What is Bicultural Healthy Living?

Featured

Posted on March 7, 2013 by admin

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. 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. 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.

Risk and Protective Factors

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Preventing youth violence begins with understanding that no single cause leads a young person to commit or experience violence. Instead, it’s a mix of individual, relationship, community, and societal influences. Risk factors—such as exposure to violence at home, poor academic performance, or associating with delinquent peers—can increase the chances of violent behavior. On the other hand, protective factors—like strong family connections, high academic achievement, or community involvement—can reduce those risks. Identifying and addressing these layers can empower parents, educators, and community leaders to intervene early and build supportive environments for youth. By increasing what protects and reducing what harms, we create safer, healthier communities for everyone.

Key Facts

Youth violence is shaped by a combination of factors, not a single cause.
Risk factors include poor behavioral control, substance use, and exposure to family or community violence.
Protective factors include strong family bonds, high academic achievement, and supportive school environments.
Prevention efforts must address multiple layers: individual, relationship, community, and societal.

Preventing youth violence isn’t just about stopping harm—it’s about building hope. Every effort we make to strengthen protective factors and reduce risks helps shape a generation of safer, more connected, and empowered young people. Together, we can move forward.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/risk-factors/index.html

How to Get Started With Therapy

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Beginning therapy is a meaningful act of self-respect—it means you’re choosing to prioritize your mental well-being. While it can feel intimidating at first, just deciding to explore your options is already a major achievement. Therapy looks different for everyone, so think about what setting fits your lifestyle best. If you value privacy and flexibility, virtual therapy—through video or phone—might be the right fit. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or deeper emotional challenges, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is that you’ve chosen to start, and that alone is a powerful step forward.

Key Facts:

Online therapy offers flexibility and comfort at home

Health insurance directories can help locate covered providers

Recommendations from trusted friends and doctors are valuable

Therapist directories from mental health organizations (like ADAA, APA) are credible sources

Online platforms personalize matches based on your unique concerns

Taking the first step to seek therapy shows resilience. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, identity, or simply seeking clarity, finding the right therapist can help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Healing begins when you choose yourself—and you’ve already begun.

自我关怀是很重要的。
Self-care is important.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-7092217#toc-how-to-get-started-with-therapy

How Do I Stop Feeling Like I’m Behind in Life?

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

It’s incredibly easy to feel like you’re falling behind in life—especially in a world filled with highlight reels on social media, relentless comparisons, and pressure to “keep up.” Whether it’s career milestones, relationships, financial status, or personal achievements, many people silently struggle with the belief that they’re not where they “should” be. But as experts like Dr. Carolina Casillas and leadership coach Ashley Rudolph point out, this mindset often stems from unrealistic comparisons, internalized timelines, and distorted definitions of success. What we label as jealousy or failure can actually be a window into what we truly want—and how far we’ve already come.

Key Factors:

Social comparison is natural but intensified by social media.
Feeling behind can show up in career, relationships, health, or personal growth.
Excessive comparison harms self-worth and can lead to anxiety, depression, or debt.
Jealousy can be a tool, pointing to your desires.
Self-compassion and goal clarity help shift focus back to your own timeline.

You are not behind—you’re just on a different path. Every journey unfolds in its own time, and your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s progress. By practicing self-compassion, examining your emotions honestly, and focusing on what truly matters to you, it becomes possible to find peace with where you are—and move forward with purpose, not pressure.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-stop-feeling-like-im-behind-in-life-11729611?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17654617-20250512&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051225&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

Exploring filial piety

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Growing up outside of Asian culture but being deeply immersed in it through my journey with guzheng and East Asian traditions, I’ve come to admire—and sometimes wrestle with—the concept of filial piety. At its heart, filial piety is about honoring and respecting your elders, caring for your family, and carrying your lineage with dignity. In Confucian thought, it’s called Xiao, and it’s more than just a tradition—it’s a way of structuring your life around duty and compassion. What struck me the most when I first learned about it was how it permeates everything—from how one speaks to their parents to how families make decisions together, even across generations.

