Overview and Heritage

On our island, we lacked fresh fruits and vegetables, which makes
eating healthy a challenge. This may be the contributing factor of high
diabetes and hypertension rate on Guam. We mainly eat meat, rice and
lots of diaries. I have a husband who is currently working and is
contributing in addition to my salary. I can afford the essential needs
to stay healthy. My job provides for health and dental insurance, which
is crucial in my current stage of life. My current position can be
stressful, but I find ways to try and avoid stress. My physical health
is good, but I feel that it’s my mental health that I need to work on
more to sustain myself in my current position.

My husband and I live alone. We have four grown children and six
grandchildren. All but one lives out of state, my youngest, who is
twenty-eight years old lives twenty miles away from me.

Communication

My family is very close. I am number five of eight children. I am a
twin to an identical sister. I do not find it difficult to share
anything with her. Sometimes, we can read each other’s minds, and this
use to scare my younger sister. We have a uniquely close relationship.
She lives in Guam, and I live in California. Although we don’t see or
talk much, we tend to pick up where we left off. Sharing my thoughts
with others can be difficult.

Family Roles and Organization

In our culture, it is the male who usually is the head of the
household. Men would work, and the women would care for the children and
household obligations. This is not the case anymore. Both parents are
usually working. Family from the islands is pretty significant. The
eldest is the one who cares for the younger siblings. I come from a
family of eight, and I am number five child. I remember my brother
caring for me, cooking for me while my parents were at work. We make
decisions as a family. My husband and I work, so we share the duties at
home and financial obligations. I have been married for thirty-one
years. Our children are grown and are doing well. Being independent is
what gives us family status. We have family from the island come to
visit frequently, and we are delighted when they can come out here.

Pregnancy and Childbearing Practices

In the early 1900s on Guam, home birth was the standard practice.
“Pattera,” which comes from the Spanish word “Partera” is a midwife that
assists with home deliveries. Training of nurses and nurse-midwives on
Guam began in 1907 when the U.S. Navy medical officers established a
school for their instruction and licensing. Some of the nurse-midwives
worked for the Division of Public Health and others for the hospital,
but most worked independently in villages throughout the island. They
traveled on foot or by bull cart and later by motorized vehicles to
assist in home births. Patteras get paid by offering them food or
livestock. This is a memory my aunt told me, when she assisted with a
delivery, they would send her home with a branch of bananas.

Pattera served as the link between the Chamorro traditions
surrounding childbirth and U.S. hospital-based birthing practices.
Homebirths are not common anymore, although recently, there was a birth
center built on the island, that is doing well. I have four children;
all of the children were born in a hospital. The birth control method I
use is a bilateral tubal ligation. My experience back home is that
obstetricians did not talk too much about pregnancies. We do not eat or
restrict foods during pregnancy. We usually go to cravings and fulfill
them. I never had pica, an unusual craving, such as chalk or dirt when I
was pregnant. Activities to avoid are strenuous activities when you are
pregnant. When I delivered my babies, my twin sister was always there
with me. I delivered them to a hospital, so I was in a lithotomy
position. My husband and mother were the ones who cared for me after I
delivered. There were no bathing restrictions, and I did not keep my
placenta. Nothing was done specially for the umbilical cord, except to
make it fall out spontaneously. We did not restrict baths because of the
cord.

Spirituality

My religion is of the Christian faith. I grew up in a General Baptist
Church and now attend a community church. I believe in God, the father,
and his son, Jesus. I know that all my success are because of His mercy
and grace. I would not consider myself deeply religious, but I try to
hear the word of God daily. It is what motivates me. I pray daily, and,
tell God how grateful I am for all his blessings. God’s word gives me
strength in my life. Listening to Christian music daily improves my
emotional and physical health.

Health Care Practices

My culture’s practice on Guam had witch doctors, called “Siruanu,”
also known as healers of Guam. They were primarily herbalists. To be a
healer, you would have to learn the plants, how to prepare them, and
when to administer them. Some of our native Chamorros still use this
practice. We all are responsible for healthy practices. My spouse and I
remind each other that we need to take care of ourselves, as we are
getting older. We use over the counter medications like Tylenol and
Advil for our aches and pains. Mental illness is viewed as an illness
but is not a stigma. Families are very supportive if a child has any
physical or mental illness. My immediate family members all have health
care services available. Although my family is healthy, healthcare
benefits are considered a priority.

Conclusion

This self-assessment questionnaire has taught me more about my
culture and cultural beliefs. As a provider, I do not practice some of
the traditions. Religion is powerful in our culture, and I continue to
learn and grow in my Christian faith. Culture is one of many categories
of diversity, and it comprises belief systems, norms, and traditions, as
well as language and religion. As I continue to learn the different
cultures and understand their perceptions when in contact with each of
them, I will be aware of my own biases, for this can lead to
discrimination.

Do you need a similar assignment done for you from scratch? We have qualified writers to help you. We assure you an A+ quality paper that is free from plagiarism. Order now for an Amazing Discount!
Use Discount Code “Newclient” for a 15% Discount!

NB: We do not resell papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

“Are you looking for this answer? We can Help click Order Now”