Tag: health and medicine

Death of Worker at Plague Lab Raises Concerns

B1 — Intermediate 

Pneumonic plague is a serious bacterial disease that affects the lungs and can spread through coughing and sneezing. It is very contagious and can spread quickly. 

This is why the death of a 28-year-old worker at a plague research lab in Siberia from severe pneumonia, raised concerns that she may have been exposed to plague bacteria. Several hospital workers have been quarantined, but Russia says the cause of death is still unknown.

Read the article about concerns after a worker at a plague research laboratory in Siberia died.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2610/261008-suspected-pneumonic-plague.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to keep an eye on something” mean? “US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no “cause for alarm”. He said officials should “keep an eye on it“.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to raise concerns” mean? “The USA has raised concerns after a worker at a plague research laboratory in Siberia died.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to come into contact with something“ mean? “Some newspapers suspect that she died after coming into contact with plague bacteria.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to identify the cause of the worker’s death?
  2. What lessons can we learn from this incident about laboratory safety and public health?
  3. How can laboratories prevent accidents involving dangerous bacteria or viruses?
  4. How can health officials prevent a possible disease outbreak?
  5. Who should be responsible if a laboratory accident puts workers and the public at risk? Share your thoughts.

India Medical Tourism 

B1 — Intermediate 

India has a large medical tourism industry. Many foreign patients visit for affordable treatment. India has skilled doctors and good hospitals. 

However, it faces competition from other countries and travel problems. India is investing in health technology and AI. It wants to be known for quality, technology, and trust, not just low costs.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the medical tourism industry in India.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/indias-medical-tourism-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “accredited“ mean? “Patients choose India because of its highly skilled English-speaking doctors, accredited private hospitals, shorter waiting times, and low treatment costs.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “brain mapping” mean? “Health tech startups in Bangalore are developing advanced AI devices for early cancer detection and brain mapping.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “merely” mean? “Experts believe India must now transform its brand from merely cheap care to a world leader in quality, technology, and trust.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your opinion about medical tourism industry.
  2. What are the pros and cons of getting medical treatment in India?
  3. Would you personally choose a country like India for medical treatment? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think cheap medical care can also be high quality? Why?
  5. What makes a hospital trustworthy? 

Brain Fog and How to Fix it

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Brain fog is a feeling of mental tiredness that makes it hard to think clearly. People with mental mist may have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, illness, or poor nutrition. 

Although it is not a medical condition by itself, it can affect daily life and productivity. It is important to know what can help reduce brain fog.

Read this article about mental cloudiness and how to fix it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87ydw7xdxvo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to lose one’s train of thought mean? ”When life gets busy and stress levels rise, it’s not uncommon to find yourself walking into a room and forgetting why you went there, losing your train of thought mid-sentence or struggling to stay focused on simple tasks.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “overstretched” mean here: ”Often, it’s simply your brain’s way of saying it’s tired, stressed or overstretched.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is “decision fatigue“? ”Reduce decision fatigue by having a set rhythm to your days – a predictable structure can take pressure off your working memory.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can brain fog affect daily life?
  2. Share your thoughts on this tip, “Remind yourself that brain fog is usually temporary and it’s okay to slow down, delegate tasks or ask for help when you need it.”
  3. What are your thoughts about creating routines to reduce decision fatigue?
  4. Do you think using calendars and reminders helps free up your mental space?
  5. Have you ever experienced brain fog? What were you doing when it happened? How did you deal with it?
  6. What habits help you improve focus and mental clarity?
  7. Do you think technology and excessive screen time can cause brain fog? Why or why not?

Argentina Fans Have Heart Problems after Matches

B1 — Intermediate 

Watching sports events such as the World Cup football is exciting, but it can also be stressful.

A study from Argentina found that strong emotions during big games can cause heart problems in some people. This is more dangerous for people who already have heart problems. Fans should enjoy the games but also take care of their health.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the rise in serious heart-related issues among football fans.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/argentina-fans-have-heart-problems-after-matches-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cardiac arrest” mean? ”Medical experts explained that the extreme tension triggers high blood pressure, dangerous arrhythmias, severe chest pain, and even cardiac arrest.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “spike” mean here: ”As the defending champions reached the 2026 final after several dramatic, late-minute comebacks, cardiologists reported a sharp spike in cardiovascular cases.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “emotional rollercoaster” mean? ”While football itself doesn’t cause these medical events, the intense emotional rollercoaster can act as a dangerous trigger for individuals who already have some health issues.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you think some fans take sports too seriously? Why?
  3. Why do people care so much about their favorite team? 
  4. Should people with heart problems be more careful when watching exciting sports? Why?
  5. Have you ever felt very excited or nervous during a sports game? Talk about it.

Knee Surgery May Do More Harm than Good 

B1 — Intermediate 

Hundreds of thousands of people undergo knee surgery each year. According to the surgeons who conducted a study in Finland, some knee procedures may only worsen knee problems.

