NATIVE AMERICANS Nursing 310 Josha Harvey Amber Kulppi

NATIVE AMERICANS Nursing 310 Josha Harvey Amber Kulppi Ashley Cruz

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Native Americans used to be a huge population in the United States until the 15 th century. Europeans invaded their land bringing animals, such as horses, causing the Native Americans to get diseases such as small pox and measles because they had no immunity to them. Today Native Americans are the smallest minority in the United States and only count for 1. 4% of the population living mostly on Indian Reservations. Native Americans live longer than most Americans with little health problems from heart disease, AIDS and cancer. Mostly live in states such as: Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, California, North and South Dakota and Washington. Tend to have lower income, higher poverty and higher unemployment.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Households are considered “Family Households. ” 33% of Native Americans are under the age of 18. Less likely to graduate high school. Main spoken language is English, others speak another language. More likely to have AIDS/HIV and type 2 diabetes. Increased alcoholism and suicide rates. Native Americans suffer higher rates of death caused by alcoholism than other American populations as a whole.

BELIEFS & PRACTICES There are different cultures practiced. This is based on regional, geographical, and socio-economical location. Spiritually close with mother nature and honor tradition. Belief in a higher god and use resources from the earth. Believed that all illnesses are caused by: Demonical interference Malignant spirits Sorcery Failure to perform an important ritual

BELIEFS & PRACTICES Some believe that their mental illness is a reaction to the history of forced oppression and trauma faced by Native Americans following the arrival of European settlers The cries of westward ho and manifest destiny in American history brought warfare and new strains of physical disease to many tribes and decimated their populations Some people believe a history of psychological distress that has resulted from: Genocide Ethnic cleansing Forced acculturation

THE MEDICINE MAN (SHAMAN) Also known as The Great Spirit Priestly healer and spiritual leader – obtains solutions to sickness through supernatural realms. The keeper of myths, legends, traditions and tribal wisdom. Mystic and possessed with the ability to leave the body and communicate with the spirit world Prophet. Head warrior or war chief that makes them the most influential within the tribe. Carries a medicine bag that is kept around the healers neck. Has items from the Medicine Man that contains different things from a plant, animal or mineral kingdom.

HERBAL REMEDIES The Shaman, who was trained by an elder, spent his life identifying and collecting herbal medicine plants. Methods in the preparation of Herbal Medicinal Plants included making infusions (hot teas), decoctions (boiled teas), tinctures (alcohol and water extracts), macerations (cold soaking), ointments, poultices, and salves. Herbal medicines are used to treat numerous different illnesses such as: hypertension, respiratory distress, burns, analgesics, anticonvulsive, animal bite remedies, anti-emetic, sedative, anti-diarrheal, etc.

APPLICATION AND USE OF HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS Poultice: A Poultice was used for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains. Chopped herb or powdered seeds are mixed with boiling water to make a pulp that is piece of hide or leaves and applied to the affected area while hot. Compress: The Compress was used to treat injuries, fevers and headaches. A material is soaked in a hot decoction of herb, with the addition of tinctures of other herbs and the compress is applied to the affected area. Infusion (Hot Tea): An infusion is used to treat ailments such as colds and flu. The leaf, flower or part of the plant is used and steeped in hot water (not boiled). Best used with leafy and tender herbs as opposed to roots and barks. Decoction (Boiled Tea): A decoction is used to treat a variety of illnesses including to treat kidney disease, swelling, and stomach problems. Stems, roots, seeds and bark are mashed and the boiled to primarily extract oils and mineral salts, rather than vitamins. Essential Oils: Essential oils are used as an eyewash, mouthwash, or to treat cuts and abrasions. Essential oils are distilled from plants or by cold extraction. Usually they are mixed with water and used as an inhalant or as a tea. Macerations (Cold Soaking: Herbs are made soft by steeping or soaking in a water and alcohol solution. Tinctures are used for high blood pressure and heart problems

INTERACTION WITH MODERN MEDICINE May not be seen as useful or have any value to some people. Not understood by a lot of physicians. Herbal remedies may have interactions with prescribed medications. Each holistic healer treats each individual person not as a disease or whole. Must keep open mind to all cultures so patients feel open and tell us what types of remedies they are using.

