Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The study calculated 308 genes associated with a higher risk of depression and explored the impact of over 1,600 medications, identifying existing drugs like Pregabalin and Modafinil that could potentially treat depression. The findings aim to enhance the accuracy of predicting depression risks and diversify treatment options.

Read the article to know how experts welcomed the study’s diverse representation and emphasized addressing broader societal factors, such as poverty and racism, for depression prevention.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/14/scientists-find-hundreds-more-genetic-risk-factors-for-depression

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Explain the term “genetic risk factor”. ” A global study has identified 300 previously unknown genetic risk factors for depression because it included a much wider population sample.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “gene pool” mean? “Responding to the findings, Dr David Crepaz-Keay, the head of research and applied learning at the Mental Health Foundation, said that the study’s diverse gene pool was “a significant step forward” but that genetic risk factors should not be used as a definitive guide to treatment.
   “ Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the word “cumulative” mean? “While each genetic risk factor for depression is very small, the cumulative impact for individuals with multiple DNA variants, can increase their risk, the study found.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the idea that genetics play a significant role in depression?
2. Does it change how you view mental health conditions?Now that researchers have identified hundreds of genetic risk factors for depression, do you think this will lead to more effective treatments in the near future?
3. Would you consider taking a genetic test to assess your risk for depression if it could help with early intervention? Why or why not?
4. Since genetics is only one factor in depression, what other influences—like environment, lifestyle, or stress—do you think play an equally important role?
5. Share your thoughts on this, “Previous research into depression has primarily involved white, richer populations.“.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent research published in Nature Microbiology reveals that coffee consumption supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Analyzing stool samples from nearly 22,867 participants, the study found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of the beneficial bacterium Lachnospiraceae asaccharolyticus. Coffee’s polyphenols, including chlorogenic and quinic acid, may act as prebiotics, encouraging the growth of good bacteria in the gut. A diverse microbiome is crucial for overall health, influencing immune cells, digestion, and potentially impacting conditions like obesity and heart disease.

Read the article to know why moderate coffee consumption, even with added milk or sugar, can promote beneficial gut bacteria.

https://www.foodandwine.com/coffee-gut-health-benefits-11693595

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “eye-opening” mean? “Recent research found a surprising link between coffee and gut health, and the findings are eye-opening.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
2. Explain “gut health”. “As if coffee drinkers needed another excuse to keep brewing their favorite cup, new research suggests that coffee is beneficial for gut health.” Use it in a sentence.
3. Explain the word “tout”. “Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coffee has long been touted for its many health benefits.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever noticed any changes in your digestion or gut health after drinking coffee regularly? Talk about it.
2. Knowing that coffee may act as a prebiotic, do you think this will change how much or how often you drink it? Why or why not?
3. Since coffee can support beneficial gut bacteria, do you think adding probiotics or fiber-rich foods to your diet could enhance the effect? Explain.
4. Some people experience stomach discomfort from coffee—do you think the benefits outweigh the potential downsides for gut health? Explain.
5. What are other ways to promote good gut health?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Walking is by far the most accessible and simplest form of exercise. People who don’t like indoor workouts prefer to just take a walk as their form of exercise. But what if you can spice this up by walking backwards? Walking backward, also known as retro walking, is the latest social media workout obsession. There are a lot of claims as to the benefits of this unusual form of workout.

Let’s read the article to find out the benefits of retro-walking.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231110-why-walking-backwards-can-be-good-for-your-health-and-brain

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “grain of truth” mean? “So it seems there is more than a grain of truth in Harmon’s claim to superior ankle strength, even if it was likely he took a few train journeys along the way.“ Use it in a sentence.
2. What does the word “cohort” mean? “And in another study led by Dufek, a cohort of five athletes self-reported a reduction in lower back pain after periods of backwards walking.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What is the meaning of “incongruous“? “It found that participants stepping backwards had the fastest reaction times, perhaps because their brains were already used to performing an incongruous task.”Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on the benefits of retro-walking?
2. Would you feel comfortable walking backward in public? Why or why not?
3. Do you like going for walks? Do you prefer walking alone or with others? Speak about this.
4. Are there any new and unusual forms of exercise you’ve recently tried? Talk about it.
5. What is most challenging type of workout for you? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent policy change by the Trump administration restricts the distribution of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention drug, by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The new policy limits PrEP availability to pregnant and breastfeeding women, excluding LGBTQ+ populations who are at high risk of HIV infection. This decision has led to increased risk and new HIV infections worldwide, as well as the shutdown of various HIV prevention programs.

