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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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  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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  Capturing Taiwan's Daily Life Through Film: "eye Taiwan win Cross-Strait" Short Film Competition Highlights Announced

  On November 8, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) held the 7th "eye Taiwan win Cross-Strait" Short Film Competition Awards Ceremony at the Straits Exchange Foundation, along with the premiere of the winning entries. This year, 28 films were shortlisted to compete for a total prize pool of NT$960,000, with the grand prize of NT$200,000 awarded to the film "Vision: Dreams to Imagine."The 7th "eye Taiwan win Cross-Strait" Short Film Competition Grand Prize Won by Shanghai Filmmaker "AndreaZ Zhuozhuozhuo" with the Film "Vision: Dreams to Imagine" (Photo: Taken from the Mainland Affairs Council Facebook Page)In his remarks, MAC Chairperson **Chiu Chui-Cheng** highlighted that over the past seven years, this competition has attracted more than 800 submissions. Many films focus on the lives of new immigrants in Taiwan, capturing their diverse experiences as they study, work, and pursue their dreams, showcasing their heartfelt journeys. Chairperson Chiu noted that new immigrants often arrive in Taiwan with the goal of establishing a stable life and ultimately find a sense of belonging and purpose here. He emphasized that Taiwan's inclusive and free society allows newcomers to integrate and carve out a new identity. Through the submitted films, audiences can witness how spouses from mainland China and other new immigrants strive for their dreams in Taiwan's supportive environment, gradually integrate into local culture, and even give back to society, becoming part of Taiwan's shared community. Chiu stressed that MAC and the Straits Exchange Foundation remain dedicated to supporting new immigrants and mainland students, acting as a "maternal home" and a source of support. They will continue to collaborate with the National Immigration Agency and other departments to care for new immigrants and ensure they feel Taiwan's warmth and inclusivity. This year's competition not only featured stories of exchanges between Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau but also included 20% of submissions from new immigrants from other Asian countries, reflecting Taiwan's multicultural coexistence. The grand prize-winning film, "Vision: Dreams to Imagine," by Shanghai-born new immigrant AndreaZ Zhuozhuozhuo, tells her story of life and public service in Taiwan. Through heartfelt emotions and humor, she expressed her deep love for Taiwan, which she calls "home," earning high praise from the judges. The second prize-winning film, "Making a Strange Place Feel Like Home," was directed by Malaysian new immigrant Dai Jing-Yin (Today’s Little Dai). Her film captures everyday life in Taiwan and conveys her recognition of Taiwan as home and her determination to pursue her dreams. MAC expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation in this competition. Information on the shortlisted and award-winning films can be found on the "eye Taiwan win Cross-Strait," official website. These films will also be featured on the MAC’s YouTube channel and other social media platforms to continue sharing these heartfelt stories with the public.

  2024-11-26 09:05