The Influence of Culture and Religion

Development is influenced by a person's culture, the community and their beliefs (spiritual and religious).

• Clothing
  
• Food- judaism- Kosher, Islam- Halal, Buddhist-Vegetarian 
• Children
• Sexuality 
• Marriage
• Where you live
• Job
• Friends
• Music

Dietary Restrictions

• Jewish people can't eat shellfish.
• Buddhists are vegetarian.
• Islam only eat halal and don't drink.
• Muslims don't eat pork. 

Health Benefits

• High fibre and/or low fats diet- lower risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Reduced risk of cancers and heart disease if alcohol/stimulants are restricted. 

Health Risks

• Limits the food that they can eat, lack of calcium, iron, vitamin B12, D and protein.

Fasting

• Muslims- Ramadan
• Mormons- first sunday of each month 

Health Benefits 

• Healthy weight loss if done properly, reduced cholesterol levels, detoxification.

Health Risks

• Heartburn, constipation, malnourishment, dehydration, exacerbation of existing conditions such as diabetes and stress.

Medical Interventions

• Jehova's Witnesses don't believe in blood transfusions. 

Health Risks 

• They may die if they do not have the transfusion

Positive Effects

• People share the same values, beliefs and religion.
• People feel accepted and supported by others.
• People feel valued by others because of their values, beliefs and religions. 

Negative Effects

• People are discriminated against because of their values, beliefs and religions. 
• People feel excluded because of tehir values, beliefs or religion.
• A person's culture is ignored or not understood.