The life of the Native Americans is very interesting as they have a wide range of culture. Their culture is significant to them, and some of these cultures are consciously done while others just came to be because of routine activities. It is however imperative that their culture has a lot of impact on their health. This essay aims to discuss how the cultures of the Native Americans affect their health.
In the past America had a rich natural environment which comprised of clean rivers, some indigenous trees and animals. This was held dearly by the Native Americans and it comprised of their wealth. With industrialization and modernization a lot of deforestation has occurred and rivers have been polluted. This has resulted to the Native Americans losing their source of livelihood and becoming poor and dependent. Some of the trees were medicine to the Native Americans (Unnatural Causes Organization). The loss of culture has also led to depression among this Native Americans and to curb depression many have resumed to alcohol which has further had negative implications on their health. Many of the Native Americans are developing diabetes due to depression, alcoholism and a life with reduced traditional rituals which were a form of exercise.
There are several treaties that have been signed by the Native Americans tribe in negotiating for education, healthcare and housing (Unnatural Causes Organization). Despite of this treaty which gives them a legal right to access health care this agreement is yet to be fully implemented. The healthcare programs for Native Americans are poorly funded which makes them to continue suffering with poor health.
Work cited
Pritzker, Barry. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford [u.a.: Oxford Univ. Press, 2000. Print.
Unnatural Causes Organization. Native American Treaties and Healthcare. Web. Retrieved on 31st March 2016 from: http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/video_clips_detail.php?res_id=74Unnatural Causes Organization. Culture Loss: Immpact on Native American Health. Web. Retrieved on 31st March 2016 from: http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/video_clips_detail.php?res_id=71Unnatural Causes Organization. Diabetes Industry and Native American Health. Web. Retrieved on 31st March 2016 from: http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/video_clips.php?vid_filter=Episode%204%20- %20Bad%20Sugar
