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To me, to be healthy is to be free of disease and sickness, and to be in a physical and psychological state that enables a person to be able to do what they set out to do. It includes wellness which I define as having a balanced but overall positive outlook on all aspects of life and having a sense of fulfilment in day-to-day living. While people with disability may have restrictions on daily activities, they can still lead healthy lives.

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Three social determinants, as described by the World Health Organisation, that impact the health of migrants and refugees are education, social inclusion and non-discrimination, and unemployment and job insecurity (WHO, 2023).

Education for migrants and refugees in Australia can be difficult due to language barriers or lack of education in their home country. Intensive English programs, bilingual and counselling support, and targeted funding are available to help people integrate into Australia’s education system (NSW Department of Education, 2020).

Social inclusion and non-discrimination of migrants and refugees is important as Australia is a culturally diverse country. Community Capacity Building through the promotion of work placement programs, a comprehensive networking framework, workforce cultural training and integrated vocational training ensures that migrants and refugees are provided with opportunities to connect with community and feel supported and empowered to be involved in an inclusive society (Australian Institute of International Affairs, 2017).

Australian migrants and refugees are at risk for unemployment and poor job security due to poor literacy. The Refugee Council of Australia (2017) found that the government’s jobactive (DEWR, 2022) employment service (July 2015 to June 2022) had a negative impact to employment, with low interpreter usage and lack of translated materials resulting in migrants and refugees receiving little support with resumes and interview skills, being treated with disrespect and having to choose between learning English and finding work.

Australian Institute of International Affairs. (2017). A Path to Social Inclusion in a Multicultural Australia. https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/news-item/a-path-to-social-inclusion-in-a-multicultural-australia/

DEWR. (2022). jobactive. https://www.dewr.gov.au/jobactive/

NSW Department of Education. (2020). Supporting refugees: Education. https://www.roads-to-refuge.com.au/refugees-australia/supporting-education.html/

Refugee Council of Australia. (2017). Not Working: Experiences of refugees and migrants with Jobactive. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/jobactive-report/

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

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Red and white Tiger Balm, Pei Pa Koa cough syrup

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A popular Chinese remedy, Tiger Balm, relieves muscle and joint pains, headaches and cold and flu symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses. It comes in a variety of forms with the red and white ointments being the most commonly known (Perrigo Australia Pty Ltd, 2023).

Another traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory illnesses is an herbal cough syrup known as Pei Pa Koa. It relieves coughs and sore throats, aids in the removal of mucus and has anti-inflammatory effects (Li et. al., 1994; Nin Jiom, 2020).

Li, Z. L., Dai, B. Q., Liang, A. H., Li, G. Q., Yang, Q., & Xue, B. Y. (1994). Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, 19(6), 362–384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7945885/

Nin Jiom. (2020). Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Series. https://au.ninjiom.com/pages/nin-jiom-pei-pa-koa-series

Perrigo Australia Pty Ltd. (2023). Tiger Balm: Unique Herbal Relief. https://tigerbalm.com.au/

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While Lemon Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork are associated with Chinese takeaway, neither are considered traditional Chinese foods and were developed to cater for Australian tastes. Similarly, Dim Sims found on local “fish and chips” shop menus were borne in Australia by using local ingredients to make traditional Chinese dumplings (Asian Inspirations, 2023).

Despite durian’s pungent smell, the fruit has been found to help reduce cancer risk and cholesterol levels, fight infection and lower blood sugar (Jennings, 2023).

Asian Inspirations. (2023). The Origins of Chinese Takeaway Favourites. https://asianinspirations.com.au/food-knowledge/the-origins-of-chinese-takeaway-favourites/

Jennings, K-A. (2023). Durian Fruit: Potent smell but Incredibly Nutritious. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/durian-fruit/

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Chinese influence in Western filmography

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Chinese influence in Western filmography

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Many famous actors of Chinese origin have been popularised in Western audiences through martial arts films. Names such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh are synonymous with Hollywood, starring in films such as Enter the Dragon, Rush Hour and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (ChinaWhisper, 2023). More recently, Simu Liu starred as the first Asian superhero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – evidence that the world is becoming more culturally inclusive (Marvel, 2023).

