The German culture is big on food. As in many other cultures, food has a celebratory meaning. Peracchio et al., (2019) explains that gathering at a family dinner is considered positive parenting tactics for starting conversations and strengthening family relationships. Through the practices of coming together, cultural values are carried on through food and these gatherings. Germans are known for their sweets such as Nutella, loafs of breads, and meats like sausage. Breakfasts’ tend to be grand with different options like pastries, breads, sweets, curated meats, with honey and jams. Bailey (2019) explains that in the German culture is is customary for many shops and businesses to close for lunch and have lunch at home with family. This allows bonding to form between family members. Options for dinner menu include cold servings of food such as cheeses, sausage, salad, and sandwiches (Bailey, 2019). Hyde’s wife was the one who would typically prepare his meals with typical German recipes. After Hyde’s wife passed away, he continued to prepare his meals in the same fashion. Because typical German meals are high in sodium, fats, flours, and sweets, his diet is not very healthy especially in an aging population.Although Hyde was told he had elevated cholesterol levels 9 months prior to this recent visit, he did not change his diet. Since Hyde’s wife was the one who would prepare all his meals and now, he prepares them just as his wife did. Recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. The h
ealth care provide must take this into consideration that possibly he may not know how to prepare other dishes. German traditions and meals will not change if those are the only dishes he knows to make. It may also be tough for Hyde to completely give up his customary foods as they also bring meaning and not just nutrition. The diet and food consumption in Germany is traditional and has remained part of the German tradition. The customary diets are part of the health beliefs in which Germans still carry with them.The health care provider should suggest that Hyde cut back on certain foods and not eat them as often. This way he can still feel close to his cultural roots and keep tradition with his food choices. Foods such as sausages, meats, eggs, and dairy can increase levels of cholesterol. Hyde should be instructed to limit these foods. In addition to limiting these foods, it should be suggested to Hyde to increase his activity levels. Activity levels do not have to be extreme, but the healthcare provider can suggest daily walks. In the German culture, healthy diets and increased water intake are encouraged to treat ailments. language barriers should also be addressed as this may be a reason for no changes in Hyde’s diet. ReferencesBailey, E. (2019). Germany. Salem Press Encyclopedia.Peracchio, L. A., Bublitz, M. G., Hansen, J., & Tussler, S. (2019). Hunger and Food Well-Being: Advancing Research and Practice. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 38(2), 136–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743915619827012