Sexual Attraction The Italian Health Care Program example essay topic

Our group chose to do our presentation on Italians simply because we thought it may be interesting to learn about their culture and health practices. Kristin Starter is of Italian descent, and yet she herself doesn't know much of her own culture's practices. We figured that there are so many things in America that are Italian (such as cuisine), and yet we don't really know much about them at all. Since approximately 5.82% (15,916,396 out of 273,643,273) of the US population are Italian, we thought it might be useful to know more about their cultural beliefs and practices in the event that we may interact with them (whether professionally or socially) in the future. (web) Most of the Italians residing here in the Unites States can be found in the North Eastern region.

They prefer living together in neighborhoods, such as Little Italy in New York City and North End of Boston. A total of about five million Italians migrated to the United States from 1820 to 1990 (the peak years being 1901 to 1920), the reasons being a search for a better life and an escape from poverty. (Spector, p. 283) Italians possess many characteristic beliefs and practices. They often like to keep a tight knit between family and friends, and therefore often have difficulty trusting individuals outside of their circle, much less out of their ethnic group. One major characteristic of Italians is their notion of "la famiglia", which is loyalty to family above all else. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) This is often depicted in Italian mob movies, such as in the Godfather series.

Specific character traits that are much valued by Italians are: stoicism, resilience, adaptability and conformity over individuality. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) Apart from family, religion is also taken especially seriously by the Italian people. The primary religion is Roman Catholic. Catholicism provides the setting, and is the main purpose for festivities and family gatherings. (Rozendal, p. 20-33) There is a stereotype depicting Italians as individuals that like to talk with their hands. This stereotype developed from their belief that gestures and communication processes are better understood and read than words, and the actual content of what is being said.

Italians feel that their emotions of joy, anger and grief are better revealed and expressed through their body language, although is also expressed vocally. This is how they feel emotional freedom takes place. It is not uncommon for Italians to greet each other with kisses on the cheeks and hugs (even amongst males), as touch is a symbol of friendship. Through assimilation, the effective use of the Italian language has decreased over time, through generations. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) Italian families are usually stable. When describing a family, Italians normally include all the relatives, godparents, old friends and neighbors to the list, in addition to the nuclear family.

Within the nuclear family however, fathers are the primary decision makers and are responsible for the protection of his family. The mother on the other hand, is in charge of the family's emotional and social needs. (Spector, p. 285) Education is not highly valued by Italian families, which could be a factor in explaining their minimal involvement in government and politics. Instead, small family businesses are commonly found, and home ownership within Italian neighborhoods is greatly valued. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) Italians believe that pain is intolerable, and treatment is immediately sought. On the other hand, illnesses are tolerated and are permitted to run its course.

Illnesses are often kept secret. When a study was performed on different ethnic groups on pain due to acute myocardial infraction, it was revealed that the Irish and Americans were more stoic than the other groups, and that the Jews and Italians reported the highest amount of symptoms. The Germans reported the least. (Neill, p. 531-547) Italians believe that illnesses are caused by one of five things: 1) heredity, 2) lack of fresh air and poor ventilation or contaminated winds and currents, 3) contamination via sharing foods and objects with dirty individuals or contagion, 4) supernatural or human causes such as the evil eye (malocchio) and curses (ca stiga) -the latter causing more serious and severe illnesses than the latter, and 5) psychosomatic interactions. (Spector, p. 285) Tonic injections were given to the sick by lay people in Italy. Injections are still believed to be superior to oral medication.

Traditional health concepts are derived from humeral medicine. The Eucharist is also given to the sick as food for healing. It is also consumed in order to remain healthy. Chicken soup is believed to be the "magic broth", restoring health from illnesses such as cold up to recovery from child birth! Boils are healed by applying steaming hot cooked oatmeal on the boil in order to drain the pus. For headaches, a soup bowl is filled with water, and olive oil is poured into a spoon.

The spoon is then held over the bowl, in front of the individual suffering from the headache. Italian is then recited while the "healer's" index finger is dipped into the oil, and then dropping three drops of oil into the bowl. The diameter of the oil is said to measure the intensity of the headache. The headache is said to disappear after the ritual is performed three times. Other Italians believe in wrapping the head in a bandage or handkerchief with ice, and drinking mint tea. Herbal teas made from special Italian herbs are believed to be the cure for an upset stomach.

For sore throat, honey should be ingested, and the throat should be wrapped with a handkerchief with Vicks. To heal sprains, egg whites are beaten, applied to the area and then wrapped. For fevers, the ill individual is kept warm with blankets in an attempt to sweat it out. For cramps, cr " eme de men the is applied. For poison ivy, yellow soap suds are believed to do the trick; for colic, warm oil is spread on the stomach. Baby's urine is applied to acne to clear it up.

In Italy, colonies of blood suckers are kept in clay and individuals with high blood pressure would have one put on his behind. The blood suckers were believed to lower the blood pressure. It would then be thrown into ashes, and then throw up the person's blood. If it dies, the individual is advised to go to a doctor as it would be an indication that something was wrong with his / her blood. If a child had problems with thumb sucking, hot pepper would be applied to the thumb in order to discourage the habit. For toothaches, whiskey is applied topically to soothe it.