COMMUNICATION BARRIERS THAT CAN BE ENCOUNTERED WHEN CARING FOR NATIVE AMERICANS Communicate a great deal through non-verbal gestures As health care providers we must observe carefully to avoid misinterpretation of non-verbal behavior Native Americans often use humor to convey truths that are painful May also tell stories (traditional or personal) in order to make a point Asking for clarification about sensitive topics is considered invasive Offensive behaviors considered: Arms crossed Excessive eye contact Loud and excessive talking

CULTURAL FACTORS Native Americans Today’s Society Direct eye contact is a sign on respect Direct eye contact considered sign of honesty and sincerity Handshake lightly, some woman only touch the finger tips Firm hand shake denotes power Information is passed by word of mouth rather than the media Lectures, newspapers, TV, radio, and internet is utilized Personal information not forth coming Self-disclosure valued, “open and honest” communication style Ideas and feelings conveyed through behavior rather than speech Verbal expression of ideas and feelings Words are chosen carefully and deliberately, as the power of words is understood Verbosity and small talk is appropriate social behavior Listening is valued over talking Schools teach speaking over listening, importance of expressing one’s opinion Use of observation skills and non-verbal communication Verbal and written communication valued

HEALTH RISK FACTORS Alcohol Abuse Coronary Artery Disease – high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, physical exercise, diabetes. Diabetes – Pancreatic disease, obesity. Cirrhosis – Chronic alcohol abuse. Obesity – Poor diet, unavailable resources for food, lack of exercise. Other risk factors include: Suicide, respiratory Infections, stroke, influenza, and kidney disease

NATIVE AMERICAN FAST FACTS Population 4. 4 million people In 2012, there were 46, 419 live births. The infant mortality rate was 8. 5 per 1, 000 (higher than the national average) Tribes span at least 15 states and often live in isolated, desolate areas 14. 3% considered themselves in fair or poor health 22. 6% of Native Americans did not have health insurance in 2012

ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY RISK FACTORS The median income for a Native American family is $35, 062 compared to the national average of $50, 046 28. 4% of Native Americans live in poverty Graduate rate is 17% lower than the national average Twice as likely as any other race to die before the age of 24 They have a 2. 3% higher risk of trauma, and 1 in 2 Native American women will be raped in her lifetime The rate of abuse and neglect is also twice the national average

HEALTH BELIEF MODEL Developed in the 1950’s to understand why certain individuals take action to prevent disease, while other people do not Derived from social psychology: Lewins Value Expectancy theory is that illness is negative and wellness is a positive. The negative will pull from the positive People tend to act when there is a threat to health and benefits of taking action outweigh the barriers not to Support self-efficacy, in that people have confidence in the ability to help themselves

OBJECTIVE Assist Native American children in understanding that they are an important part of their culture and are worthwhile Teach coping skills and available resources for crisis intervention Educate about substance abuse and reducing the risk of Anti-violence education and a no tolerance policy Set up school programs to teach coping skills, stress management, substance abuse education and to provide an on-site counselor or psychologist for any child that needs or wants help.

THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS (NCAI) Advocate for rights and protecting their culture and traditons Provide youth programs to help teach self-esteem and confidence and reduce negative feelings of themselves Have culture and community support

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Indian outreach program Provide culturally competent information and referral services Advocate for tribal families in many settings including education “Perhaps the greatest impetus for change regarding alcohol use in the Indian communities has been revitalization of Indian culture” (Beauvais, 1998)

AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICES, INC. Part of the department of human services (DHS) First American youth program Counseling and therapy

PLAN Teachers, Nurses and DHS workers INVOLVED NCAI American Indian Services, INC. Start with the children

EVALUATION This is a long-term program Evaluation will occur when the children are adults There will need to be statistics collected before and after the program is initiated on alcoholism rates in the community Post-graduation surveys

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