/wont-be-silenced-how-iranian-australians-are-using-art-to-amplify-calls-for-freedom/w1hbagb5q

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Key Points

Murals in Melbourne and Sydney show solidarity with the protest movement in Iran

Iranian-Australians say art is an important outlet of expression that has been stifled in their homeland

The unrest in Iran has entered its third month

Faced with this daily emotional toll, Iranian-Australians have turned to

Some are taking creative measures to echo the anti-regime art that has turned up on city walls across Iran, often bearing the slogan 'Woman, Life, Freedom'.

'Art needs an audience'

She visited on a weekend and found the perfect spot.

Samaneh got in touch with Bahar*, another Iranian-Australian artist whose work she admired, and they developed a concept together in which images of political prisoners would be depicted behind bars.

"Now, we think we live freely, but subconsciously, we are still under dominance. Since we were children, we were subject to repression."

For her, art is an invaluable outlet of expression.

I had never felt free. I lived through all these feelings, they were like fire under ashes. However, our graffiti acted like a spark, it brought me freedom. I feel I am being understood.

Bahar, Iranian-Australian artist

"That's why having an audience is important."

Samaneh said: "I told Bahar, let's enjoy seeing people pass, stop and pay attention to our work. This was our reward, and we did not even expect that much engagement."

'A community collaboration'

One of those she reached out to was Scott Marsh, a graffiti artist dubbed the 'Australian Banksy' and known for tackling political and often controversial topics.

"We wanted to raise awareness and invite people to stand with us, to know there is something awful happening in a corner of the world."

"Members of Sydney's Iranian community reached out to me to paint something for the Iranian people. I was honoured they chose me and my work to represent something so important to them," he said.

After community members provided him with background information, Mr Marsh chose to enrich the mural with the message written on Mahsa's grave: 'You won't die, your name will become a code'.

'Celebrating diversity'

"[Murals] are something that happen every day in Iran; I was inspired by this and tried to develop an idea in collaboration with other friends to reflect the movement on a wall of Newtown."

"The process has been filmed and photographed, and we shared it with our relatives, friends and the people of Iran. We wanted to tell them we accompany them through all this.

In fact, we transformed one of the walls of Sydney into one of the walls of Tehran.

Saeed Sourati, Iranian-Australian artist

"The colours in this artwork are symbols of the diversity of thought, belief and ethnicity, and ultimately, the beauty of life," he said.

"I put Iran in the centre of the work like the sun, but in the lowest part, to be a reminder of the sun at the crack of dawn; the moment where the colours are seen at their most stunningly beautiful."

Shaping 'collective memory'

Ms Irani recalled first seeing graffiti in relation to Iran's current protests

, when a global protest was organised in nearly 180 cities across the world in solidarity.

"I was on my way to protest, and I saw one of my fellow nationals had painted a wall in Hosier Lane. There was thought, idea and soul behind the work. It had the hashtag #MahsaAmini, the slogan 'Woman, Life, Freedom' and some pictures."

For researcher Ms Irani, the dynamic nature of protest art is what makes it such a strong agent for social change.

When an artwork is created, from that point, it takes its own path. It could veer away from the artist's intention or come even closer.

Nasibe, Iranian-Australian researcher

"Art communicates with people's souls. With graffiti, people first look at it through an aesthetics lens. They may find it beautiful, but eventually they get more details, get to know the story and the reasons behind every image."

'A good starting point'

Her latest exhibition, "Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls", is currently on display as part of the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney.

She argues that a surge in nose surgery among women is one little talked about consequence of patriarchy.

The current culture in the Middle East has imposed limitations and due to these women are not able to fully express themselves.

Ramak Bamzar, Iranian-Australian artist

"And because of the restrictions around women's clothing and the women's body, we see lots of nose surgeries in Iran."

"Islam has limited women in Iran for so many years. In my opinion, the recent protests by Iranian women represent a fast move from a traditional society to a much modern, progressive society.

