Health Promotion Across Cultures, Reaction Paper Example

Garcia (2006) questions the applicability and suitability of health care promotion programs for ethnically, socioeconomically and culturally diverse groups. She also blames the homogeneity of programs for health disparities. One of the main statements and recommendations of the author (Garcia, 2006, p. 25S) is that “By recognizing the multiple social determinants to health and safety, health-promotion strategies can be tailored according to the unique resources, circumstances, and concerns of the community.”

However, the author does not consider one important aspect of health promotion: communication. As the lifestyle, attitude towards health care of various socio-economic classes and ethnic groups are different, in order to reach people who are the most disadvantaged, health care promoters need to find an effective communication channel. The author mentioned the lack of time Latino women face when trying to make time for their health. Before considering the health based diversity of these women, it is important to develop programs that are suitable for reaching the population.

Garcia (2006, p. 25S) also confirms that there is “risk of paying too much attention to “culture.” but does not provide a solution. Indeed, it is impossible to create a program for only African American males, because doing so would indicate direct discrimination. Realistically, there is not enough time or money available through the health care system to individualize health promotion plans. Organizations are not able to “intervene at the individual level”, and this should not be the end goal.

In order to increase health awareness across cultures and successfully deliver messages, a program should be provided that helps people break down the boundaries created by their socio-economic or cultural differences. Offering low-cost or no cost alternatives, easy to implement changes and diets for followers of restrictive religions, implementing them in the generalized plan would be the best solution to promote health across cultures and classes.

Works Cited

Garcia, A.  “Is Health Promotion Relevant Across Cultures and the Socioeconomic Spectrum?” Fam Community Health Supplement 1 to Vol. 29, No. 1S, pp. 20S–27S. 2006. Print.