Read the article to know more about this recent policy change.

https://www.them.us/story/trump-administration-hiv-prep-lgbtq-people

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “ostensibly” mean? “That [emergency humanitarian] waiver ostensibly meant that pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP — the antiretroviral drug that prevents the transmission of HIV — would be distributed through PEPFAR.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘ostensibly’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “furlough” mean? “The administration is already brought by a group of USAID employees last week, which led a federal judge to issue an injunction against the furloughing of USAID workers on February 7.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What is a “emergency humanitarian waiver”? “Shortly after President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid in January, Rubio issued an additional “emergency humanitarian waiver” on February 6 which appeared to allow HIV medications to be distributed abroad during that time.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the decision to limit PrEP access to certain groups? Do you think it’s fair?
2. What impact do you think this policy change could have on global HIV prevention efforts?
3. Should governments be responsible for ensuring equal healthcare access for all, regardless of sexual orientation? Why or why not?
4. How do you think affected communities can respond to policies that exclude them from essential healthcare services?
5. What are your thoughts on this statement, “This decision appears to be less about public health and more about an ideological agenda that seeks to police morality rather than protect lives.”?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A mosquito surveillance program in North Burnett, Queensland, has confirmed the presence of the Japanese encephalitis virus in Monto. Vaccination sessions are scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, at the Monto Family Practice.

Read the article to know how the Wide Bay Public Health Unit urges residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.

https://burnetttoday.com.au/south/2025/02/13/japanese-encephalitis-back-in-monto/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “trace” mean in this sentence, The North Burnett region had already grappled with Japanese encephalitis back in 2022, when Wide Bay Health mosquito detection programs found traces of the virus near Mundubbera, Monto and Mulgildie.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to grapple with something” mean? “The North Burnett region had already grappled with Japanese encephalitis back in 2022, when Wide Bay Health mosquito detection programs found traces of the virus near Mundubbera, Monto and Mulgildie.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “rife” mean? “Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said today’s announcement served as another wake-up call to people living in areas rife with mosquitos.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘rife’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever had to take extra precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, like using repellents or wearing protective clothing? Why was that?
2. How do you feel about the government’s response to mosquito-borne viruses? Do you think more should be done? Elaborate.
3. Would you consider getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis if it were available in your area? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever experienced or heard of similar outbreaks in your city/country? How were they handled?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every two minutes, a pregnant woman dies due to complications, lack of timely medical intervention, or limited access to healthcare in rural areas. In Kenya, AI is revolutionizing maternal health by helping doctors to detect early complications like pre-eclampsia and fetal distress. AI-powered tools allow real-time monitoring of vital signs, helping healthcare workers provide timely care, even in remote areas, and ultimately saving lives.

Read this article to learn how AI helps pregnant women in Kenya.

https://www.voanews.com/a/ai-enhances-maternal-health-care-in-kenya-experts-say/7789467.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to prevent the onset of something” mean? “The project objective is to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia, which may cause death to mothers and even infants after their delivery,’ Saruni said. ” Use this in a sentence.
2. Define “to boil down to something” . “All this boils down to timely and accurate information about the mother.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.
3. What’s the meaning of “roll out” in this context? “It has been tested in prenatal clinics in the Rift Valley city of Nakuru, with the aim of rolling out to the rest of the country.” Make a sentence with this and give a similar phrase/word.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on using AI in maternity care?
2. In your opinion, how could AI improve the maternal care system in your country? Cite specific ways it could help.
3. Why do you think access to healthcare is particularly important for people living in rural areas?
4. How can AI help reduce the gap in healthcare between urban and underserved communities? What challenges do you think need to be addressed?
5. Looking ahead, how do you imagine AI will change healthcare in the next decade?