Did you know that the State of the Period 2023 survey revealed that nearly 1 in 4 students have struggled to afford period products in the U.S., with 44% of teens reporting stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to period products? Period Poverty, a community health issue that has been often overlooked and neglected throughout the world. According to the American Medical Women’s Association, period poverty is defined as the lack of accessibility or affordability of menstrual hygiene tools and educational materials. Period Poverty can take different forms and has emotional, physical, and mental tolls on individuals who menstruate. It is essential for everyone openly discuss this pertinent issue to reduce period stigma, and increase access to period products for all people who menstruate.
Effects of COVID-19 on Menstrual Health Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, period poverty became a widespread health issue as economic strains and home quarantine limited individuals to access to menstrual products. Amid widespread job losses, reduced working hours, and home quarantine, many women and AAPI individuals found themselves struggling to afford basic necessities such as menstrual products.
Stigmas & Barriers of Menstrual Health in the AAPI Community. Period poverty, a global issue affecting millions, has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the AAPI communities, this challenge is not only about access to menstrual products but also combating deep-rooted stigmas surrounding menstrual health. Despite that half of the world's female population experience menstruation each month, talking about menstruation and menstrual health is still stigmatized within various communities.
It is imperative to center the voices and experiences of AAPI individuals in conversations about menstrual health and period poverty. By elevating diverse perspectives and experiences, we can develop more inclusive and culturally relevant solutions that address the specific needs of AAPI communities. Given the lack of specific studies on AANHPI women and girls, it's crucial to recognize the broader implications of period poverty and the need for targeted research and interventions that address the unique challenges faced by different communities, including AANHPI populations. The importance of providing access to affordable menstrual products, education around menstrual health, and support systems can result in great positive impacts within our communities! Sources: 1. Period The Menstrual Movement: Period Poverty 2. Period poverty and mental health of menstruators during COVID-19 pandemic 3. Editorial: Period Poverty 4. Harvard Public Health: "Inside the movement tackling period poverty in the U.S."
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Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. However, within the AAPI community, these disorders often go unnoticed or unaddressed due to cultural stigma and lack of awareness. Despite this silence, eating disorders are a significant issue within the AAPI population, with profound impacts on physical health, emotional well-being, and familial dynamics.
What are eating disorders? According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. Type of eating disorders include:
COVID-19 Effects on Mental and Physical Health As the world grappled with challenges brought by COVID-19, the effects on both mental and physical health became increasingly apparent. With widespread lockdowns and social restrictions, many found themselves grappling with heightened levels of stress while also experiencing difficulty to cope and seek help.
Eating Disorders within the AAPI Community Eating disorders can impact people regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. There is often a misconception that eating disorders affect only upper-middle-class white female patients. However, the rates of disordered eating in AAPI women are comparable to rates seen in European American women and often higher rates than other women of color. Statistics reveal the prevalence and severity of eating disorders within the AAPI community.
Eating Disorders are a significant but often overlooked issue within our community due to cultural stigmas, lack of awareness, and limited access to culturally appropriate resources that lead to under diagnosis and under treatment. By de-stigmatizing conversations about mental health and promoting culturally competent resources and support services, we can empower individuals to seek help and support early intervention and recovery. We hope that by raising awareness, fostering supporting communities, and bridging access to resources can provide individuals in our community they need to heal and thrive. Sources: 1. https://www.mhanational.org/issues/asian-american-pacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6737071/ 3. https://www.umassmed.edu/news/news-archives/2023/03/eating-disorders-in-teens-more-than-doubled-during-pandemic/ 4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2798255 5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/eat.23318 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10032524/ Insurance coverage is confusing...
Are you familiar with your health insurance plan and understand all of your benefits and coverage? If you do not, you are not alone! Many people across the country also have difficulty understanding their coverage and benefits. Studies show that actually 30% or more Americans report difficulty figuring out their insurance coverage and what they have to pay for care. By not fully understanding their benefits and coverage, some individuals actually end up paying out of pocket expenses that may have been covered in their insurance plans. Let’s strive to become healthier and maximize our health insurance coverage! COVID-19 Effects on Healthcare and Stress The pandemic not only transformed how we viewed our daily lives, but also impacted our healthcare system. Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, job losses have threatened health insurance coverage for millions of people and their families.
