Former VP Chen visits EU member states Poland, Lithuania

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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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  Is Your Baby Getting Enough Sleep? One Simple Tip! Japanese Expert Teaches the Secrets to Ensure Your Baby Sleeps Well

  Children's sleep needs have always been a puzzle for parents. How can we tell if a child is getting enough sleep? Actually, the simplest and most effective method is to observe when a child naturally wakes up without needing to be woken up by a parent. This method was proposed by Japanese child sleep expert Teruhiisa Mikage, who has dedicated over 30 years to clinical research on childhood sleep disorders. This method allows parents to observe for approximately one to two weeks to understand their child's true sleep needs.Children's sleep needs vary. Some need more, others less. According to the recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers (aged 3 to 5) need 10 to 13 hours of sleep, school-aged children (aged 6 to 13) need 9 to 11 hours, and adolescents (aged 14 to 17) need 8 to 10 hours. However, parents can determine their child's actual needs by observing the time they naturally wake up. This approach is not only scientific but also avoids unnecessary stress.Working parents often face late nights. Even if they want to share dinner with their children, subsequent tasks like bathing, homework, and household chores often delay their bedtime. Sleep is extremely important for a child's physical and mental development, so parents should pay more attention to their children's sleep schedules. After all, establishing good sleep habits is crucial for a child's growth.Good habits are cultivated from a young age, and establishing them earlier is easierMikage emphasizes that the younger a child is, the easier it is to establish regular sleep habits. His research suggests that a child's sleep and wake-up times are often determined by habits formed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years. Therefore, it is best to establish a regular schedule during infancy so that as the child grows older, they are less easily affected.Naps are not a cure for sleep deprivation!Many parents believe that if children don't get enough sleep at night, they can make up for it with daytime naps. However, Mikage points out that this idea is incorrect. Excessive reliance on naps creates a vicious cycle: children go to bed later, needing more naps the next day, and their sleep schedules become increasingly disrupted. If a child wakes up naturally in the morning in a good mood, it indicates they have gotten enough sleep, and the need for naps will naturally decrease as they get older. He also specifically recommends that naps should not exceed 2 PM to ensure easier sleep at night.If a child gets enough sleep at night, the frequency and duration of naps will naturally decrease with age. (Photo / Courtesy of Pexels)How to adjust to a regular schedule after a disrupted one during holidays?During holidays or weekends, many children may stay up late, which can affect their autonomic nervous systems, hormone secretion, and body temperature regulation, making it difficult to return to normal sleep habits. Maintaining a consistent schedule is the best approach. However, if a schedule is disrupted, such as during winter or summer break, Mikage recommends gradually returning to the regular schedule within 10 to 14 days before the start of the new school term to help children get back on track.Good sleep is the foundation of a child's healthy growth. It not only promotes physical development but also helps stabilize emotions and improve learning efficiency. By observing the time a child naturally wakes up, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and appropriately controlling naps, parents can ensure their children get adequate rest. Let's create healthy and sufficient sleep for every child, allowing them to greet each new challenge with energy and enthusiasm every day!Source: Mama Bao

  2024-11-28 09:05
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  7 Must-Learn Makeup Tips for Beginners! Secrets to Creating a Natural and Radiant Look

  For makeup beginners, the process can be filled with small challenges, especially with eye and eyebrow makeup. Don’t worry! Here are seven simple and practical makeup tips to help you easily master your look and create a soft, charming style. Let’s take a look! Half-Lined Eyeliner for Brighter Eyes Drawing eyeliner can be a big challenge for beginners—too thick or uneven lines can ruin your overall look. Try the “half-lined eyeliner” technique. Simply outline the outer third of your lash line to naturally enlarge your eyes and create a fresh yet captivating effect. Soft Brown-Toned Eyeliner Choose brown or gray eyeliner for a more natural look that’s easier to manage. Even if you make a mistake, it won’t stand out as much as black eyeliner, making it perfect for a friendly and approachable everyday look. Proper Use of Eyelash Curlers Before applying eyeliner, curl your lashes to prevent the liner from smudging. Remember to clean the curler and lightly dust it with powder before use. This helps your lashes stay curled longer and creates a lasting makeup effect. Natural Contouring and Highlighting For beginners, opt for matte contouring and highlighting products, which are easier to control. This avoids overdoing it and ensures a natural finish. Build up the product lightly and gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Coordinating Eyebrow and Eye Colors Select eyebrow colors that match your eyeshadow for a more harmonious look. For example, pairing brown-toned eyebrow products with coffee-colored eyeshadows will enhance your gaze and make your eyes more captivating.Matching Eyebrows and Eyeshadow in the Same Color Palette (Photo / Courtesy of Yahoo News)The Magic of Eyebrow Mascara If you’re aiming for a lighter and softer makeup style, eyebrow mascara is a great tool. Lighter eyebrows can complement lighter hair colors, balancing the overall look and adding an ethereal charm instantly. The Finishing Touch of Colored Contact Lenses To add depth and dimension to your makeup, consider light-colored contact lenses. Shades like light brown or grayish coffee can make your eyes pop and enrich your overall look.The Finishing Touch of Colored Contact Lenses (Photo / Courtesy of Yahoo News)These seven makeup tips are not only simple but also highly practical, helping you easily create a natural and enchanting look in your daily life. Try these tips and tricks to make your makeup journey smoother and bring out the most beautiful version of yourself! Source: Yahoo News

  2024-11-28 09:05