Diversity in Health and Illness
The following terms have been defined to help you in the development of CULTURALCOMPETENCY. They are the “bricks” that comprise the steps that must be climbed in the process of developing CULTURALCOMPETENCY. They are the language of CULTURALCARE. Aberglaubish or aberglobin—The traditional German term for the “evil eye.” Access—Gaining entry into a system; the term used in this text refers to access into the modern health care system. Access also means entry into a profession, education, employment, housing, and so forth. Acculturation—The process of adapting to another culture; to acquire the major- ity group’s culture. Acupuncture—The traditional Chinese medical way of restoring the balance of yin and yang that is based on the therapeutic value of cold. Cold is used in a disease where there is an excess of yang. Ageism—Being against people of a certain age. Alcoholismo—Alcoholism. Alien—Every person applying for entry to the United States; anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. Allopathic Philosophy—Health beliefs and practices that are derived from current scientific models and involve the use of technology and other modalities of present- day health care, such as immunization, proper nutrition, and resuscitation. Allopathy—The treatment of a disease by using remedies that cause the opposite effects of the disease. Alternative health system—A system of health care a person may use that is not predicated within his or her traditional culture but is not allopathic. Amulet—An object with magical powers, such as a charm, worn on a string or chain around the neck, wrist, or waist to protect the wearer from both physical and psychic illness, harm, and misfortune. Anamnesis—The traditional Chinese medical way of diagnosing a health problem by asking questions. Apparel—Traditional clothing worn by people for cultural or religious beliefs on a daily basis, such as head coverings.