Health Insurance in Massachusetts Did you know that Massachusetts has the lowest uninsured rate in the whole country? Only 3% of Massachusetts’ population is uninsured, which is the lowest percentage out of all US states. In the state of Massachusetts all individuals ages 18 or older fall under the “individual mandate,” requiring these individuals to enroll in a health insurance plan. Government Health Benefit plans are also available for individuals and families who fall below the poverty line and are eligible. Why is Health Insurance important?
Want to learn more about enrolling in Health Insurance? Join us at our January Lunch & Learn Workshop will be led by our staff, Sofia Li, and Hannah Frigand, the Director of Public Programs at Health Care for All! We are looking forward to seeing and connecting with you at our workshop! Just incase you missed our previous December Lunch & Learn discussing the true meaning of presence and creating meaningful connections, Beyond Physical Proximities, click on this link for the full video recording. Sources for the article:
Ever feel like a fraud? Like you're not good enough or have enormous emotions of dread, anxiety and insecurity that any minute you might be exposed? These thoughts are all part of a phenomenon known as Imposter Syndrome which unfortunately mostly occur in high achieving individuals.
Even famous women- from Hollywood superstars such as Charlize Theron and Viola Davis to business leaders such as Sheryl Sandberg and even former First Lady Michelle Obama and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor - have confessed to experiencing it. "I'm often made to feel invisible or that my contributions really didn't matter. I'm often told I am aggressive meanwhile have others talking over me and cutting me off. Or have had at times been told I am not confident, but my Asian upbringing and my cultural values are important to me. So which is it really?" says Vivian W. Huang, MD, MPH . Vivian is an accomplished medical physician who has had some amazing experiences and have had the honor and privilege to work with Doctors Without Borders and assigned to Syria and Swaziland and have also worked in history's worst Ebola outbreak in 2015 with Partners In Health in Sierra Leone! So why do people experience Imposter Syndrome? What are the contributing factors to this phenomenon which was coined by two clinical psychologists, Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, back in 1978.
The COVID-19 Connection The pandemic has greatly worsened imposter syndrome. The quick shift to remote work and the blurring of personal and professional boundaries have increased feelings of inadequacy. Isolation and Seclusion: The lack of in-person support and validation which everyone previously relied on was no longer there during the pandemic. Along with the lack of physical separation from coworkers, friends and family members due to lockdown worsened Imposter syndrome and feelings of loneliness and mental health exacerbated. For this reason, we have partnered with Anise Health to host a workshop on Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Light of COVID-19. Our Lunch and Learn Workshop takes place tomorrow, Friday, 29th September from 1PM to 2PM EST. Click Here to Register for the event or attend via Zoom Link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84299286178 Dr.Sheetal Ajmani, our expert speaker is a life coach and founder of Radiant Living will unpack the causes of this phenomenon, review techniques to recognize and overcome it and explore potential solutions to combat it and feel a stronger sense of self-esteem! We look forward to seeing you at the workshop! By Ameena Qayyum Communications Coordinator Effective Strategies to Combat the Effects of Covid 19 on Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being8/31/2023 The continued consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic on children's health and wellbeing are causing parents to prepare for the return to school with a distinct set of worries. Several studies have examined the numerous ways that the pandemic has affected young children's life and it may feel like we’re inching towards a new normal but the pandemic exacerbated a behavioral and mental health crisis that has only grown. The pandemic has undeniably opened our eyes to numerous disruptions in our daily lives. However, even before the pandemic, the significance of children's mental health is evident. As we navigate the challenges of the present and future, it is essential to remember that safeguarding the well-being of our youth is a continuous responsibility. Just as COVID-19 emphasized the importance of being vigilant, protected, and safe, we must extend these principles to ensure the mental health of children, reinforcing a holistic approach to resilience and well-being in all aspects of life- covid-19 or not! As stress and anxiety levels increased because of isolation, interrupted routines, and difficulties with distant learning- we’ve considered some strategies for parents to consider that can contribute to positive mental health outcomes: Self-care: Parenting is a daily struggle, and when faced with the realities of COVID-19, particularly getting the virus, it may be a cause of worry and anxiety all the time. The first and most important step in helping children is to look after your own needs. Self-care is not selfish, and it assists caregivers to be a steady, calming, and soothing parent for their children. Encouraging Open Conversations: Emotional regulation can be aided by promoting open communication at home, remaining calm and focused throughout dialogues, and routinely checking in with kids to see how they're doing. Young children need to see from their parents that everything will be well in the end. Since children frequently pick up on emotional cues from adults, it's crucial to include their teachers and other significant adults in the conversation, listen to their worries, and reassure them. Reducing Screen Time and Encouraging Physical Activities: The general recommended screen time for children between the ages of 5 and 17 is no more than two hours per day, and considerably less for children under the age of five. But during the epidemic, this number considerably rose. As a result, it's crucial for caregivers to get youngsters involved in creative