ChinaWhisper. (2023). Top 10 Renowned Chinese Actors in Hollywood. ChinaWhisper. https://www.chinawhisper.com/top-10-renowned-chinese-actors-in-hollywood/

IMDB. (2023). Rush Hour. IMDB. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120812/

Marvel. (2023). Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Marvel. https://www.marvel.com/movies/shang-chi-and-the-legend-of-the-ten-rings/

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I feel that competency standard 12.3 (Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership, 2019) resonates with my experiences as an Australian born Chinese with migrant parents and has made me aware of aspects of the healthcare system that can impact the effectiveness of care provided. I have assisted my father with communication difficulties encountered while interacting with the hospital system due to cultural differences and language barriers. Throughout my studies, I now also understand the importance of a registered interpreter in providing patients like my father with accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions about the healthcare they receive.

Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. Competency standards framework for clinicians. January 2019. Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership.

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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), approximately 2.7% of Australians use Mandarin at home, with a further 1.2% use Cantonese at home. With approximately 5.5% of Australians reporting Chinese ancestry, this makes up a total of 70.5% that speak either Mandarin or Cantonese at home. Compared to the 2016 Census, while the proportion speaking Mandarin at home has remained the same, those speaking Cantonese at home has declined by 1.9% (ABS, 2021; ABS, 2016).

ABS. (2023). Australia: 2021 Census All persons QuickStats. https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/AUS/

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Chinese New Year is one of the most important annual events for Chinese Australians. Usually taking place in late January or early February, celebrations involve a “reunion dinner” with family on New Year’s Eve, exchanging red envelopes and watching fireworks and lion or dragon dances accompanied by percussive music. Also known as Lunar New Year, this event is an opportunity for people to pay respects to deceased family members and wish each other good luck and fortune for the year ahead, providing strong mental health benefits via connection to family and friends (SBS, 2023).

SBS. (2023). What is Lunar New Year and how is it celebrated in Australia? https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/what-is-lunar-new-year-and-how-is-it-celebrated-in-australia/djui9tex3

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016) found that there were more than 1.2 million people with Chinese ancestry living in Australia (ABS, 2018). While 54% of respondents reported they were not religious, Christianity (25%) and Buddhism (15%) were the two major religions followed by Australians with Chinese ancestry (ABS, 2018).

ABS. (2018). ABS reveals insights into Australia’s Chinese population on Chinese New Year. https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbytitle/D8CAE4F74B82D446CA258235000F2BDE/

ABS. (2016). 2016 Census. https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/2016/

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Between September 2013 and June 2022, China was the second highest country seeking citizenship for permanent protection visa applicants (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023). Three health concerns identified by the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide for people from China are intestinal parasites, schistosomiasis and tuberculosis (Foundation House, 2023).

Intestinal parasite infections such as hookworm, round worm and whipworm are common in tropical and subtropical areas like China. People from such areas should be checked for eosinophilia. Stool microscopy can verify infections which can be treated with albendazole, mebendazole or tinidazole depending on age or if the person is pregnant (Foundation House, 2023).

In China, schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic infection, can be found in people from areas along the Yangtze River. In Australia, screening for schistosomiasis can be performed using serology. Positive serology tests are followed by stool and urine testing and treated by praziquantel (Foundation House, 2023).

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects a person’s lungs but can also affect other organs. People born in China are among a group that makes up over 50% of active overseas-born Australian cases. Screening and testing can minimise the risk of spread. Cases of latent tuberculosis infection are treated with isoniazid and pyridoxine if necessary (Foundation House, 2023).

Foundation House. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Common health concerns – all ages. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Statistics on people seeking asylum in the community. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/asylum-community/3/