Bicultural Healthy Living is the ability of immigrants and refugees to bridge two cultures, the American mainstream culture and their culture of origin, into one that allows them to live healthfully and happily. Ā By leading a bicultural healthy lifestyle, we hope that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities can find a path that allow both their Asian/Pacific islander and American culture to co-exist with the ability to use one or both cultural protective factors when needed.Ā This blog will explore the various ways and strategies to improve the health of AAPIs and the community as a whole by living a bicultural healthy lifestyle.
Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States, contributing to an estimated 480,000 deaths annually. Smokers aged 60 and older face a twofold increase in mortality compared to nonsmokers, dying approximately six years earlier. While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, tobacco smoke contains at least 69 cancer-causing chemicals, making smoking responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. Overall cancer death rates are twice as high among smokers as nonsmokers, with heavy smokers having a fourfold greater risk. Quitting smoking yields immediate health benefits, and depending on the age of cessation, some or all of the reduced life expectancy can be regained.
Key Factors:
Cancer Risks:
Lung cancer: Smoking is linked to 80ā90% of cases and 80% of deaths.
Reduced health-related quality of life in young smokers aged 26ā41.
Potential link to Type 2 Diabetes through pathways between the pancreas and brain.
Benefits of Quitting:
Lung damage repair over time (except in COPD).
Improved overall health and reduced risk of smoking-related diseases.
The devastating impact of smoking on nearly every aspect of healthācausing cancers, lung diseases, heart conditions, and a host of other ailmentsāunderscores the urgent need to quit. While the damage caused by smoking is significant, the good news is that quitting can lead to remarkable health benefits, including the repair of lung damage, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of life-threatening diseases. Whether youāre a long-term smoker or have recently started, itās never too late to take the first step toward a healthier future. Seek support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or smoking cessation programs to embark on this life-changing journey. Quitting smoking not only adds years to your life but also greatly improves the quality of those yearsāan investment in your well-being and the peace of mind of those who care about you.
**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**
Youāre probably familiar with the word stress, but you might not have heard of overstress. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines stress as the physical and emotional reactions to challenges or stressors. This can manifest as physical symptoms like a racing heart or emotional responses like irritability (more on that shortly). Stress is an unavoidable part of lifeāitās simply part of being human. The real issue arises when stress crosses the line into overstress. Though less commonly discussed, overstress is essentially chronic stress. The APA describes chronic stress as the ongoing physical and emotional toll caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations.
ā Stress v. Overstress
Think of it like this: cramming for finals is stressful. But it only happens a couple of times a year. However, working a high-pressure job with constant quick and intense deadlines can lead to chronic stress. Youāre having prolonged exposure to stressful events, which can leave you feeling overstressed.ā ā Verywell Mind
What Causes Overstress?
Stressful Circumstances
Chronic illness
Job loss
Spousal conflict
Mental health challenges
Family difficulties
Uncertainty and Unpredictability
Adding layers of stress to everyday challenges.
Sustained Stress
Persistently pushing through stressful events or situations over an extended period.
Understanding the factors that lead to overstress can help you recognize when your stress levels are becoming unmanageable. If youāre navigating ongoing challenges like health issues, relationship conflicts, or prolonged uncertainty, itās important to acknowledge the toll they may take. Remember, you donāt have to face it aloneāseeking support from a therapist, counselor, or trusted professional can make a world of difference. Taking steps to address your well-being is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and self-care.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States. As of 2021, approximately 28.3 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, with over 16 million living with at least one smoking-related disease. Additionally, 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads national efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths and chronic diseases. Through partnerships and tobacco control initiatives, the CDC focuses on:
Preventing youth from starting tobacco use.
Promoting smoke-free environments.
Expanding programs to support quitting tobacco.
Addressing tobacco-related health disparities across diverse populations.
The Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) leads strategic public health efforts to end commercial tobacco use and exposure, striving to provide equitable opportunities for all communities to live free from the disease, disability, death, and social and economic impacts caused by tobacco products. Guided by a vision of a world free from commercial tobacco-related harm, OSH focuses on preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults, promoting quitting, eliminating secondhand smoke exposure, and advancing health equity by addressing tobacco-related disparities. In collaboration with local, state, national, and international partners, OSH expands the science of effective tobacco control, builds sustainable infrastructure for comprehensive programs, communicates timely information to stakeholders, and coordinates policies and strategic initiatives, while fostering global tobacco control through surveillance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
Key Activities The CDC collaborates with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public to combat the tobacco epidemic by:
Supporting comprehensiveĀ tobacco prevention and control programsĀ in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 8 U.S. territories or jurisdictions, and 26 tribes/tribal organizations.
Supporting tobacco cessation and quitline services in 50 states, 2 territories, and Washington, D.C., and maintaining the national network of tobacco cessation quitlines.