activities like playing and sketching. Now that the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, it's also a good idea to get outside and indulge in more physical activity. This enables kids to express challenging emotions like anger, fear, or grief in healthy ways. Seeking professional help when necessary: Parents and teachers can easily spot early indicators of mental health problems such as hostility, clinging behavior, nightmares, poor focus, emotional outbursts, lack of appetite, and more. As a result, the pandemic's long-term effects on mental health can be avoided by obtaining professional assistance when necessary and implementing early intervention techniques. Children have always exhibited incredible resilience in the face of uncertainty and change. Positive environments at home and in school will help the majority of people cope. So let's celebrate the resiliency and adaptability our kids have demonstrated as we get ready to send them back to school. We can all work together to navigate the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and support our kids in thriving in the upcoming school year by putting their physical health first, supporting their emotional wellbeing, and encouraging their academic development! By Ameena Qayyum Communications Coordinator Setting the Scene
One of the most significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the shutdowns that occurred worldwide as governments aimed to prevent the spread of COVID through closing down in person day-to-day activities. These activities were where many of us gained our most important social interactions, whether that be through work, school, or leisurely activities such as going to a restaraunt. This shift in a way of living day-to-day life brought on a whole novel set of issues that we were faced to deal with without much guidance. Social Isolation and Economic Issues Hurt Health For many of us, the majority of our social interaction spent during the day is through work. The average US American averages 90,000 hours of work in their lifetime, about 1/3rd of their lives. Before the pandemic, the Asian Americans unemployment rate was among the lowest in the US - around 2.8%. When the pandemic hit, the Asian American unemployment rate skyrocketed to 15% in May of 2020, higher than other groups like Whites (7.3%) and Latinos (10.3%). Asian women faced significant hits in their career lives, with many of their jobs shut down. Furthermore, lack of access to child care due to factors such as school closures, child care closures, and economic issues prevented many women from being able to continue working. These issues caused by the pandemic led to high rates of social isolation. Social isolation leads to feelings of loneliness which leads to increased levels in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicide risk. It can also increase negative health issues such as heart problems, obesity, and risk for dementia. Many solutions to these health issues that are available do not include cultural and language considerations that create a sense of community and connectedness for Asian Americans. Improving Health by Bringing Community Back Take a look at one community outreach program from Philadelphia. It is known that Asian American women face a higher burden of cervical cancer in the US. With this in mind, this outreach program used proper language and cultural knowledge to provide HPV-related education, self-sampling test kit instructions, and start a dialogue going with group discussions. From surveying these women after participating in this community intervention, resulting data showed that Asian women felt more empowered to self-test themselves as well as a better sense of social support and connectedness that helped get rid of stigma that surrounded the issue of poor health. Establishing community-based coalitions that address community health issues with cultural knowledge and tailored language approaches can help lead to lower levels of social isolation and the fear that is associated with getting involved in health. Participating in community-based outreach programs that focus on health empowerment, education, awareness, and promotion of community connectedness has the power to lead to positive health changes. If you are in search of a community based program that will offer resources that can benefit your health, visit the website, https://www.asiancaucusma.com/resources-1 to find a community based health program for you. By: Allison Tamburrano, Northeastern University Student COVID's Effect on Accessing Sexual Health Care Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, sexual and reproductive health care has become harder to access, sadly making it harder for women to physically take care of themselves. Issues such as staffing shortages, delayed in-visit appointments, requirements of isolation and testing, as well as a large switch to virtual appointments all have contributed to this problem. Asian Womens' Sexual and Reproductive Health Barriers Sexual and Reproductive health is extremely important to the overall physical health of women. Let’s take a look at an example. Hepatitis B is a virus that is commonly spread by exposure to infected body fluids. This can occur through sex. Out of the 1,649 Hepatitis B-related deaths in 2018, 46.1% were Asians/Pacific Islanders, resulting in the highest death rate among race/ethnic groups. This can be caused by a multitude of reasons, but it is important to realize that Asian American women are in a unique position where oftentimes they face more barriers to sexual and reproductive health care. These barriers include: ● Access to Service ● Quality of Services ● Personal Factors Accessing services that are available outside of work or school hours can be limited which make it difficult to attend appointments. This can also be caused by long commute times and difficulty accessing these health care clinics in a timely and convenient manner. Furthermore, many women do not have access to education and information on sexual health services being offered in an accessible way. Quality of services such as if translators are available or lack of cultural understanding of one’s viewpoints and opinions on sexual health can discourage Asian women from attending sexual healthcare appointments. Many Asian women would prefer to have these visits