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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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  From Flower Fields to the Dining Table: Enjoying Chrysanthemums in Bloom and Flavor

  November is the peak season for chrysanthemum harvest in Taiwan. Renowned for its unique flavor and versatility, chrysanthemums are highly favored by the public. Chrysanthemums are harvested only once a year and are primarily categorized by flower color into "Snow White" and "Golden Chrysanthemum.""Snow White" is predominantly grown in Tongluo, Miaoli, accounting for about 70% of the national production, creating spectacular fields of flowers. Meanwhile, "Golden Chrysanthemum" is mainly cultivated in Taitung's Zhiben, Beinan, and Taimali regions, attracting numerous tourists with its vibrant golden blooms. The Agriculture and Food Agency has also shared recipes for chrysanthemum milk tea and chrysanthemum tea rice, inviting visitors to enjoy the flowers and savor their unique flavors.Miaoli Tongluo Chrysanthemum Festival (Photo credit: 2024 Tongluo Chrysanthemum Festival – Funong Agricultural Marketing Cooperative FB)Versatile Applications of Chrysanthemums: Perfect for Drinks and Dishes When brewed, chrysanthemum tea appears pale yellow with an elegant flavor. Beyond being a tea, it can be blended with green tea, pouchong tea, or even black tea and milk to make chrysanthemum milk tea. Additionally, chrysanthemums can be incorporated into culinary dishes, creating a variety of flavorful delicacies.Chrysanthemum Milk TeaPour 300cc of water into a pot and bring to a boil. Add 10 chrysanthemum flowers and simmer for 2 minutes.Add 1 bag (3g) of black tea and continue simmering for another 2 minutes.Pour in 200cc of milk, simmer for about 1 minute, then remove the flowers and tea bag.Chrysanthemum Tea RiceSoak 10 chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 10 minutes, then season with salt.Pour the prepared chrysanthemum tea over rice until it’s 80% full.Sprinkle with nori seasoning powder.Every chrysanthemum season not only draws large crowds to the flower fields but also offers a great opportunity to experience local culture and explore creative cuisine. Whether leisurely enjoying the flower fields or trying specialty drinks and dishes, the seasonal charm of chrysanthemums is a unique delight.

  2024-11-29 09:05
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  Can dried fruits replace fresh fruits? What's the difference? Experts explain!

  In recent years, dried fruits have become a popular choice for "healthy snacks." Whether added to breakfast yogurt or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, they are convenient and seemingly nutritious. However, can dried fruits truly replace fresh fruits? Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration recently addressed this question on its Facebook page, “Healthy Eating,” pointing out key differences in nutritional value, water content, and additives. Below is an analysis of these differences and common consumer pitfalls, to help you make healthier choices.Nutritional DifferencesNutrientsDried fruits undergo high-temperature dehydration during processing. Heat-sensitive nutrients such as Vitamin C, folic acid, and anthocyanins may significantly decrease, making them less nutritionally complete compared to fresh fruits.Water ContentFresh fruits are rich in water, helping to hydrate the body and providing a sense of fullness. In contrast, dried fruits contain minimal water, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated when consuming them to maintain balance.The difference between fresh fruits and commercially available dried fruits (Photo/Source: "Eat for Good Health" Facebook page).Hidden Pitfalls in Commercial Dried FruitsAdditional FlavoringTo enhance taste, many commercially available dried fruits are sweetened with refined sugar or flavoring, especially for sour fruits like dried mango or pineapple. These additions often lead to high sugar content and extra calories, which can negatively impact health over time. Always check the nutritional label and choose products with minimal ingredients.OverconsumptionDried fruits are significantly smaller in size compared to their fresh counterparts. It's easy to eat an entire bag without realizing it, leading to overeating. To maintain a balanced diet, fresh fruits should be the primary choice, and dried fruits should not be used as a substitute.Expert RecommendationsThe Health Promotion Administration further suggests choosing fresh fruits that are portable and easy to store at room temperature, such as cherry tomatoes, grapes, or bananas, for both convenience and nutrition. Adhering to the “fist-sized portion of fruit per meal” guideline ensures a healthy intake of nutrients from fresh fruits, which is key to balanced eating.While dried fruits can occasionally be enjoyed as snacks, fresh fruits should remain the priority to avoid the calorie and additive pitfalls of dried fruits. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of a truly healthy lifestyle!

  2024-11-29 09:05