Essay On Mexican American Health Barriers

Mexican American Health Barries

For this week’s discussion board I choose to discuss Mexican Americans and the health, education, and employment barriers faced by Mexican Americans. The Mexican American population includes the largest percentage of illegal aliens within the United States (Giger, 2013). While not all Mexicans are illegal aliens there are many disparities experienced by many Mexicans due to their illegal status. The illegal status of many Mexicans bars them from legal employment within the United States. Many illegal aliens work “under the table” for low wages without healthcare or dental benefits. The lack of health insurance many keep some from going to doctors unless they are very ill or injured. Many illegal Mexicans within
The biggest barrier in implementing this intervention is language barrier as many do not speak fluent English. The use of interpreter may be necessary. Another nursing intervention would be to offer education about preventative exams one can do one their own to protect their health. Many do not have health insurance and self-exams offer at least partial preventative care. The biggest barrier to implementing this intervention is that many Mexicans are very modest and self-breast, testicular, or skin exams can be embarrassing. The use of videos and models to teach such topics may help make the subject less uncomfortable. Another nursing intervention is to help Mexican Americans with diabetes maintain healthy blood glucose levels. One effective method for teaching Mexican Americans about diabetes control is peer educators and mentors (Thompson, Horton, & Flores, 2007). Participants can relate to the peer counselors who have some of the same barriers to treatment as they do such as cost of testing