Educating the public about the harms of tobacco use, including through paid media campaigns likeĀ Tips From Former Smokers.
Conducting and coordinating surveillance, laboratory, and evaluation activities related to tobacco use and its effect on health.
Reducing tobacco-related health disparities through 8 national networks working to reduce tobacco use among specific populations.
SupportingĀ health systemsĀ to improve cessation insurance coverage, remove barriers to evidence-based cessation treatments, and promote use of covered treatments.
Through collaborative efforts with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public, the CDC remains steadfast in its mission to end the tobacco epidemic. By advancing science, building sustainable infrastructure, implementing effective policies, and addressing health disparities, the CDC is paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free future. Together, these actions are critical to protecting lives, promoting health equity, and creating communities free from the devastating impacts of commercial tobacco use and exposure.
**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**
Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug, with its health effects largely determined by how itās consumed. It can be smoked using pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, and vaporizers or consumed through products like e-cigarettes, candy, brownies, beverages, and capsules. While this discussion centers on marijuana and lung health, itās crucial to recognize other health concerns, such as neurological and cognitive effects, as well as public health issues like accidental pediatric poisonings from edible marijuana products. Smoke from marijuana combustion contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, posing potential harm to lung health. Although marijuana smoke is less carcinogenic than tobacco smoke, its toxins may still pose risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke.
Key Facts on Lung Health and Marijuana Smoke
Impact on Lung Health: Smoking marijuana damages the lungs, causing chronic bronchitis, injuring airway cell linings, and leading to chronic cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and acute bronchitis.
Air Pocket and Air Bubble Risks: Heavy marijuana smoking has been linked to air pockets between the lungs and chest wall, as well as large air bubbles in the lungs, especially among young to middle-aged adults.
Immune System Effects: Smoking marijuana suppresses the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and potentially increasing the risk of lower respiratory tract infections.
Defense Mechanisms: It reduces the lungs’ ability to defend against infections by killing cells that remove dust and germs and increasing mucus production.
Radiographic Findings: Marijuana-only smokers exhibit greater airway thickening, inflammation, and emphysema compared to both nonsmokers and tobacco-only smokers.
Opportunistic Infections: Marijuana smoking may heighten the risk of opportunistic infections and transmission of viral infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.
Aspergillus Mold Exposure: Marijuana can harbor Aspergillus mold, which may cause lung disorders when smoked, though it rarely affects healthy individuals.
Vaping and “Dabbing” Concerns: Limited research suggests that inhaling marijuana via vape pens or dabbing cannabis concentrates could pose similar respiratory health risks as e-cigarette use.
In light of the significant respiratory and immune system risks associated with smoking and inhaling marijuana, itās essential to approach its use with caution, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems. The damage to lung health, increased vulnerability to infections, and potential exposure to harmful molds underscore the need for further research and public awareness. As methods of consumption like vaping and dabbing grow in popularity, understanding their long-term effects becomes increasingly critical. Prioritizing health and making informed choices about marijuana use can help mitigate these risks and protect overall well-being.
Without closely examining the diversity of Asian American experiences, itās easy to miss the distinct stories of Asian Americans living with economic hardship. – Pew Research
Among the 24 million Asians in the U.S., around 2.3 million live in poverty, facing unique challenges in their pursuit of the American dream. From immigrants navigating language barriers to U.S.-born Asians striving for financial stability, the journey is far from easy. In February 2023, Pew Research Center held focus groups with adults from 11 Asian origin groups most likely to experience economic hardship. Participants, many earning near or below the federal poverty line, shared insights into their struggles and aspirations. Common themes included daily financial stress, stereotypes that Asians donāt need assistance, and a shared belief that financial security is key to achieving the American dream. These stories highlight the resilience and determination within Asian communities amid adversity.
Financial struggles are a significant part of life for many Asian Americans, as revealed in a 2022-23 survey. Participants were asked about challenges like relying on food banks, losing health insurance, struggling to pay rent or medical bills, and being unable to save for emergencies. Among Asian adults living near or below the poverty line, 79% reported experiencing at least one of these hardships in the past year, compared to 48% of those above the poverty line. The most common issue was the inability to save for emergencies, affecting 57% of those in poverty versus 40% of those with higher incomes.
Balancing family needs with limited income, focus group participants described the constant struggle of planning for the future. The pressure to provide for their childrenās opportunities while securing their own retirement created a sense of urgency that shaped their financial decisions.
