Module 10: Blog Post 2

- - In educating individuals about certain dietary patterns, there is a variety of cultural differences that I could encounter. Differences most sensitive to my area are individuals who come from different backgrounds or cultures that have different eating patterns that may conflict with certain dietary restrictions; individuals who have “comfort” foods they are not willing to give up; individuals who have eating disorders, that are not willing to change; individuals with weight management issues related to diseases or lack of physical activity; individuals who eat whatever food they can get (often very unhealthy) because they are unable to afford a balanced diet; individuals who are uneducated and unwilling to accept any health counseling. There are many more issues related to cultural differences in my content area that I could be faced with, but these are more of the common ones. Treating individuals of different backgrounds and cultures, with a variety of disease states can be challenging. Being aware of these differences and sensitive to them is important; you are more likely to be a model for individuals, who will imitate the appropriate behavior and lifestyle changes.

- - Instead of being a classroom, I will more likely be in a hospital. Some important aspects to emphasize in my content area are the fact that change of eating behaviors or lifestyles is not immediate. When counseling patients about different diseases or health issues, it is important for the patient to understand that change is a process. You never want to make a patient completely change their eating habits immediately. Work on incorporating certain things in their diet or limiting the amounts of their favorite foods. This step-by-step method will be more successful for the patient. Another thing to emphasize is self-efficacy and the belief that someone can make a health change. Try to be upbeat with the patient and focus on the positive things the patient is doing, instead of all the negative ones. This will allow them to see they are making progress and that change within their lifestyle is possible. One issue that can be tough, especially when counseling eating disorder patients, is drawing a fine-line between being a nutrition educator and a psychologist. It is okay to support the patient and discuss issues surrounding the disease or health issue, but sometimes the patient needs to see a psychologist. Being aware when discussion gets too personal is important. Lastly, an important thing when working in healthcare is to know what you are talking about and be a good model. If you present information relevant to the patient’s need, that is suitable for them, the patient will be more likely to believe what you are saying and willing to make lifestyle changes. Being prepared before appointments or patient counseling sessions is important to the success the patient has of modeling your suggested behaviors.