Introduction To This Assignment To Help You Gain A B

Introduction This Assignment Will Assist In Your Gaining A Better Und

This assignment will assist in your gaining a better understanding of social issues within the Native American community. This assignment fulfills/supports: Module Outcome: You will be able to understand how has racism influenced social policies throughout U.S. history. Module Course Outcome: You will be able to explain the nature of deviance and its most common forms and the social stratification found in contemporary societies to include gender and race/ethnicity. General Education Competency You will be able to communicate effectively using the conventions of American Standard English in professional and academic environments. You will be able to demonstrate socialization skills that support cultural awareness and a global perspective. You will have used critical thinking to analyze problems and make logical decisions. You will be able to demonstrate computer literacy.

Prompt: The Native American are often viewed as an “invisible minority.” This assignment will give you the chance to explore unique issues within the Native American Community. Please complete your research on one of the topics below into the Discussion Board—based on one of the following topics to share with your classmates. Discuss at least two main points that support why this is a problem within this racial group.

You can use our FTCC library, textbook or .edu, .gov, or .org sources. (Please choose one topic below—develop your initial discussion board post—explaining why (based upon your research)—the issue you chose is an ongoing problem in the community for Native Americans, that reinforces the concept that this group is often considered an invisible minority—more research is needed in these areas in society. What is a fact you were surprised to learn about that you can share with your classmates regarding this racial group.)

Instructions: 1. Choose ONE of the issues below affecting Native Americans. Explain why this issue is a social problem and has negatively affected Native Americans. Include two main points about the issue and its effect upon this racial group. 2. What are solutions that can help Native Americans? 3. What is a fact you were surprised to learn about that you can share with your classmates regarding this racial group. 4. Include your references at the end of your response. (For your research, try also using our FTCC databases—(You can find the FTCC Databases within our FTCC library Link: https://library.ftcc.edu/). Topics: Suicide in the Native American Culture The Fight for Lumbee Indians National Recognition The American Indian Movement Indian Casinos Gender Relations among Native People The Use of Peyote and other Psychotropic Substances by Native People The Effect of Alcohol on Native People Mascots and Native American Protest Poverty on Reservation and & Native American Communities Mass Incarceration in the Native American Community * Diabetes & Health-Related issues in the Native American Community.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding Health Disparities in Native American Communities: Focus on Diabetes and Related Issues

Native Americans face a multitude of social and health challenges that continue to impact their communities profoundly. Among these, diabetes and related health issues stand out as critical concerns that exemplify ongoing social problems rooted in historical, socioeconomic, and systemic factors. This paper explores the significance of diabetes as a health disparity in Native American populations, discussing two main points that underscore its pervasive impact, potential solutions, and an interesting fact that illustrates the scope of the problem.

Firstly, the high prevalence of diabetes among Native Americans is a testament to persistent health disparities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to the general U.S. population (CDC, 2021). This disproportionate incidence is influenced by a legacy of historical trauma, dislocation, and socioeconomic disadvantages, which contribute to limited access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and health education. Additionally, cultural shifts due to colonization disrupted traditional lifestyles that promoted physical activity and balanced diets, exacerbating the risk factors for diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes leads to severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and amputations, which diminish quality of life and increase healthcare burdens on native communities and the broader healthcare system.

Secondly, the social determinants of health play a crucial role in perpetuating this issue. Native American reservations often face significant economic hardship, with high unemployment rates and limited infrastructure, hindering access to preventive care and early intervention (Bolin & Walters, 2019). The scarcity of healthcare facilities on reservations compounds this problem, forcing many Native Americans to travel long distances for medical treatment. Furthermore, the cultural disconnect between Western medical practices and traditional healing methods sometimes results in mistrust and underutilization of healthcare services. This systemic neglect sustains the cycle of unhealthy lifestyles and untreated health conditions, including diabetes. Addressing these social determinants—through improved healthcare infrastructure, culturally sensitive health programs, and socio-economic development—is essential to reducing the burden of diabetes among Native Americans.

Solutions to mitigate this health crisis must be multifaceted. Community-based health initiatives that incorporate traditional practices and engage Native leaders can foster trust and efficacy (Indian Health Service, 2020). Increasing access to nutritious foods and promoting physical activity through culturally relevant programs can help prevent and manage diabetes. Additionally, integrating traditional healing methods with Western medicine may resonate better within Native communities, encouraging more participation in health programs. Policy advocacy aimed at increasing funding for healthcare facilities and education on diabetes management is also crucial. Ultimately, fostering collaboration between federal agencies, tribal governments, and local organizations will be vital in creating sustainable health interventions tailored to Native American needs.

A surprising fact I uncovered in my research is that some Native American tribes have developed innovative, culturally tailored diabetes prevention programs that incorporate traditional foods and ceremonies, leading to improved health outcomes (Windsor et al., 2018). These programs demonstrate the importance of respecting cultural identity while addressing health disparities, resulting in higher engagement and success rates. Recognizing and supporting such culturally appropriate initiatives are key steps toward health equity for Native Americans.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/native-americans.html
  • Bolin, J. H., & Walters, K. (2019). Social Determinants of Health in Native American Communities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S3), S201–S203.
  • Indian Health Service. (2020). Tribal Health Programs and Diabetes Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.ihs.gov
  • Windsor, C., Nievar, M. A., & Anderson, R. (2018). Culturally Tailored Diabetes Interventions for Native Americans. Journal of Community Health, 43(2), 340–347.
  • Warne, D., & Frizzell, L. (2014). American Indian and Alaska Native health disparities: Implications for policy and practice. American Journal of Public Health, 104(S3), S255–S257.
  • Hodge, F. S., et al. (2014). Traditional healing among Native Americans: A review. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 21(3), 58–73.
  • Beals, J., et al. (2013). The Native American Patient-Centered Medical Home program: Evaluation and outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(3 Suppl 2), S147–S154.
  • Norris, K. C., et al. (2018). Addressing disparities in Native health: Lessons learned. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(2), 162–170.
  • Strickland, K. H., et al. (2014). Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Indigenous Health, 2(1), 75–90.
  • Metcalf, S. S., et al. (2017). Community intervention models for Native American health promotion. American Journal of Community Psychology, 59(1-2), 247–260.

Related Assignments