In order to ease a backache, Italians put hot oatmeal in a sock, place a silver dollar on the sore area, and light a match to it. While the match is burning, a glass is placed over the silver dollar, and then is slightly lifted. This produces a small suction which is said to lift the pain out. Eggnog with brandy, marsala wine and milk are said to build up blood.

For muscle pain, carbon leaves are heated and bundled in a hot pack. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) Italians believe that if a woman is expected to give birth two weeks early, the infant would be female, and if it's expected two weeks late, then it would be male. If the mother experiences heartburn while pregnant, then the baby is said to be born with lots of hair. To protect an infant's health, Italians string cloves of garlic around the baby's neck to prevent colds and "evil stares" from other people.

Evil stares are believed to cause headaches and stiff neck. An alternative to the clove of garlic would be a red ribbon or a piece of cloth. To protect an infant from becoming evil, a pair of open scissors was kept under his / her mattress. In order to prevent bowlegs, and to keep ankles straight, the infant was wrapped in a bandage from the waist down for six up to eight months. If an infant as confused between night and day, they would be tied upside down and turned all the way around. Other common Italian health protective measures would be to: keep warm in cold weather, keep feet warm at all times, eat properly, never bathe or wash your hair when menstruating, and stay out of drafts.

(Rozendal, p. 29-33) Italians generally have low exercise patterns, and obesity is a common health risk for both men and women. Despite this fact, Italians still have a lower mortality rate than other Americans, and they also have a lower alcohol consumption rate as well. This I thought was an interesting fact, as Italians are known to have wine with all their meals. Even children are given wine. In contrast, Italians also have a low level of mortality due to respiratory disease caused by heavy smoking. Italian women have higher mortality rates caused by diabetes, than men.

Italian women also have low rates for pap smears, mammograms and breast exams due to poor education. Many Italian women have never even heard of these tests. Young Italian women are often pressured by outside society to be slim. Although, they do not receive the support from the Italian community to diet as having a bit of extra weight is perceived to be healthy. Also, there may be pressure within Italian families to eat as part of social occasions.

Lastly, food is seen as a source of comfort, and the dining table is central in Italian homes. Not eating is often viewed as a rejection of the Italian culture. (Rozendal, p. 29-33) Thin people are perceived as bearing illness. Food is used as preventive medicine. Eat healthy, stay healthy. A general trend shows a higher caloric intake for Italian women than men due to their high fat intake.

Fruits are usually eaten at the end of meals to clean the teeth. Hard bread is also believed to be good for the teeth. Fruits, vegetables, pasta and bread are the staple foods of Italian diet. They are often turned off by the amount of meat and sweets Americans consume.

(Haber, p. 1053-1060) Italians also have unique birth and death rituals. When an infant is born, the Italian mother usually gives her new grandchild his / her first bath. Amulets or medals are placed on the baby or in the baby's room. (Spector, p. 124) Before death, fatal diagnosis is not normally discussed with the patient or his / her family.

In the event of a funeral, chrysanthemums are the Italian's flower of choice. (Spector, p. 130) Italian families also prefer to have the deceased dressed in his / her burial clothes before moving the body out of the hospital. Finally, individuals who die in the hospital are believed to become stuck in purgatory. (web) Italian witchcraft is not a common practice, although some Italians still believe in the rituals and practice them. Spell craft relies on the moon and its position. Specific spells require the moon to be in specific positions. Prevention is believed by Italian witches to be the best protection.

In order to prevent enemies from casting spells on you, witches say that you have to collect your hair and nail trimmings and burn them as these may be used to cast spells against you. For vanity, trimming the ends of hair and nails during the waxing moon are said to produce beautiful shinny hair and strong nails. The days of the week also determine what spells are best to be performed for certain objectives. Spells for success, career, healing and ambition are cast on Sundays (Domenica). This day of the week is ruled by the sun. On Mondays (Lune di), ruled by the moon, spells for psychic powers, clairvoyance, home, childbirth and feminine aspects are performed.

Tuesdays (Marte di) are ruled by Mars, and are best for spells for courage, inner strength, men, sexual energy and war. Spells for communication, education, creativity, travel, mental agility, writing and art are best performed on Wednesday (Mercoledi, ruled by Mercury). Thursdays (Gio vedi, ruled by Jupiter) are for spells for wealth, expansion, political power, law, business and insurance matters. Spells for love, beauty and celebration of nature are done on Fridays (Venerdi) which is ruled by Venus. Saturdays (Sabato) are ruled by Saturn and are best for rituals related to karma, and for working on property, inheritance and agriculture. (web) Italian witchcraft also utilizes many herbs and plants for formulation of potions and spells. For example, bay, clove, fennel, orris, pine, witch hazel and rue are used for protection; cilantro, juniper, nutmeg, knotweed and rue are for health; fig, geranium, mustard, patchouli, peach and poppy are for fertility; and lastly, damiana, patchouli, cinnamon and clove are used for sexual attraction. (web) The Italian Health Care Program (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) is extremely efficient in providing adequate health care, and extensive coverage.

