Raising AIAN Health Awareness: Understanding The Stigma Among Native Americans

With November being proclaimed as National Native American Heritage Month, according to the White House. It is to celebrate the legacy and rich culture of the American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) in our nation. This month should also raise awareness about public health issues and disparities that are occurring in our AIAN communities, not to mention highlight the significance of proper health and safety measures to keep the local communities healthy.

Indigenous Health Disparities

According to an analysis by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of five adults who were AIAN were more likely to be in fair or poor health, compared to just 12% of adults in the U.S. In general, adults who live in rural areas are thought to be in poorer health than those in urban areas, but these reports state that AIAN adults were more likely to be in poorer health regardless of urban-rural status. This may be due to barriers in certain settings in acquiring health insurance for the indigenous people that may prevent them from getting proper care and treatment. And although the United States government has a legal obligation to provide health care to the AIAN population, these are met by challenges in access to adequate health care and services.

History And Genetic Health

New research discovered genetic changes that began when Europeans first settled in America and may have played a major role in the cause of thousands of natives dying of an infectious disease. Researchers found that mutations emerged in a particular immunity gene found in Native Americans. The AIAN are already more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and heart diseases, which are comorbidities to increase your risk for severe life-threatening conditions. In fact, locals are prompting health authorities to promote better health awareness to decrease such conditions during these challenging times.

Traditional Medicinal Herbs & Diet For Boosting Immunity 

While scientific research is still confined to only a handful of substances, seven out of 10 top-selling botanicals in the United States are used as medicine by Native Americans, with purported benefits based on what early tribes used them for. Playing a particularly large role are pawpaw and Echinacea, which are used to boost immunity and prevent upper respiratory infections. As a healthy diet plays a strong role in boosting the immune system, opting for insoluble fiber is essential, as it results in a greater ability to fight off the free radicals that cause disease and early signs of aging. 

Unequal Access To Health Care

Unequal access to private health insurance can also worsen the current health problems and disparities in the AIAN population. Chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides care for more than 2 million Native Americans, has left hospitals unable to provide treatment due to the lack of resources they can offer, according to Mary Smith, a former principal deputy director of the IHS. 

Taking care of one’s health is extremely beneficial when thinking of the community as a whole. Local AIAN health leaders should continue to encourage their correspondents to promote better health and preventive measures in their communities, as this can decrease the risk of the burden on their health services. Along with celebrating the culture and heritage of the indigenous tribes, steps must also be taken to progress in providing adequate health services to the people. 

By Kylee Carter

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