āI feel a bit helpless [about my financial situation]. ā¦ I donāt want to be in debt. I have to save money to raise my kids, but I donāt have money to save.ā
āImmigrant man of Korean origin in early 30s (translated from Korean)
ā[I save money] to go to Pakistan. Because I have four children ā¦ I needed five or six tickets, in case my husband traveled with us, and it required a lot of money. We used to save for one whole year, and when we were back from Pakistan, we were usually empty-handed. Then the cycle started again.ā
āImmigrant woman of Pakistani origin in late 40s (translated from Urdu)
āYouāre not going to work forever. No one is going to work forever. You want to have savings ā¦ for your rent [or] in case of medical bills [if] something happens. [You] might as well [save for] some trips down the while when you [can] travel still. But youāre not going to be working at 80 years old, are you?ā
āU.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 40s
For many, the American dream is intertwined with the concept of freedomāfreedom from the weight of debt and the daily stress of meeting basic needs like rent and food, and freedom to make life choices without financial constraints. Despite economic hardships, hope persists. Among Asians living near or below the poverty line, half believe they are either on their way to achieving the American dream or have already reached it. This optimism contrasts with those above the poverty line, where a greater percentage report feeling closer to their dreams, underscoring the resilience and determination within these communities.
The pursuit of the American dream is deeply personal, yet it reflects a universal desire for stability, freedom, and opportunity. Despite the challenges of poverty, many remain hopeful, believing they are on a path toward a better future. This resilience speaks to the strength of individuals and communities striving to overcome obstacles and create lives of meaning and fulfillment. By addressing systemic barriers and supporting those in need, we can help ensure that the dream of freedom and opportunity becomes a reality for all.
Hope and determination can overcome any obstacle, lighting the path toward freedom and opportunity.
Kev cia siab thiab kev txiav txim siab tuaj yeem kov yeej txhua txoj kev nyuaj, teeb lub txoj kev mus rau kev ywj pheej thiab kev vam meej.
Anxiety is a natural part of life that everyone experiences at some point, whether itās feeling nervous before a big event, getting butterflies in your stomach, or dwelling on a stressful situation. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, occasional anxiety is not considered a mental illness. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, and significantly impacts daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder, which is a diagnosable mental health condition. Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and anxiety disorders is an important step in recognizing when to seek support.
What Is a Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses are psychiatric conditions that affect a personās mood, behavior, and thoughts, impacting about 1 in 5 people, with 4% experiencing severe cases. For a condition to be considered a mental illness, it must significantly disrupt daily life. While some cases are short-term, many require long-term management through effective treatment. Untreated mental illnesses can affect jobs, relationships, and family dynamics, but with proper care, people can lead fulfilling lives.
Common mental illnesses include:
Depression, including unipolar depression and bipolar depression
Anxiety disorders
Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder
Psychotic disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance abuse disorder
Eating disorders
Your mental health matters, and taking steps to care for it is an act of strength and self-compassion. If youāre struggling with chronic anxiety or other mental health concerns, know that support is available and healing is possible. Treatments for anxiety, including therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy), medications, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes, can help you regain balance and improve your quality of life. Donāt hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, trusted friend, or support groupāno one should navigate this journey alone. Prioritize your well-being, and remember: seeking help is a powerful step toward a healthier, happier you.
äæęå¹³č””ēēę“»ę¹å¼ć Maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Mental health challenges among AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) youth have often been overlooked due to a lack of research and attention to their unique struggles. A recent study by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), titled āBeyond the Surface: Understanding Mental Health Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Youth,ā sheds light on this critical issue. The study reveals that academic pressure is one of the most significant stressors for AANHPI youth, driven by cultural expectations linking success in school to upward mobility and respect. This stress is further amplified by the āmodel minorityā stereotype, which imposes unrealistic standards of excellence while dismissing emotional vulnerability. By addressing these unique challenges, the study offers insights into solutions for a group often misunderstood and underserved in mental health discussions.
āThe biggest stressor on mental health that youth reported was actually pressure to succeed, both self-imposed and from families,ā Dr. Charissa Cheah, lead researcher
Key Facts
Exacerbation by the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Heightened mental health struggles during the pandemic.
Complicated identity development due to the rise in anti-Asian hate.
Cultural Challenges:
Difficulty navigating cultural heritage in a climate of racism.
Stressors:
Discrimination and its impact on mental health.
Academic pressures contributing to a āperfect stormā of stress.
Isolation and Anxiety:
Increased feelings of loneliness and worry among AANHPI youth.
Alarming Statistics:
Suicide is the leading cause of death for young AANHPI individuals, per CDC data.
One in three AANHPI youth has considered or attempted suicide.
Addressing the mental health challenges faced by AANHPI youth requires urgent attention and action. The compounded pressures of academic expectations, cultural identity struggles, and discrimination, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have created a crisis that cannot be ignored. With one in three AANHPI youth considering or attempting suicide, these alarming statistics serve as a stark reminder of the need for culturally responsive mental health resources and support systems. By acknowledging and addressing these unique challenges, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding environment where AANHPI youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
é¢åƹååę¶ļ¼č¦å¦ä¼å¼åøę¾ę¾ć Learn to breathe and relax when facing stress.
