34704916_Simranjot_Multicultural Blog by Simran Sandhu

My Definition of Health

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:10:29 UTC

For me, being well goes beyond simply being free of disease and illness. It also involves having your loved ones by your side, being fearless, getting over financial and social traumas, and being at peace with yourself.

Cultural Food

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:10:38 UTC

Cultural Art

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:10:42 UTC

Neem twigs as toothbrush (Neem Datun)

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:10:51 UTC

In Punjab, it is customary to use neem twigs for mouth hygiene. It has been handed down through the years and is regarded as a sustainable and natural method of maintaining tooth health. The fibrous nature of neem twigs makes them useful as a natural toothbrush. Plaque and food residue on the teeth can be removed by chewing on the twig.

Cultural Musical Instrument

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:10:56 UTC

The vivid traditions and heritage of the Punjabi people are reflected in the rich and varied music of Punjabi culture. It covers a broad spectrum of musical styles and instruments. Bhangra, Giddha, and Punjabi folk songs are some examples of popular Punjabi cultural music. In Punjabi music, instruments including the dhol, tumbi, harmonium, and tabla are often used. These musical customs are an essential component of Punjabi celebrations and festivals (Schreffler, G.S., 2004).

Schreffler, G. S. (2004). Vernacular music and dance of punjab. International Journal of Punjab Studies, 11(2), 197-212.
https://punjab.global.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/sitefiles/journals/volume11/no2/7_schreffler.pdf

Social determinants

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:11:10 UTC

Refugees in Australia may be significantly impacted by social determinants of health, which include a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors.

Unemployment and job insecurity
For refugees, financial strain brought on by unemployment and job insecurity can make it difficult for them to satisfy basic needs, make rent payments, and maintain their children. Refugees who experience prolonged unemployment may become poorer, become more dependent on social assistance, and find it challenging to break out of poverty cycles (WHO,2023).

Housing, basic amenities and the environment
Finding decent home that is both affordable and accessible can be difficult for refugees. Inadequate housing conditions and overpopulation may be the result of limited availability. It may exacerbate their stress, anxiety, and mental health problems.
For refugees to stay healthy, they must have access to necessities like healthcare services. Limited access to healthcare can lead to untreated medical disorders like mental health and infections and increased susceptibility to diseases (WHO,2023).

Food insecurity
Refugees experiencing food insecurity may have limited access to a healthy diet, which can result in nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can have an impact on a refugee's physical and mental well-being as well as cause a number of health issues, including malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and other dietary-related illnesses. Additionally, when they worry about how to feed their family, it can cause stress and anxiety among refugees, which can negatively impact their mental health (WHO,2023).

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

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Domain 7: Professional Practice

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:11:17 UTC

Respect and dignity were the components of competency standard 12.3 that I found to be the most important. My knowledge of moral healthcare practise has increased.
I have learned to respect the cultural origins and lived experiences of immigrants and refugees. I believe that I can now provide better care for patients from cultures other than my own. Because it is a fundamental skill and can effectively treat patients if I try to understand and respect their beliefs, this ability is crucial to me in the workplace. I want to foster a culture where patients are respected and heard.

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

Principle health issues faced by refugees

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:11:28 UTC

Focused country: South Sudan
South Sudanese begin emigrating to nearby nations and Australia as a result of the first and second civil wars, catastrophic famines, and other factors.

There are many health issues addressed in South Sudanese upon arrival to Australia, 3 of them are malaria, hepatitis B and infectious diseases (hookworm)

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by parasite called plasmodium (Lin et al., 2014).
Available treatment for malaria is primaquine 30mg (child: 0.5mg/kg up to 30mg) orally, daily, or if nausea occurs 15mg (child: 0.25mg/kg up to 15mg) orally, 12-hourly. Treat for a minimum of 14 days or, in adults more than 70kg until a total cumulative dose of 6mg/kg is reached (Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds, 2018).

Hepatitis B is a viral infection mainly harms the liver. Both acute and chronic liver damage may result from it, which is brought on by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) (Wilkins et al., 2019).
Available treatment for hepatitis B is immunisation and antiviral medications (Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds, 2018).

Infectious disease (hookworm) is a parasitic infection brought on by hookworms. When a person comes into contact with contaminated soil or water, these worms frequently enter the body through the skin. Once inside the body, they stick to the small intestine's lining and can result in symptoms like fatigue, anaemia, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
Available treatment for hookworm is Albendazole 400mg daily for three days orally if weight is >10kg (200mg daily if >6 months and <10kg)(Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds, 2018).

Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. (2018.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Lin, J. T., Saunders, D. L., & Meshnick, S. R. (2014). The role of submicroscopic parasitemia in malaria transmission: what is the evidence? Trends in Parasitology, 30(4), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2014.02.004

Wilkins, T., Sams, R., & Carpenter, M. (2019). Hepatitis B: Screening, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. American Family Physician, 99(5), 314–323. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30811163/

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Ethnic wear

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:11:36 UTC

Traditional Punjabi embroidery known as phulkari is frequently used to adorn ethnic clothing including suits and dupattas. The fabric is decorated with beautiful floral motifs created with delicate and colourful thread work at home. Phulkari is an important component of Punjabi culture and gives Punjabi traditional apparel a lovely finishing touch, making them both aesthetically pleasing and culturally rich (Kaur, 2021).

Kaur, M. (2021). Traditional and Technical Assets of Punjabi Culture: Phulkari, Bagh and Chope Embroideries. Recent Trends in Traditional and Technical Textiles, 145–154. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9995-8_13

Religious symbol

simransandhu1302_ — 2023-10-08 09:11:45 UTC

The Sikh Khanda, a key emblem in Sikhism, is the most noticeable religious symbol connected to Punjab. The Khanda is divided into four sections:
1) Khanda: A double-edged sword that stands for the strength of the truth.
2) Chakkar: A spherical weapon that represents God's eternalism.
3) A ceremonial sword known as a "kirpan," it stands for the Sikh's obligation to uphold and defend the truth.
4) Two Crossed Swords: In Sikhism, these represent the complementary ideas of Miri (temporal might) and Piri (spiritual power).
This emblem is significant in Sikh religious and cultural contexts and is frequently seen on the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag (Sikh Museum History Heritage Sikhs, 2023).

Sikh Museum History Heritage Sikhs. (2023). Sikhmuseum.com. https://www.sikhmuseum.com./