Page 89 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

Source: US Department of Agriculture.

In Mexico, health is believed to be a matter of fate or God’s will. Rather than believe in the power of
science, medicine, or doctors to heal, many Mexicans believe that illnesses can be cured by folk healers or
herbal remedies and teas. Similarly, they believe that particular medical conditions should be accompanied by
particular food choices. These food choices are categorized as “hot” or “cold.”9 Specifically, pregnancy is
considered to be a “hot” condition. As a result, pregnant Mexican women are urged to avoid foods that are
classified as “hot,” such as garlic, grains, expensive meats, and alcohol. Instead, they are urged to eat “cold”
foods, such as vegetables, dairy, inexpensive meats, and tropical fruits. In reviewing this list of “hot” versus
“cold” foods, it is interesting to note that this health concept has nothing to do with the temperature or
spiciness of the food (after all, breads or grains are not actually hot); instead, food is labeled according to
traditions within the Mexican culture. In addition, in Mexican culture, men are often considered the
dominant group, and the husband or his family is consulted and included in all decisions relating to a woman’s
pregnancy. Thus, a nutrition and dietetics professional who is working with a Hispanic pregnant woman may
need to involve the father and his family in the decision-making sessions. The professional needs to always ask
clients of their preference, if any, of who should be involved in the healthcare discussions. Also, the
professional needs to inquire what, if any, alternative medicines, herbs, and supplements are used by the client.

Many other cultures also believe that diseases are caused by factors other than those identified by western
scientific medicine. In India, disease is believed to be caused by an upset in the balance of the body. In some
castes, the husband’s dominance over his wife is quite pervasive, and unquestioned obedience to elders is
expected. Conversely, Haitians believe that some illnesses originate supernaturally or magically and may be
treated with voodoo medicine. The client should be asked what they believe may be causing their illness and
the client’s beliefs must always be respected. The nutrition dietetics professional must remain nonjudgmental.
If these practices conflict with medical care, it should be discussed with the client and the primary healthcare
provider.9

Understanding Nonverbal Behavior

Nonverbal behaviors also differ among cultural groups and have different connotations. Customs concerning
personal contact, body gestures, eye contact, interpersonal space, public displays of affection, and punctuality
vary greatly. In terms of personal contact, norms about touching another person are culturally determined. For
example, in many Muslim communities, it is considered illicit to hug a married woman. Similar notions also
apply to eye contact.

In American culture, it is considered disrespectful or suspicious to avoid meeting someone’s eye. In some
cultures, however, looking into a person’s eyes is deemed disrespectful. Rules about touching and space are
also culturally determined. Some cultures keep short distances between people, while others expect longer
distances.31,32 These spatial relationships also extend to signs of affection between men and women. In the
United States, it is culturally acceptable to see partners exchange romantic gestures or tokens of affection; yet
in other parts of the world, intimate partners do not even hold one another’s hands.

Punctuality is also culturally determined. In the fast-paced United States, emphasis is placed on being on
time and tardiness is frowned upon. Conversely, in parts of Asia as well as South and Central America, it is
socially acceptable for a client to be late or miss an appointment without contacting the service provider. In

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