Living as a Black Buddhist artist immersed in a bicultural experience is a profound act of self-discovery. My heritage as a Black individual expresses resilience, creativity, and community, while my Buddhist practice offers a framework for mindfulness, compassion, and balance. These two identities do not simply coexistāthey enrich and inform each other, creating a unique lens through which I experience this world. Through the teachings of lord Buddha, Iāve come to understand my cultural roots not as a separate identity but as a path in which I cultivate dharma..
As an artist, the bicultural experience manifests in the stories I tell and the mediums I use to tell them. My work is a reflection of both celebration and introspection, merging the rhythms of my heritage with the contemplative silence of my Buddhist practice. Whether through the meditative pluck of the Guzheng or the quiet resilience embedded in my poems, I strive to create art that speaks to the shared humanity between cultures. This process has taught me that self-cultivation is not about abandoning one identity to embrace another but about finding harmony in the tension, allowing each aspect of myself to bloom.
Self-cultivation within this bicultural space is an ongoing practice of loving-kindness toward myself and others. It is about embracing the complexities of my identity without judgment, cultivating wisdom through the lessons of my ancestors, and staying grounded in the present moment. As a Black Buddhist, I see my journey not only as personal liberation but also as a call to inspire others in my community to explore the depths of their identities with courage and compassion. Together, we can honor the beauty of our roots while forging new paths of creativity and cultivation.
Youth violence is a serious issue affecting young people aged 10 to 24, often manifesting through fighting, bullying, weapon threats, and gang-related activities. It not only harms the victims but also impacts offenders and witnesses, creating a ripple effect of trauma and fear in communities. Understanding youth violence means recognizing its multifaceted nature and addressing it as a shared responsibility. Preventative measures, such as fostering safe environments, promoting conflict resolution skills, and offering support to at-risk youth, are essential in breaking the cycle of violence and building a foundation for healthier, more compassionate communities.
Key Facts
Prevalence and Impact:
Thousands experience youth violence daily across urban, suburban, rural, and tribal communities.
Homicide is theĀ third leading cause of deathĀ for young people aged 10-24 and theĀ leading cause of deathĀ for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
OverĀ 800 young peopleĀ are treated daily in U.S. emergency departments for assault-related injuries.
Disparities in Risk:
Sexual minority teensĀ are more likely to face multiple forms of violence than their heterosexual peers.
Black or African American youth are at a higher risk of the most physically harmful forms of violence, including homicides and aggravated assaults.
Economic Costs:
In 2020, youth homicides and nonfatal physical assaults incurred an estimatedĀ $122 billion annuallyĀ in costs, covering medical care, lost work, and diminished quality of life (excluding criminal justice costs).
Impact of COVID-19:
The economic burden of youth violence increased byĀ 17% in 2020Ā compared to 2019, reflecting the ongoing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
Preventing youth violence is a collective effort that begins with understanding the root causes and risk factors that contribute to it. By addressing systemic inequities, such as poverty, residential segregation, and other forms of racism, we can create environments where all young peopleāespecially those from racial and ethnic minority groupsāhave the opportunity to thrive. Prevention strategies must focus on reducing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and fostering safe, equitable communities. Supporting youth as they grow into healthy, empowered adults is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for building a future free from violence and filled with opportunity for all.
New research suggests that using cannabisāwhether by smoking, eating, or vapingāmay increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study found that cannabis users faced higher cardiovascular risks, regardless of tobacco use or other underlying health factors. Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the growing misconception that cannabis use is harmless, particularly as smoking remains the predominant method of consumption, exposing users to particulate matter. With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states and its usage nearly doubling since 2002, understanding its health impacts is increasingly critical. The study analyzed survey data from over 434,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokesāeven among non-tobacco users and younger individuals at lower baseline risk. Prior research on marijuanaās cardiovascular effects has been limited due to overlapping tobacco use and younger study populations, but this study underscores the potential dangers as cannabis use becomes more widespread.
Key Facts
Higher Risk with Any Use: Any marijuana use was associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Frequent Use Increases Risk: Daily marijuana users had 25% higher odds of heart attack and 42% higher odds of stroke compared to non-users.
Smoking as Predominant Method: Smoking was the most common way people consumed cannabis, followed by eating and vaping.
Increased Odds for Younger Adults: Men under 55 and women under 65 who used marijuana had a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, even without tobacco or e-cigarette use.
Independent Risk Factor: The elevated odds for cardiovascular issues persisted even in individuals who had never used tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
These findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with marijuana use, particularly as its prevalence continues to rise and perceptions of its safety shift. With smoking remaining the most common method of consumption and frequent use linked to significantly higher odds of cardiovascular issues, itās crucial for individuals to consider these risks and for healthcare providers to address them in discussions about overall heart health. As marijuana use becomes more widespread, further research is needed to provide a clearer picture of its long-term impact on public health.
