Korean Health Behaviors

High-Risk Health Behaviors and Health-Care Practices

Some high-risk health behaviors among Koreans include that women smoking in public are considered taboo, but many of them smoke at home. Korean men have higher incidence of alcohol consumption. Seat belts are not worn frequently. As a healthcare provider, it is important to educate Korean American to have moderate intake of alcohol and smoking cessation and also encourage the use of seat belt (Purnell, 2009).

Many Koreans, especially elders, may prefer Hanbang, also known as Hanyak, and oriental medicine, as the preferred method of healthcare practices (Rim Shin, Shin, & Blanchette, n.d.). Practitioners of traditional oriental medicine are called Hanui. Hanbang is derived from Chinese medicine

Herbal medicine may be used in conjunction with Western medicine. Healthcare providers need to assess Korean clients the use of Western medicine and herbal medicine, and determine any harmful interactions. Some Koreans are stoic and are slow in showing emotional distress from pain and others express and discuss about their smallest discomforts. Mental illnesses are highly stigmatized in Korea. Some mental illness emotions are expressed as physical complaints, such as headaches, decrease appetites, fatigue, and insomnia (Purnell, 2009). Do not resuscitate orders would be common since prolonging life is seen as unacceptable. Discussing a person's terminal status is resisted. Organ donation and organ transplantation is very rare among Korean American, because this reflects on the traditional attitudes of integrity and purity. Koreans prefer healthcare providers that speak Korean and are older. Because of modesty, when women seek healthcare, such as Pap smear, mammography, and breast examination, they prefer a female healthcare provider (Purnell,

We should encourage health promotion because Korean Americans have typically focused on curative rather than preventative measures (Beller, Pinker, Snapka, & Van Dusen, n.d.). It is important that we allow the family to care for the client. In Korea, patients do not typically have long-term stays in the hospital and are usually released to the care of their family at home, for both acute and chronic illnesses (Beller, Pinker, Snapka, & Van Dusen, n.d.). When assessing a client, we need to be aware of the use of herbal medicines and prevent drug interactions, and assess the use of alternative forms of healing like acupuncture that they might currently be using or have used. Healthcare workers need to be aware of communication styles and patterns such as: eye contact, spatial distancing practices and use of silenc (Purnell, 2009). The individuals should be addressed by their surname, with the title Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr, or minister (Purnell, 2009). Korean Americans do not traditionally use social workers, but encourage patients to use personal resources such as the church; and also encourage use of the social worker when appropriate. Since mental illness is highly stigmatized in Korea. Healthcare workers can help can help to minimize concerns about stigmatization and “loss of face” by assuring client that