Over time, I’ve seen how filial piety shows up in different ways, especially among my Asian American friends and collaborators. Some of them talk about how their parents have strong expectations—what to study, who to become, how to live. That’s part of what’s called strict authoritarian filial piety, where elders make many of the decisions for the younger generation. Others come from families that still value obedience and respect but allow for more discussion, known as respectful obedience. I’ve had deep conversations with students and artists who feel caught in between—honoring their family’s sacrifices while longing to follow a path of their own. Honestly, that’s something I relate to, too. As a Black artist choosing to play a traditional Chinese instrument, I’ve had to walk my own unconventional road—and it wasn’t always easy getting support or understanding.

Filial piety isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a cultural framework. But like any tradition, it needs to evolve. I’ve learned that balance is key. There’s wisdom in honoring those who came before you, but there’s also strength in forging your own path. I believe parenting—whether rooted in Asian tradition, Western psychology, or a blend of both—works best when it’s rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and emotional safety. When we allow young people to honor their roots and grow their wings, we build families that don’t just survive, but thrive. That’s something I see reflected in my music, in my teaching, and in the stories I hear from young people navigating the complex beauty of bicultural identity.

Jarrelle ( jieao 杰遨 ) Barton

Reference:https://lhsepic.com/8371/in-depth/exploring-filial-piety-in-asian-cultures/

Cannabis and Lung Health

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These substances can damage lung tissue, scar small blood vessels, and increase the risk of bronchitis, chronic coughing, and excessive mucus production. Although these symptoms may improve once cannabis use is stopped, the long-term effects remain concerning. Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the links between cannabis smoking and serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and COPD.

Key Facts:

Smoking cannabis can harm lung tissue and scar blood vessels.
Cannabis smoke contains similar toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.
Smoking cannabis may increase risk of bronchitis, chronic cough, and mucus buildup.
These symptoms often improve after quitting cannabis use.
More research is needed on the link between cannabis smoke and lung cancer, COPD, and emphysema.

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, it’s essential to separate fact from myth when it comes to its impact on health—especially lung health. Protecting your lungs means being aware of what you inhale, and choosing healthier ways to cope or manage stress. If you or someone you know is experiencing breathing issues and regularly smokes cannabis, it may be time to consider quitting and speak with a healthcare provider.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/lung-health.html

26 Quotes About Letting Go

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Quotes aren’t just words—they’re anchors. Whether pulled from ancient proverbs, modern thinkers, or historical legends, inspirational quotes can offer clarity and calm during life’s storms. As Jessi Gholami, LCSW, puts it, they’re “concentrated morsels of hard-won wisdom” that feel like a warm hug when we need it most. Unlike cliché slogans, meaningful quotes can ground us, bring peace, and even disrupt the loop of negative thoughts that often spin on autopilot. According to clinical therapist Donna Novak, PsyD, placing inspirational quotes in our environment can help break that cycle and invite in a fresh, healing perspective. In this post, we highlight 26 quotes focused on letting go—powerful reminders of surrender, self-compassion, and the emotional release needed to heal.

