Bicultural Healthy Living Postcard #3
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Bicultural Healthy Living Postcard #2
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Postcard Highlights | March 2017
March was a month of many movements and spreading more knowledge to the world. Let’s take the time to highlight positive thinking within ourselves. With many things going around us, we can get caught up in the things that affects us negativeity. It’s important to take the time to reflect, process, and understand how is it that we perceive things. Here are some quotes to help inspire you today.
Local Farmers in the Urban City
Photo belongs to Pioneer Press: Ben Garvin)
With spring’s arrival and summer around the corner, we encourage people to support their local farmers and markets. It supports our farmers and helps the community by having access to local, fresh, affordable, and organic foods! Minnesota has many farmers that sells a variety of produces and goods. Here are some ways in which you can support your community:
- Be on the lookout for farmer’s markets that could potentially be anywhere! A popular spot is under the 94W bridge where people can find goods like fresh flowers, delicious grilled corn, and homemade candles! Of course, farmer’s markets are often located on busy streets or lots such as on Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis Downtown, parking lots of Asian supermarkets, and such!
- Organic and fresh produces from local farmers are cheaper and have better quality! The grocery stores probably charges a lot for organic produces and not everyone can afford them. But local farmers are willing to sell for a better price with a guarantee for great quality.
- It’s only seasonal, so make sure you stock up! You can’t always buy produces and goods whenever you want to. The summer season is your best time to venture out and explore what’s available in your community!
- Become exposed to local foods & music! You can try local foods that are not found in other cities and enjoy the different things that are being offered. You’ll be exposed to a variety of cultures, fashion, and music with Minnesota’s diverse population. Expect to see lots of influences from the Somalian, Hmong, Irish, and more!
This Month in Japan | February
“Kisaragi is the old Japanese name for February, meaning “wear still more clothes” to protect against cold February winters in Japan.
National Foundation Day is February 11 and is the only national holiday this month. This is the date that Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, was enthroned as documented in the Nihon Shoki(Chronicles of Japan). Today, there are many celebrations and events that occur in February. It is a popular month to play in and enjoy the beauty of snow!” – Rightful owner
Listed down below are other events that occurs throughout Japan!
- Setsubun (Feb 3) is thought to be the day before spring. During this period, people will visit shrines and pray for evil spirits to go away either by throwing beans outside of their house or by visiting shrines. And people eat roasted soybeans to bring in good luck and some believes it will bring in extra years of living.
- Sapporo Snow Festival is held seven days in early Feb and features amazing snow statues. It is a popular attraction for people to attend because of the snow sculptures and the variety of regional foods that surrounds the area.
- Ashikawa Winter Festival (early Feb) is another event that holds snow sculptures, festival foods, and winter activities. It is hosted in the city of Ashikawa and is another popular attraction, especially for family with children.
- Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is celebrated for 10 days in early Feb where it features lanterns, festive foods, and fun snow sculptures as well! It is located in the western part of Hokkaido and usually occurs on similar days as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
- Tokyo Marathon (February 28) is an annual marathon event that is hosted in Tokyo and it is one of the biggest marathon that occurs around the world.
- Japanese Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) is a popular holiday and celebrated throughout Japan with a tradition of girls giving chocolates to the guys.
This Month in Japan | July
Fumizuki, a traditional name for July, refers to “book/origin month.” There are several theories behind the true meaning of this kanji combination, one being that fumizuki is a shortened form of hofumizuki, referring to a time when rice becomes ready for harvest. Another possible explanation is that the name is short for fumihirakizuki, meaning to hope for an improvement in one’s calligraphy skills.
During this month, Tanabata, is celebrated on the seventh and Marine Day, the third Monday of the month, commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji to Yokohama port from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/
Teen Pregnancy Rate among Asian Girls in Minnesota
Compared to American overall teen pregnancy rates, Asian girls have much higher teen pregnancy rate. Here are facts which may contribute to higher teen pregnancy rate among Asian girls in Minnesota.
Here are some facts which may contribute to higher teen pregnancy among sian girls in Minnesota:
According to the report from CDC, Minnesota teens have a higher rate of LARC use than the national average. Also, the access to go to health care provider, and the use of effective birth control methods, including IUDs, and the implants, these may affect the teen pregnancy rate among Asian girls in Minnesota. All adolescents, but especially youth of color, need comprehensive and culturally competent sexual and reproductive health care. However, those of color teens face serious barrier related to sexual and reproductive health care.
Low-income and insecure family situations increased the rate of teen pregnancy among Asian girls.
In addition, weight perception, mispeception, and dating violence victimization are critical contributors to teen pregnancy rate.
Some teens don’t use condoms because they are afraid of being found by their parents. And social discrimination will significantly increase teen pregnancy rate. AAPI population has a lower social status and faces serious discrimination at their lives.
Finally, substance abuse is related to teen pregnancy. There is a higher percentage of substance abuse among AAPI population, it also increases the teen pregnancy rate.
Asian Cuisine & Foods
-The Popularity & ‘Fusion’ of Asian Cuisine
In general, there are a few different reasons for the growing popularity of Asian food and cuisine in the United State. On the institutional level, it can be seen as a reflection of the increasing globalization and transnational development in the United States. The economic and cultural elements are gradually diffused between countries, for example, food and cuisine are one of the trends.
On the group level, demographic trends play important role on the growth of Asian cuisine. The population of Asian Americans and Asian immigrants increase gradually each year, so do the number of Asian businesses and restaurants.
Finally, on the individual level, Americans are open to accept various elements of diverse culture, such as food. Asian cuisine are referred to “safe” and “easy” ways for Americans to demonstrate their cultural curiosity and openness.
These days, traditional Asian cuisine is changed into a new fusion style of pan-Asian dishes, which is the combined elements and styles of different Asian cultures. Many of these early fusion dishes were synthesized from Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
-Health Considerations
Along with being seen as new and trendy, these Asian fusion dishes also appeal to many customers because they tend to be lighter and are perceived to be healthier than other types of “ethnic” cuisine. Currently, many westerners observed the health benefits of Asian foods. Many nutritionists point out that Asian countries have lower rates of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and many cancers, while these are higher rates in the United States. On the one hand, physical activity such as tai chi in Asian societies helps lower the disease rates; on the other hand, Asian diets are playing important roles on reducing these health problems too.
The Chinese diet depends heavily on grains, fruits, and vegetables. Instead of using meat as the main ingredient in a mean, many dishes are consisted of small amounts of meat, mainly of vegetables as well as rice. Fish is a popular food in many Asian countries, which is an important source to lower the rate of chronic health problems that are higher in the United States. At the same point, drinking green tea is a tradition in most Asian countries, which has many antioxidant benefits.
http://blog.mindfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/asian-diet-pyramid-e1355434361731.jpeg
Heart Disease
Heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Prevention includes quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.