Hong Kong immigrant shares her journey in getting married & falling in love with Taiwan

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  New immigrant women’s mental health

  New immigrant women’s mental health is an important issue as they navigate challenges such as adapting to an unfamiliar environment, daily life adjustments, language barriers, and unexpressed homesickness in Taiwan. Managing day-to-day life is already difficult, let alone focusing on self-development and career growth. The integration process can be daunting without support from family, friends, or relevant social services, increasing the risk of mental health issues. According to the WHO (2023) report, "Mental Health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care," the lack of mental health care services is a global issue, particularly severe among migrants and refugees, who are 40% less likely than locals to access these services.Over the past two decades, research has explored mental health issues faced by new immigrant women. Studies indicate that emotional distress often arises due to difficulties adapting and communication barriers (Lin & Hsiao, 2009). Research by Lien et al. (2021) found that depression in Taiwanese immigrant women worsens with longer marriage durations. Furthermore, these women frequently struggle to navigate Taiwan’s complex healthcare system and may not know where to seek help (Deng, 2023). Some report discriminatory attitudes from medical professionals, including shortened consultation times and impatience (Deng, 2023; Zhang, 2021).Despite programs designed to support new immigrants, the effectiveness of these mental health interventions remains limited. A systematic literature review by Luo et al. (2022) highlighted that most current interventions are group-based and show minimal results. This leaves new immigrant women, already facing multiple disadvantages and lacking social support, at high risk for mental health issues.Addressing mental health among new immigrant women requires considering gender, ethnicity, social, cultural, and adaptation issues. The concept of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991) explains how structural, political, and cultural factors overlap, creating unique experiences of marginalization. For immigrant women, this intersectionality often includes gender, race, culture, migration status, and socio-economic factors. Understanding these multiple layers is crucial for developing effective support strategies that empower rather than marginalize them.The author interviewed Chen Jiafen, a supervisor at the Hsinchu County New Immigrant Family Service Center, who shared practical insights on the mental health of new immigrants. Chen emphasized that mental health for new immigrants should not only focus on "external" services provided but should also consider empowering them to develop inner capabilities. Effective mental health strategies should be built into daily life. For instance, when a new immigrant encounters a problem, the response should not be a simple direct answer (Q1 -> A1), but rather an approach that leverages professional context, accumulated life experiences, and multifaceted service interventions. This continuous accompaniment helps them solve problems while understanding their mental state and living environment, fostering self-development and problem-solving skills. In mental health services, new immigrants can be empowered to become caregivers. For example, training interpreters with mental health knowledge allows them to provide psychological support in their native languages under professional supervision, enabling deeper understanding and connection with those they serve.In conclusion, service providers must recognize the multiple intersecting identities of immigrant women and acknowledge their unique service needs. New immigrant women should not be seen as passive service recipients but should be empowered to develop self-reliance and mutual aid skills. Overcoming societal discrimination and fostering long-term mental health strategies for immigrant women involves recognizing and nurturing their active roles and capacities.Authors:Associate Professor Jing-Fen Chang, Department of Social Work, National Taipei UniversityDoctoral Candidate Ya-Ching Chang, Institute of Health and Welfare, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

  2024-11-18 09:00
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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
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  Dry and Cracked Heels in Winter? Experts Teach You How to Care for Your Feet and Make Them Smooth Like New!

  Winter is approaching, and many people will find their heels become dry and rough. This not only affects the appearance but may also hide potential health problems! To help everyone have healthy feet, we specially consulted the director of the Ginza Keiskin Clinic for the correct method of heel care. Let's learn about the causes of rough heels and how to effectively care for them! Four main causes of rough heels ★Dryness leads to insufficient oil and moisture. Low temperatures and dry air in winter easily cause heels to lose moisture. Since the heels, palms, and eye areas lack sebaceous glands, these areas are more prone to dryness. When the skin's protective barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates, causing heels to become rough and even cracked. ★Cold affects metabolism. Cold environments disrupt blood circulation and skin metabolism, leading to a buildup of dry keratin, forming a thick, hard skin layer. Unhealthy diets, stress, and lack of sleep can also exacerbate this problem. ★Potential fungal infection. If heels do not improve after moisturizing, it may be a sign of a fungal infection (athlete's foot). This infection is common in non-breathable shoes and public places, and sometimes it does not come with itching, which can easily be overlooked. Early medical attention can prevent the condition from worsening. ★Excessive pressure on the heels. The soles of the feet bear 30% of body weight, while the heels bear 70% of the weight. People who are overweight or engage in high-intensity exercise frequently will place greater strain on their heels, which can lead to thicker, harder skin, or even cracks.People Who Are Overweight or Frequently Engage in High-Intensity Exercise Tend to Develop Thickened Skin on Their Heels (Photo: Taken from Women's Health)How to make heels smooth and tender? ★Regular exfoliation. Exfoliating every three days is ideal. If the skin is not too rough, once a week is also fine. Be careful not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin and causing more roughness. ★Adequate moisturizing. After exfoliation, moisturizing is essential! Choose hand creams, lotions, or body lotions containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides to effectively lock in moisture. For people with thicker calluses, petroleum jelly is also a good choice. ★Warmth is key. Besides exfoliation and moisturizing, warmth is equally important. Wearing socks is the simplest way to keep warm, especially for people whose hands and feet get cold easily. Wearing socks while sleeping can effectively maintain warmth.How to Make Your Heels Smooth and Soft? (Photo: Taken from Women's Health)Beautiful heels require your careful care! With regular exfoliation, moisturizing, and keeping warm, your heels can stay smooth and tender throughout the winter, and bid farewell to cracked heels. Let's work together to make our feet shine with health in every season! Source: Women's Health

  2024-11-26 09:05
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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
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  OCAC Facilitates Staying in Taiwan! Broader Employment Opportunities for Overseas Chinese Students

  To Promote Overseas Chinese Students’ Employment in Taiwan, Labor Law Amendment Expands Career Opportunities On August 26, the Ministry of Labor amended regulations to allow overseas Chinese students with an associate degree or higher to work in Taiwan's hospitality industry after graduation. Positions include housekeeping, cleaning, reservation handling, reception, and restaurant service. This policy expansion provides more diverse job opportunities for overseas Chinese students in Taiwan. In response to this change, the OCAC hosted three employment seminars from October to November at Cheng Shiu University, Hungkuang University, and Lunghwa University of Science and Technology. Representatives from the National Development Council, Ministry of Labor, National Immigration Agency, and Tourism Bureau participated to explain the latest stay-and-work regulations. Approximately 550 students attended the events both online and in person, demonstrating strong interest.The OCAC Held the "2024 Overseas Chinese Students Employment Seminar" at Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, Featuring a Panel Discussion to Address Students' Questions On-Site (Photo: Taken from the OCAC Website)During the seminars, government representatives elaborated on key policies, including the points-based evaluation system, mid-level technical job requirements, and newly added hospitality industry roles. They also addressed questions about post-graduation residency, permanent residency applications, and employer requirements. Attendees expressed high interest in staying and working in Taiwan and praised the seminars for their comprehensive content and clarity. The National Development Council announced plans to further relax rules, including reducing the required years for permanent residency eligibility and simplifying work permits during job-seeking residency periods. This aims to encourage more overseas Chinese students to remain in Taiwan and contribute their talents. To support job-seeking efforts, the OCAC launched the "iEmployment for Overseas Chinese Students" platform, which offers a wealth of career resources. Even those unable to attend the seminars can access the platform to explore job postings and plan their career paths.

  2024-11-26 09:05