26 Quotes About Letting Go

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong but sometimes it is letting go.”
— Hermann Hesse
“The truth is unless you let go—forgive yourself, forgive the situation, realize the past is over—you cannot move forward.”
— Steve Maraboli
“When things start to fall apart in your life, you feel as if your whole world is crumbling. But actually it’s your fixed identity that’s crumbling. And that’s cause for celebration.”
— Pema Chödrön
“The sooner we let go of holding on, the sooner we can hold on to the beauty of what’s unfolding before us. Nothing was ever meant to stay the same forever.”
— Julieanne O’Connor
“Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”
— Epictetus
“It’s not a matter of letting go, you would if you could. Instead of ‘Let it go’ we should probably say ‘Let it be’.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
“It is the same with people as it is with riding a bike. Only when moving can one comfortably maintain one’s balance.”
— Albert Einstein
“Let go of becoming but never let go of taking action. Stop expecting and start living.”
— Maxime Lagacé
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
— Oprah Winfrey
“There ain’t no way you can hold onto something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it.”
— Kate DiCamillo
“To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”
— Jack Kornfield
“If you want to fly in the sky, you need to leave the earth. If you want to move forward, you need to let go of the past that drags you down.”
— Amit Ray
“I don’t regret difficulties I experienced; I think they helped me to become the person I am today… he doesn’t remember the details of everything he learned, but he knows how to strike when the time is right.”
— Paulo Coelho
“To resist change, to try to cling to life, is like holding your breath: if you persist you kill yourself.”
— Alan Watts
“Surrender is a journey from outer turmoil to inner peace.”
— Sri Chinmoy
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
— Mandy Hale
“Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
— Lao Tzu
“The key in letting go is practice. Each time we let go, we disentangle ourselves from our expectations and begin to experience things as they are.”
— Sharon Salzberg
“If strength is love, then we weren’t strong enough. But if strength is letting love go, we were.”
— Joe Bolton
“The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength.”
— Marcus Aurelius
“The ultimate act of power is surrender.”
— Krishna Das
“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.”
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
— E.M. Forster
“When all is lost, when all is let go of, when all is abandoned, what you are left with is an ocean of bliss.”
— Robert Thurman
“The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.”
— Barbara De Angelis
“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. They prefer suffering that is familiar to the unknown.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, loss, or personal growth, the right words can offer perspective and strength. Let these 26 quotes about letting go serve as daily reminders that healing begins with release. Pin them to your mirror, keep one in your journal, or share with a friend—they might be exactly the breath of wisdom someone needs today.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/quotes-about-letting-go-8678775?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17413375-20250424&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=042425&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

Menthol Tobacco Products

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Menthol is a compound found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, but it can also be made synthetically. In tobacco products like cigarettes, menthol produces a cooling sensation in the throat and lungs, which reduces the harshness of the smoke and makes it easier to inhale—an effect that can increase the likelihood of addiction. Menthol is not limited to cigarettes; it’s also found in e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products. While federal law bans most flavored cigarettes, menthol remains an exception. Nearly all cigarettes sold in the U.S. contain some amount of menthol, but those labeled “menthol” typically contain higher concentrations. In 2021, menthol cigarettes made up 37% of all cigarette sales—the highest level recorded since federal reporting began in 1963.

Key Facts About Menthol in Tobacco Products:

Menthol masks harshness:
Tobacco companies add menthol to make tobacco products feel smoother and more appealing, especially to young people and first-time users.
Menthol increases addiction risk:
Menthol enhances nicotine’s effects on the brain, making tobacco products even more addictive. Some menthol cigarettes now contain higher levels of nicotine.
Menthol makes quitting harder:
People who smoke menthol cigarettes are generally less likely to successfully quit compared to those who smoke non-menthol cigarettes.
Targeted marketing:
Tobacco companies aggressively market menthol products to specific groups, particularly Black communities.
Disproportionate impact:
Higher rates of menthol cigarette use are found among:
- Young people
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Women
- People with low income
- People with mental health conditions
Solutions for reducing menthol use:
- Increase access to quitting resources like counseling and medications
- Implement policies to restrict or reduce menthol tobacco product sales

As menthol continues to dominate the flavored cigarette market, public health experts warn that its smooth and cooling properties can mask the dangers of smoking, especially for new users. Understanding the role of menthol in tobacco products is essential for communities and policymakers working to reduce smoking rates and protect public health—especially among youth and communities disproportionately targeted by menthol marketing.

*Eliminating tobacco flavor serves as a vital measure to shield the youth from the dangers of smoking, curbing its appeal and dissuading the commencement of a hazardous habit.*

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/menthol-tobacco/index.html

About Youth Violence

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it harder to manage stress and emotions over time.

The health and social effects of youth violence are deeply concerning, especially because they are not evenly distributed across all communities. Communities of color, particularly Black or African American youth, are disproportionately affected. Youth violence is linked to a range of negative outcomes including mental health struggles, substance use, obesity, risky sexual behaviors, depression, academic failure, and even suicide. It also increases the risk of future violence—both as a victim and perpetrator. On a broader level, violence strains community systems by raising healthcare costs, reducing property values, impacting school attendance, and limiting access to support services.

