India cultural connections

History in the US:
What is the population of Indian Americans currently living in New Jersey? What counties, cities, towns, are particularly densely populated with Indian Americans? What is the typical level of education? What about income level?

Worldview:
What is the leading religion in India? How about Indian Americans? Indian Americans in New Jersey? Is it typically patriarchal or matriarchal? Please go into more detail about the six medicine systems and the role of folk healers. Also what is the Indian cultural explanation for illness/disease? What are their thoughts on preventive care vs. treatment? What are some of the traditional health practices? Use of teas/herbs/supplements? When are they used and why?

Traditional foodway:
Common foods, ingredients, staples, and regional variations. What does this regional food diversity look like? How is northern Indian food different from southern? How about coastal vs. interior? How does it different if you are from a wealthy caste versus a poor one? What about religious difference in dietary practices?

Meal composition and cycle:
What about etiquette? Is there a certain order in which people eat based on gender or age? What about eating with hands vs. utensils? What types of vessels are foods served in? What are these special occasions and what kinds of dishes are prepared and food traditions followed?

Therapeutic uses of food:
What is Ayurveda? What spices are used to cure what diseases?

Adaptations of food habits:
How have Asian Indian Americans foodways changed since immigrating to the US? Is their intake of carbohydrates, protein, fat, sugar, processed foods, different from their traditional way of eating? How might that have impacted their burden of chronic disease? Did you visit any Indian markets or restaurants? What are on the shelves or menus? If you were not able to visit, please research online? Where do Indian Americans typically shop for their more traditional food items in New Jersey? What items are on menus at Indian restaurants in New Jersey? Are their American influences?

Nutritional status:
Be specific about current nutrient intake of Indian Americans. Also, what does current weight status look like (i.e. overweight/obesity)? What is the prevalence of chronic disease among Indians living in NJ (i.e. diabetes, heart disease, cancer)? If you can’t find specific to NJ then please look at Indian Americans in US overall. Counseling and education strategies specific to the Indian American population. What is the preferred communication style? Formal vs. informal? Tone, volume, eye contact, body language, personal space? Historical trust or mistrust of medical professionals?

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