confidential and that is difficult when cultural aspects such as living with family, insurance dependability and being seen by others in their community can happen. Personal factors such as shame, stigma and stress can also play a huge role in not seeking care in fear of these negative feelings occurring. Health care professionals are often strangers and sharing deeply personal information on personal health and sexual intimacy can be scary and difficult. How to Fight These Barriers For women who have experienced barriers to getting healthcare for their sexual and reproductive health, one way to fight this barrier is to attend educational groups at community based organizations. There are community based organizations that include religious leaders and members of Asian communities as well as Asian healthcare workers that understand the barriers being faced. These organizations and education groups are listed here and are a great way to participate for your own health and wellbeing. Another effective way to gain information and knowledge on sexual and reproductive health care available that is accessible is social media. Social media advocacy groups on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok provide a large amount of resources that can be educational and culturally inclusive because they often are coming from a community member's own personal experiences and research. By Allison Tamburrano, Northeastern University Student Boston, MA – Asian Women for Health (AWFH) would like to thank Chien-Chi Huang for over a decade of dedicated service to advancing the health and wellness of Asian women and the larger AAPI community.
Today, Chien-Chi announced her intention to retire from her full-time role as Executive Director to focus on her health and her family. Starting in April Chien-Chi will move into a consulting role with the organization, continuing to support the mission and programs of the organization. Over a Decade of Dedicated Service A skilled and passionate community advocate, Chien-Chi has demonstrated a strong track record of developing innovative programs aimed at reducing health disparities experienced by the Asian Community. Chien-Chi founded the Asian Breast Cancer Project in 2010. Her vision and leadership expanded the mission of the organization beyond cancer to become Asian Women for Health in 2012. Chien-Chi has overseen the growth of Asian Women for Health, and the extension in the mission of the organization. Most recently AWFH launched a workforce development program that will engage underrepresented minorities and train and place them on the front line of addressing health inequities as Community Health Workers. This program is now one of the many offerings of the organization that range from regular health seminars, through the signature CelebrASIANS community event. Since founding the organization, Chien-Chi’s contributions to Asian Women’s health have received recognition through numerous awards including: Cheryl Kramer Passion Award, KOMEN Massachusetts (2011); TrailBlazer Award, Fenway Health (2012); Janice McGrath Survivor of the Year Award, NECCS (2013); Honoree of the One Hundred, MGH Cancer Center (2014); Most Influential People of Color in Life Science & Healthcare, GK 50 Award (2017); The Community Hero Award, ABCD (2018); The Laurel of Community Service Award, Cancer Prevention Foundation (2019); The Change Agent Award, COLOR Magazine (2020); Bridge Award for Leadership in Cancer & Mental Health Equity, MGH Cancer Center (2021); Advancement Award, Boston Club (2022); Lemuel Shattuck Award, Massachusetts Public Health Association (2022); Community Service Award, Chinese Culture Connection (2022); and, Purpose Prize Award Fellow, AARP (2022). “I look forward to turning over the leadership to interim Executive Director Eric Braun with fresh energy, eyes, and ideas,” said Chien-Chi. “With the support of the board, our staff, and dedicated volunteers, we continue to build the confidence, capacity, and connections among Asian women.” “We all owe Chien-Chi a huge thank you for her contributions over the last 10+ years, and the legacy she leaves Asian Women’s Health.” Said Adam Thomas, Chair of the Board. “We look forward to seeing her continued contribution to the Asian Women’s Health in her new consulting role.” Interim Executive Director AWFH is also pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Braun as the new interim Executive Director for the organization. As the interim Executive Director, he will work closely with the board of directors to develop and implement strategies that advance the organization’s mission. Mr. Braun brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role with over 25 years of experience in operations and management with a proven track record of success in startups and corporate innovation leadership. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a B.A. degree in German/English, followed by Masters studies in Computer Science. Additionally, he pursued further education in Europe where he obtained his certificate in French from the Université Paris-Sorbonne and studied additionally in Germany and Austria. Commenting on his appointment, Eric Braun stated: "I’m excited to join AWFH and this amazing team working to improve health outcomes for underrepresented people, particularly Asian Women. Chien-Chi has made great strides in this area, and I’m so grateful for her passion and energy in this work. Diversity, Equity and inclusion is so important in our diverse, multicultural society. I look forward to helping the team move the needle forward and make an even greater impact in the areas of awareness, education and advocacy for better health outcomes for all.” More Information Asian Women for Health will be launching a search for a new Executive Director. To apply please send your resume to Adam Thomas, Chair at: athomas@asianwomenforhealth.org. Cooking can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially if you're short on time or lack experience in the kitchen. But fear not, because we've got you covered with our staff cookbook filled with easy-to-make recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. As part of our Healthy Eating on a Budget monthly social, we've compiled this short cook book with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make cooking at home a breeze.