Read this article about the study concluding that some knee surgeries can make knee problems worse.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2607/260716-knee-surgery.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tear” mean here: ”They found that surgery on tears in the knee cartilage rarely worked. ” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “relief” mean? ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “joint” mean here: ”She said her method could provide years of relief by reducing pain inside the knee joint.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Were you surprised by the findings of the Finnish study? Why or why not?
  2. If you had chronic knee pain, would you choose surgery or try the new treatment first? Explain your answer.
  3. Do you think people should always get a second medical opinion before having surgery? Why?
  4. What kinds of activities can help keep our knees healthy?
  5. Have you or someone you know ever had knee problems? What happened?

Colon Cancer in Young People

B1 — Intermediate 

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer cases among younger adults have increased all over the world.

On the bright side, even though bowel cancer cases are higher, it still remains uncommon among young people.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about colon cancer among young adults.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/young-people-and-cancer-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early detection” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to play a role” mean? ”Factors like improved early detection and genetic changes might also play a role.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to prompt” mean here: ”Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue should prompt a doctor’s visit.”? Use the verb in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for the rise in bowel cancer cases?
  2. Why is early diagnosis important?
  3. Why do you think younger adults might ignore symptoms of serious illnesses?
  4. Do you think modern lifestyles are increasing the risk of diseases among young people? Why or why not?
  5. What can individuals do to reduce their risk of serious illnesses?

Strength Training Helps to Live Longer

B1 — Intermediate 

Researchers say that regular strength training may help people live longer. They found that this type of exercise may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Read the article about how regular strength training may help us live longer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2606/260625-strength-training.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “strength training”? ”The study found that people who did moderate amounts of strength training on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying at a younger age.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “resistance work” mean? “Keep walking, cycling, swimming, or doing whatever gets your heart rate up. But add some resistance work too.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “to burn up” mean here: ”If we do not keep our muscles active, they do not burn up so much sugar and fat.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think strength training is important? Why or why not?
  2. Why do many people avoid strength training?
  3. Which do you think is better: strength training or aerobic exercise? Explain your answer.
  4. Should schools encourage students to do strength training? Why?
  5. Do you do any strength training? If yes, what kind?
  6. If you wanted to live a longer and healthier life, what lifestyle changes would you make besides exercising?

Taking a 5-Minute Walk Every Hour May Help Offset the Effects of Sitting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A recent study suggests that taking a 5-minute walk every hour may help reduce the harmful effects of sitting for long periods. Participants who took regular walking breaks reported feeling less tired, having a better mood, and experiencing improved blood circulation.

Read the article to know how short walks can help people stay active. They also recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for overall health.

https://www.health.com/five-minute-walk-every-hour-offsets-effects-of-sitting-12005804

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cardiometabolic” mean? “They tested five-minute walks because previous studies have found that this time frame yields better cardiometabolic, mood, and fatigue outcomes than shorter intervals, while still being a realistic goal.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “reset button” mean here: “
    Walking breaks serve as physiological reset buttons—they reactivate the muscles in your legs, improve circulation, and give your brain a much-needed break.”     Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “hidden cost” mean? “There is a hidden cost to our sedentary lifestyles.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of taking a 5-minute walk every hour?
  2. Why can sitting for long periods be harmful to our health?
  3. Do you usually take breaks while working or studying? Why or why not?
  4. What are some easy ways to stay active during a busy day?
  5. Do you think you could make this habit part of your daily routine? Why or why not?

Epidemic of Ebola Disease an International Public Health Emergency

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Read the article to know why the declaration aims to strengthen international coordination and response to contain the disease.

https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “epidemiological link” mean? “In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “case management” mean? “These measures must include enhanced surveillance including contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, laboratory diagnostic testing, and case management.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “nosocomial infection” mean? “Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and sustained supervision.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about Ebola and how it spreads?
  2. Why do you think the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency?
  3. How can countries work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
  4. Do you think people should be concerned about outbreaks happening in other countries? Why or why not?
  5. What lessons have we learned from past health emergencies, such as COVID-19, that could help manage Ebola outbreaks?

Dengue Vaccine Safety for Older and Chronic-risk Travelers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers analyzed data from 1,028 vaccinated individuals and found that the dengue vaccine TAK-003 showed good safety and tolerability, including among older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

Read the article to know why the findings support wider use of the vaccine to help prevent dengue infections in vulnerable populations.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260604/New-data-confirms-dengue-vaccine-safety-for-older-and-chronic-risk-travelers.aspx?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mosquito vector” mean? ” In recent decades, dengue incidence has increased due to the geographical spread of mosquito vectors, driven in part by climate change, as well as the rise in international travel, which contributes to the global circulation of the virus.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “pharmacovigilance” mean? “To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study across eight travel health centers in Catalonia.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “concomitant vaccine” mean? “The analysis found that female participants, people with a previous dengue infection, and those who received concomitant vaccines against other flaviviruses (such as the yellow fever vaccine) had a higher risk of adverse events.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever received a vaccine before traveling to another country?
  2. Why do you think it is important for older adults and people with chronic illnesses to be protected against dengue?
  3. Would you feel more confident traveling to a tropical country if a dengue vaccine was available? Why or why not?
  4. What are some ways travelers can protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases besides vaccination?
  5. Do you think governments should recommend dengue vaccines to high-risk travelers? Why?