Every day, thousands of young people are affected by youth violence across the United States. This crisis touches every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. The impact is widespread, both in human suffering and economic cost. Below are some key facts and highlights based on U.S. data:

Key Facts & Highlights:

Youth violence is common
- Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
- It is the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
- Over 800 youth are treated in emergency departments each day for assault-related injuries.
Some youth are more at risk
- Sexual minority teens experience more types of violence than their heterosexual peers.
- Black or African American youth are at higher risk for severe violence, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and fights causing injuries.
Youth violence is costly
- In 2020, youth homicides and assault-related injuries cost an estimated $122 billion.
- These costs include medical care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life—not including criminal justice expenses.
Impact of COVID-19
- The economic burden of youth violence increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020.
- 2019: $105 billion → 2020: $122 billion

Prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Protecting youth means addressing both the individual and societal factors that increase or decrease the risk of violence. Long-standing systemic inequities, like concentrated poverty, residential segregation, and racism, must be addressed to create safer, healthier environments for all youth. Effective prevention strategies consider the full context in which young people grow up, especially for those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Tackling the root causes of violence is key to breaking cycles of harm and supporting young people in becoming healthy, thriving adults.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html

Yes, Stress Really Can Make You Sick —Here’s Why

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Can Stress Really Make Us Sick? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Yes—chronic stress can absolutely impact your physical health. In fact, 60% to 80% of primary care visits involve stress-related concerns. Health psychologists like Dr. Julia Kogan and functional medicine specialists like Dr. Patricia Mills explain that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia. Chronic stress also decreases white blood cells, disrupts sleep, and interferes with hormone production—leading to issues with menstruation, fertility, and even testosterone levels in men. Symptoms of stress-related illness include headaches, high blood pressure, lowered immunity, sleep disturbances, and reduced sex drive.

Key Facts:

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation.
Cortisol overproduction impacts hormone balance and immunity.
Stress can worsen chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of stress-related illness include fatigue, poor sleep, tension, and frequent infections.
Activities like meditation, breathwork, yoga, walking, dancing, and aromatherapy can naturally increase oxytocin, the relaxation hormone.

While we can’t eliminate all stress from our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Tuning into our bodies and incorporating daily oxytocin-boosting habits like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and social connection can help us build resilience. If stress is taking a toll on your body, it’s not just in your head—and it’s worth taking seriously. Prioritize your well-being and reach out to a healthcare provider if stress is affecting your quality of life.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/yes-stress-can-really-make-you-sick-this-is-why-8350874

The Colors of Resilience: Taiwan’s Rainbow Village and Its Artistic Legacy

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Tucked away in the Nantun District of Taichung, Taiwan, Rainbow Village is more than just a vibrant collection of street art — it’s a living canvas that tells a story of resilience, hope, and the unyielding power of creativity. Originally a military dependents’ village destined for demolition, it became an artistic sanctuary thanks to the tireless brush of Huang Yung-Fu, affectionately known as “Grandpa Rainbow.” His whimsical paintings of birds, animals, and cheerful human figures transformed crumbling walls into radiant symbols of life and joy, turning an abandoned settlement into a celebration of color and imagination.

Beyond its bright facades, Rainbow Village reflects a poignant cultural narrative. The walls whisper stories of Taiwan’s history — from war and displacement to the creation of tight-knit military communities. Huang’s art preserves not just fading structures, but the collective memory of thousands of families who once called these streets home. Each painted figure honors the past, offering both locals and visitors a reminder of perseverance and cultural identity amid modernization.

Today, Rainbow Village stands as both a tourist destination and a cultural treasure, drawing visitors from around the world who marvel at its authenticity and artistic spirit. Huang’s legacy lives on through each brushstroke, a testament to how art can protect heritage, inspire connection, and turn ordinary places into extraordinary landmarks. In every corner of this colorful village, the heart of Taiwan continues to shine.

Reference:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Village