"I am really proud of it and I will try my best to be the voice of the Iranian women and those who are fighting for freedom," she said.

*Last name withheld for privacy reasons

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'Hope is what drives us': Iranian Australians are using art to amplify calls for freedom

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After three months, the demonstrations across Iran show no sign of abating. In Australia, artists are playing an important role in bringing messages of protest and solidarity to wider audiences, with murals springing up in Melbourne and Sydney.

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Health Impact of Lake Urmia's Drying in Iran

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Health Impact of Lake Urmia's Drying in Iran

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Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran, the world's sixth-largest saltwater lake, is vital for the region's ecosystem and economy. Its alarming drying trend results in health problems, economic losses, displacement, water scarcity, and ecosystem disruption. Restoring the lake is essential for the well-being of local communities and environmental preservation.

Jafari-Khounigh, A., Sadeghi-Bazargani, H., & Haghdoost, A. A. (2022, November 16). Public Perception on the Health Consequences of an Environmental Disaster: The Case of Lake Urmia Drying up. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 36, 136. https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.36.136

https://yazeco.ir/21611/

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Black Tea ( My husband and I often sit in our yard, have tea, and chat.) The tea made by my husband

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Iranian Black Tea Proven Effective against Streptococcus Mutans

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Iranian Black Tea Proven Effective against Streptococcus Mutans

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In Iranian culture, black tea plays a central role in social gatherings and celebrations. Notably, Iranian black and green teas have been found effective against Streptococcus mutans, benefiting dental health (Naderi, 2018).
Naderi, N. J., Niakan, M., Kharazi Fard, M. J., & Zardi, S. (2018). Antibacterial activity of Iranian green and black tea on Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study. Journal of Dentistry (Tehran), 8(2), 55-59. PMID: 21998809; PMCID: PMC3184736

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Scattered People
Based in Brisbane, Australia, The Scattered People, a musical group, shares the stories and songs of asylum seekers. Through two Iranian artists, they exemplify music's power to unite people and change attitudes toward asylum seekers in Australia. Their song "Scattered People" highlights music's ability to inspire hope, heal mental health, and provide comfort.
https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/scattered-people/

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Year: 2021
Directed by: John Swatland

The Scattered People is a group of musicians from Brisbane, Australia, who perform, compose, and record the music and narratives of asylum seekers they meet in detention and community centres.

Through the eyes and hearts of two Iranian musicians, Scattered People is a story about the healing power of music, bringing together people, cultures and countries while exploring Australians' attitudes towards people seeking asylum. Scattered People is about the power of music to create change and restore hope.

Watch the film on 10Play
Watch the film on Paramount+
Film homepage
Email the makers of the film

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The Scattered People is a group of musicians from Brisbane, Australia, who perform, compose, and record the music and narratives of asylum seekers they meet in detention and community centres.

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Sabzi Polo ba Mahi made by myself Neda ( This video is from when I was in Iran, I usually make videos of my cooking and share them on Instagram).

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The delicious cuisine Sabzi Polo ba Mahi, which consists of white fish and herbed rice, is a unique aspect of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz). It represents the beginning of spring and fresh starts.

Clean up of the herbs for this dish is one of my favourite memories. While cleaning the herbs, we would sit next to each other, chat, and have fun.
Sabzi Polo ba Mahi is more than simply food, this is a chance for my family to cook healthy meals together, strengthen our cooperation, and start the new year with improved mental health and happiness.

SERVING WEIGHT 230 g
Calories121kcal
Protein15.5g
Fat5.9g
Saturated fat1.0g
Trans fat0.0g
Cholesterol28.6mg
Carbohydrate3.6g
Sugars (Total)0.8g
Fibre1.1g
Sodium447.00mg
Salt1.1g
Iron1.6mg
Calcium51.5mg
Vitamin C20.0mg
Vitamin D3.9mcg
Vitamin B120.2mcg
Potassium355.3mg
https://the.ismaili/nutrition/recipe/herby-ricesabzi-polo