By Diego Quiros, Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2017
Researchers have made efforts to study the Latino immigrant plight. While there are indeed many obstacles facing immigrants, researchers have proposed that health may not be one of them. In 1986, Dr. Kyricaos C. Markides—then professor of sociomedical sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX—first used the phrase Hispanic Epidemiological Paradox. Now commonly known as the Hispanic or Latino Paradox, this term is used to describe the phenomenon whereby Latinos immigrants—particularly 1stgeneration immigrants-- have more favorable health outcomes than their White and Black American counterparts despite significant socioeconomic hurdles. A Dallas Morning News article pointed out that, “Hispanics live 2.5 years more than whites and, in some states, 8 years longer than African Americans.”
CONNECT WITH THE LATINO HEALTH PARADOX
Several theories have emerged in an effort to explain the Latino Paradox. One contributing factor cited by researchers such as Bruce Bower may be place of birth, though this has been disputed. A more popular theory is that simply living in communities with other Latino immigrants in similar situations may be protective in and of itself. These tight communities reinforce family bonds, forge lasting friendships, and create social networks which work together—often through community institutions like churches—to help each other. Conversely, while acculturation would seem to be helpful, it can actually be detrimental to the health of these individuals. Lara et al 2005 found that more assimilated individuals are more likely to abuse alcohol and illicit drugs and to have poor diets.
While there is much research still to be done on this sometimes controversial topic, it is important to recognize that there are healthy patterns among these individuals. While the exact reasons behind this are still being put into focus, it seems clear that there are many factors involved.
HARMONIZE WITH THE COMMUNITY
While Latino immigrants make up only part of a much larger and more diverse community, there are lessons to be gleaned from their collective experience, particularly with regards to family and community. Here are some simple steps we can take in our own lives to help improve our own relationships:
Making more time for family: Set aside time from our busy schedules to spend an hour or two with our families. While this is not always possible given out hectic lives, it helps the mind, body, and soul. Having dinner together as much as possible is a simple way to do this.
Getting involved: It is important to make time for activities outside the home to get in touch with other members of society, perhaps by simply volunteering at our schools or churches. Even an afternoon of helping out at a local clinic or bake sale can fill one with great satisfaction.
Checking in on our neighbors: Simply getting to know those who live around us and checking in from time-to-time can help foster a more close-knit community feeling. This is especially true with our elderly neighbors. With an aging baby boomer generation, this becomes even more important.
INTEGRATE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES
It is important to note that all this is not to say that other sections of our society do not have their own lessons to contribute with regards to family, community, and society. Indeed, the beauty of this country is that we all come from unique backgrounds with our own individual experiences. This makes the opportunities to learn that much greater. In a climate where it is becoming easier to create dividing lines based on ethnicity, race, creed, sex, age, and gender, perhaps it is time to reflect on these differences in a more positive light and come together and learn from each other.After all, united we will always be a stronger community, nation, and world.
“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources–because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.”--Lyndon B. Johnson
Works Cited:
Markides, K. S.; Coreil, J. (1986). The health of Hispanics in the Southwestern United States: An epidemiological paradox. Public Health Reports, 101, 253-265.
Bower, Bruce (2004). "Immigration blues: Born in the USA: Mental-health deficit". Science News 166 (25–26): 387–8.
Hoggatt, K., Flores, M., Solorio, R., Wilhelm, M., Ritz, B. The “Latina epidemiologic paradox” revisited: The role of birthplace and acculturation in predicting infant low birth weight for Latinas in Los Angeles, CA. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 2011;1–10
Eschbach, Karl; Ostir, Glenn V.; Patel, Kushang V.; Markides, Kyriakos S.; Goodwin, James S. (2004). "Neighborhood Context and Mortality Among Older Mexican Americans: Is There a Barrio Advantage?". American Journal of Public Health 94 (10): 1807–12.
Lara, Marielena; Gamboa, Cristina; Kahramanian, M. Iya; Morales, Leo S.; Hayes Bautista, David E. (2005). "Acculturation and Latino Health in the United States: A Review of the Literature and its Sociopolitical Context". Annual Review of Public Health 26: 367–97.
