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Vietnamese identify health in categories of air, fire, water and earth, balancing hot with cold and wet with dry. They use traditional medicine such as herbs, tonics, massage, acupuncture, cupping and coining to treat common illnesses. These treatments are designed to reinstate the balance within the body. Common ailments treated in this manner are common colds, flu and generalized pain.
Healthy people in Vietnam are those who eat well and stay active, not requiring medications. Eating well consists of consuming a diet of rice, fish, vegetables, and small amounts of red meat, poultry and pork. Dairy products are not incorporated into the healthy adult diet. Food is either personally grown or purchased fresh from local markets. Alcohol in the form of beer or rice wine is consumed moderately.
Although the majority of people eat at home, there is an increase in the popularity of eating out. Many Vietnamese choose to eat the food prepared by local women selling a prepared meal street side. These women have pots filled with prepared soup and small tables and chairs lined on the sidewalk for customers. Soda and fried food have also increased in popularity as items consumed while dining out. This has contributed to concerns of increasing obesity and health associated risks.
Ill people in Vietnam are those who are fatigued, require medications, or must visit a doctor or hospital. Traditional methods are tried first. If the problem persists, over the counter medications will be tried for self-treatment. If all of these fail, a person will visit a doctor for a prescription or answer to their problem. Some Vietnamese are reluctant to follow prescribed medication regimens though and may alter the dosing as they feel is appropriate for their needs. When desired results are achieved, the person may stop taking the medications.
Healthcare in Vietnam has a public and a private sector. The public is funded by the government. Government assistance is provided for those qualifying. Those under this assistance usually utilize the public sector of healthcare. Conditions in the public sector are poor, with overcrowded conditions and lack of staffing. Individuals without assistance usually utilize private healthcare and pay out of pocket for expenses. Private healthcare usually has better conditions and faster service.
Both sectors of healthcare had areas to be improved. There was no communication system in place between the hospitals. Unless a patient visited the same hospital each time, which was rare, there was no medical record on file for the patient. Also, there was no focus on preventative healthcare. People sought out healthcare as a last resort.
References
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