Increasing self-awareness: By considering my own cultural background and preconceptions to better understand how these may influence my interactions with future patients from other cultural backgrounds. 

Understanding different cultures: Spending necessary time to get familiar with different cultural norms, values, and practices of the patients I will be treating. In doing so I will be able to better understand the requirements of my patients and deliver the best care possible. 

Relationships with patients: I will endeavor to work to establish solid bonds with my patients that are based on mutual respect, trust, and free-flowing communication. In doing this I hope my patients will feel more at ease discussing their health and cultural background with me. 

Reference: Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians. (2019, January). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. ://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/3573073/mod_resource/content/1/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

There are between 12-15 000 Afghans living permanently in Australia today, approximately 3,500 also have temporary protection visas. The Soviet invasion in 1979 was the fundamental reason for their arrival. (ABC, 2022)

Upon arrival to Australian these are three examples of common health issues refugees may present with:
(Australian Refuge Health, 2023)

Mental health: Due to risky travel, war torn environments, incarceration at borders and prolonged uncertainty, asylum seekers may encounter additional stressors as a result. There is strong evidence that immigration detention in Australia particularly long-term detention, has negative short and long-term effects on peoples physical and mental health. One treatment option is clinical post-arrival assessment for emotional health and mental disorders as well as continued monitoring for stressors connected to the experience of being a refugee and being resettled over time. 

Immunisations: People from refugee backgrounds have an increased chance of arriving in Australia with inadequate or no immunisations. No one will come completely immunised because the immunisation schedules of their home countries differ from those of Australian standards. One treatment option is to determine which vaccines have already been given before creating an appropriate plan to start administration of vaccinations needed. 

Skin Infections: Dermatitis, skin ulcers, and contagious illnesses including scabies are more common amongst Afghan refugees in comparison to other types of refugees. This could be due to the high incidence of starvation, forced foot travel and lack of access to basic healthcare. One example of a treatment for such illnesses includes an initial physical examination should involve skin evaluation. The best plan of action will rely on the results of the final diagnosis.

References: ABC. (2022, March 29). “Turning of the tide”: Australia to take in 16,500 more refugees from Afghanistan. ABC News. www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-30/budget-afghanistan-refugee-intake-humanitarian-program/100948614

Australian Refuge Health. (2023). Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. Australian Refugee Health - Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your blood pressure, increase your levels of goof cholesterol, enhance blood flow (circulation), avoid bone loss that can cause osteoporosis, and lengthen your life! (Mayo Clinic, 2021)

Reference: Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 8). 7 great reasons why exercise matters. Mayo Clinic. .mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

Reference: Miller, K. (2019, July 2). 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science. Positive Psychology. positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

Here are some ideas on how to increase the quality of your sleep; 

-        Create a sleep schedule, set a consistent schedule for when you go to bed and wake up.

-        Avoid using screens at night right before you sleep, don’t bring your computers, iPad or phones to bed. These devices ‘blue light’ can overstimulate you and even keep you awake! 

-        Set a caffeine cutoff time when the suns up enjoy your cup of coffee. Avoid consuming coffee in the late afternoon or evening (unless you’re like me and don’t drink coffee at all, and yes, I know what you’re thinking, the answer is yes, I can function perfectly fine). 

-        Try take short naps during the day; oversleeping throughout the day might mess with your internal clock and make it more challenging at nighttime to sleep.  

Reference: Health direct. (2020, March 3). Sleep tips for children. Www.healthdirect.gov.au. www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children