So why not ditch the takeout and start creating delicious meals in your own kitchen? By: Thanh Nguyen, AWFH Marketing Intern Suspecting Asian foods that are surprisingly healthy and inexpensive to prepare. Nutritious meals are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy doesn’t mean being on a strict diet. The new norm is “There will be no mindless calorie counting, but rather a focus on food choices, balance, meal and snack ideas, and using both internal and external cues of food regulation.” Monique Ryan (MS, RDN, LDN) of Personal Nutrition Designs, LLC. We agree with Ryan that food should nourish, energize, and sustain the body, as well as be enjoyable to eat. Some dieting practices look to be the exact opposite since they are overly restricted, promote perfectionist mindset, all-or-nothing mentality, shame, and guilt. Dieting can damage a person's relationship with food as well as their metabolism. As humans, it is common for individuals to evaluate a book by its cover and dismiss uncertainty. Therefore, some folks are unwilling to try new and "unusual" Asian dishes. In reality, they are delicious and nutritious. Most Asian dinners include rice and at least one side dish. Little did you know, Asian cuisine does not end there; we have an abundance of inexpensive recipes. Despite the argument that some dishes appear unappetizing or unhealthy, you may be surprised to discover what they conceal. Let's look at the healthy signature foods of every region of Asia. East Asia South Korea: Jajangmyeon - Great for after school and dinner The blackbean sauce may cause some hesitation, but you should trust the process. Jajangmyeon is a simple dish consisting of nutritious ingredients: Chunjang (the black bean sauce), zucchini, onion, cabbage, scallions, and chicken. You can easily find Chunjang at many Asian stores or H-Mart. China: Douhua - Great for those who have a sweet tooth Banana pudding is a popular American dessert, how does tofu pudding (douhua) sound to you? Some argue about the strange, gelatinous texture of douhua, but once you try it, you never go back. This recipe uses gelatin instead of other chemical coagulants. You can use agar agar for vegan purposes. Southeast Asia Vietnam: Banh Xeo - Great for eating with family members and to snack on. Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese sizzling crepe that holds pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Despite it being fried, you can reduce the amount of oil with a non-stick frying pan. Banh Xeo can be eaten with rice paper, vegetables such as mustard green, lettuce, mint, and dipped in sweet and tangy “nuoc mam.” It’s about the combination that supplies nutrition to your body! South Asia India: Chana Masala - Great for simple dinner Many argue about the simplicity of the dish, but it is the most healthy dish that you can quickly prepare for dinner. “Chana” is a Hindi word for “chickpeas” - a great source of protein - and “Masala” refers to “spiced gravy.” Therefore, the dish is simmered chickpeas in a spicy onion tomato gravy. Chana Masala is also great for vegetarians. Pacific Island The Philippines: Sinigang Na Isda - Great for dinner Many individuals often hesitate when it comes to eating fish. Sinigang Na Isda can give you a different perspective if you have an open mind. Fish sinigang or sinigang na isda is a type of Filipino fish soup wherein fish is cooked in a sour broth together with a variety of vegetables. It is best to eat it with warm rice. As a bonus, below is a sneak peek of some recipes from our AWFH cookbook! Asia is the origin of exotic cuisines, and the list can go on. Please feel free to share your favorite recipes in the comments below! Asian Women For Health is excited to announce that we will be hosting a virtual social event called Healthy Eating on a Budget on February 22, 2023. Register now to learn how to master Asian healthy eating and low-cost recipes from our guest speakers! If you are interested in being on the panel, please contact Hilary at hwong@asianwomenforhealth.org. |