Hospital care (including room and board, medical care, surgery, tests, medication during hospitalization) in public hospitals or authorized clinics are all covered by the Health Care Program. In addition to this, so are medical assistance by general practitioners, pediatricians, obstetricians listed in the health convention, and other specialists available in ASL or other facilities under the convention. A contribution is payable for the laboratory x-rays and tests if they were / are performed in the ASL or other authorized outside medical facilities. Partial refunds are also given for eyeglasses, orthopedic prosthesis, acoustic and phonetic appliances, and such.

Occasionally, menial co-pay is required, but drugs are normally fully reimbursed. The Health Care Program has no restrictions on complex and expensive procedures. For all this, Italy spent 8% of their Gross National Product in 2002. (web) Italian immigrants often encounter problems in seeking health care in the US, mainly due to language barriers. The modesty of Italians keeps them from seeking the assistance of an interpreter.

In addition to this, since Italians are very expressive, they have a tendency to report symptoms more frequently and more dramatically compared to other minority groups. Thus, they are often diagnosed with emotional problems. Also, Italians are less likely to cooperate with health officials unless they are thoroughly informed about their diagnosis. They generally demand more detailed explanations, and expect to be addressed as equals, not simply patients. (Spector, p. 286) Hospitals are rarely utilized my Italians (even less for males compared to females).

Hospitalization is seen as justifiable only for operations and intense treatments. They feel that the isolation and separation from family and friends are too traumatic. (web) Homes for the aged are also not too popular amongst Italians. Admission rates are extremely low. Italian women are normally given the responsibility to care for their elders. If a family chooses to admit their elderly in nursing homes, they are often subjected to much gossip within the neighborhood. The women of the family are also scrutinized and criticized.

It simply isn't a common practice, and is one which is frowned upon by Italian communities. (web) In addition to the fact that it isn't a frequent cultural practice, admitting the elderly into American nursing homes may also raise some sociological problems. Older Italians are not normally fluent in the English language. If a translator is used (whether a family member, or not), a risk is taken that the information needed to be brought across may not be completely and accurately relayed. Also, even if the information presented to the elderly were to be in Italian, there is a possibility that they would not be able to really comprehend the material due to poor education, and probable physical disabilities (such as poor eye sight). Family members may still have to relay and explain certain information to them. (web) A current issue the Italian population is now facing is their existence. Italians stereotypically have large families.

However, current statistics show that ethnic Italians have reached a zero population growth. For any race, a fertility rate of 2.1 per female is needed in order to replace a couple. Italy's fertility rate has dropped to a low of 1.2! It has been predicted that the ethnic Italian race shall become extinct in two hundred years.

Anthropologists feel that the drop in the fertility rate may be due to modernization processes, a higher cost or living, a dramatic increase of educational attainment for women, and an inability for men to cope with the social changes brought about by the sexual revolution. Although the Italian government has provided low income families with incentives in order to produce more children, middle class families, on the other hand, have not been offered any support. Thus, the fertility rate continues to remain low and is still proceeding to drop. (Brissenden) Hopefully, the Italian government shall be able to think of schemes in order to encourage and promote childbirth for Italian women. I'm not sure if they currently exist already, but if not, perhaps the government could put up government run day care centers so the women will not have to sacrifice their careers in order to take care of their families. Two hundred years is not as far away as it seems.

When you think about it, that would be within the life time of my great-grand children and my great-great-grandchildren. Anonymous. Community health profile: Italians. Retrieved November 5, 2003 from web Anonymous. Hospitals & medical benefits under the Italian National Health Plan. Retrieved October 28, 2003 from web Anonymous.

Italian American witchcraft. Retrieved November 9, 2003 from web Brissenden, M. (Reporter). (2000, February 22). PM [Television broadcast]. New York: American Broadcasting Company.

Haber, B. (1997, October). The Mediterranean diet: A view from history. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 66 (4), 1053-1060. Maio, V. & Manzoni L. (2002, June). The Italian health care system: W.H.O. ranking versus public perception. P&T, 27 (6), 301-308.

Neill, K. (1993). Ethnic pain styles in acute myocardial infarction. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 15 (5), 531-547. Rozendal, N, EdD, CS, RN.

(1987, February). Understanding Italian American culture norms. Journal of Psychological Nursing & Mental Health Services, 25 (2), 29-33. Rupert, N. (2001). The Italian version of the childhood assessment questionnaire (CHAT) & The child health questionnaire (CHQ). Clinical & Experimental Rheumatology.

Spector, R.E. (2000). Cultural diversity in health & illness (5th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Health. United States Census Bureau (2000). Profile of selected social characteristics: 2000. Retrieved November 7, 2003 from web id = D&qr name = A CSC 2 SSE STG 00 QT 02&lang = en..