Summary: The Healthy Immigrant Effect

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The “Healthy Immigrant Effect” is a phenomenon recognized by many researchers, including Sanou et al. (2014), in which recent immigrants are notably healthier than their new country’s native-born counterparts. It is found, however, that after settlement, many experience health deterioration, which is hypothesized to be due to acculturation, the transition to a new culture. Diet is a major aspect of health, and it is also integral to cultural identity. The health deterioration common to immigrants can therefore be related to their dietary acculturation. The World Health Organization declares that the highest standard of health is a fundamental right for all humans without distinction (World Health Organization), and thus, it is imperative that …show more content…
Apart from language barriers, finding appropriate employment is rated amongst immigrants as the other greatest difficulty involved in immigration (Statistics Canada, 2005). Language barriers make it more difficult for immigrants to find employment, placing them at risk for food insecurity because there is a clear relationship between income level and food insecurity; the lower the income, the higher the food insecurity (Heart & Stroke Foundation, 2013). A contributing factor in health deterioration amongst immigrants in relation to their dietary habits is that upon arrival in Canada, the traditional ingredients that they cook with in their native country are too expensive to afford. Thus, immigrants resort to the more affordable options, which are often less nutritious, contributing to the reversal of their “Healthy Immigrant Effect”. McDonald and Kennedy (2005) noted that retaining aspects of their traditional dietary habits is facilitated when immigrants live in areas with higher concentrations of their ethnicity. This is because there is a market large enough for suppliers to sell traditional ingredients at reasonable prices, assisting immigrants to maintain healthy dietary habits because they can afford to cook with familiar ingredients. To combat the socioeconomic status barriers faced by many immigrants, the Heart & Stroke Foundation (2013) argues that the government should implement policies to reduce poverty and food insecurity. This may include ensuring that the minimum wage and housing expenses leave enough money to afford healthy foods. The government should also increasingly support incentives for the production and distribution of healthy foods in order to improve affordability. Communities could organize farmers markets where healthy, affordable foods are available to the public. It would be important for the communities to