Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of thinking ability, memory attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. In our every day lives, habits create a pattern that we often overlook. While some habits contribute to our well-being, some may harbor hidden risks especially to our mental health.

Read this article to learn about those seemingly harmless habits that may actually increase your risk of dementia.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/habits-raise-dementia-risk_l_6595a041e4b0912833aeb922

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “somebody’s way or the highway” mean? “Additionally, “try to be flexible with your reactions and avoid the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality, which can be common in older adults,” Steel said.” Use this in a sentence.
2. Define the expression “put something on the back burner“. “Let’s face it, sleep tends to be put on the back burner.” Make a sentence with this.
3. What does “unplug” mean in this context, “Try unplugging at least 30 minutes before bed.”? Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “unplug”.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which habits mentioned in the article do you have?
2. Are there other habits in your daily routine that seem harmless, but might potentially pose a risk to your cognitive health?
3. How do you prioritize activities that promote brain health in your personal lifestyle?
4. What specific cognitive health goals have you set for yourself, considering your current habits and lifestyle?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often hear about patients suing doctors or hospitals for negligence or some kind of medical malpractice.

However, some hospitals in America are doing it the other way around. They are taking some legal actions against their patients.

Read the article to find out why some US hospitals sue patients.

https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/many-hospitals-sue-patients-or-turn-to-collectors-for-medical-debts-report

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is “wage garnishment“? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
2. What does “(property) lien” mean? “More than two-thirds of hospitals are filing lawsuits or taking other legal measures, including garnishing wages and placing liens on homes or property.” Use this word in a sentence.
3. What does “saddled with” mean? “At a White House event in April, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Too many families across the country are saddled with crushing medical debt.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on hospitals aggressively going after patients for unpaid medical bills?
2. How can this impact patients with huge medical debts?
3. What are things being done in order to address the issue of hospitals suing patients who have increasing unpaid hospital bills?
4. What impact could these solutions have on the healthcare system in America?
5. Does this also happen in your country? Why or why not?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The administration of anesthesia makes the surgery emotionally and physically comfortable for the patient. It works as a pain blocker, anxiety reliever, and some types of anesthesia can put the patient in a state of unconsciousness. These are the benefits of using anesthesia during a surgery. However, there are cases where it could actually lead to death.

Let’s read the article and know more about the increasing number of anesthesia-related deaths.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/anaesthesia-causing-more-deaths.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason for this is that, because of modern medicine, more and more older patients undergo operations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
2. Define the word “means“. “ Ancient  civilizations gave patients plants like  poppy  or alcohol to stop pain. In the 1800s  laughing gas  was discovered   as a  means  of anaesthesia.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does the word “arise” mean? “When  complications due to  anaesthesia  arise , the whole operating team must react quickly to get the situation under control.” Give two (2) synonyms and use ‘arise’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why are there more deaths caused by anesthesia?
2. How does the administration of anesthesia take place before the operation?
3. According to the article, what were the other forms of anesthesia in the past? Cite some of them.
4. Name any side effects and risks associated with the administration of anesthesia that you know of.
5. What concerns you most about anesthesia?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A new worry as the holiday season approaches is the JN.1 variant, a unique strain of COVID-19 that is spreading throughout the US. This article explores the most widespread symptoms that physicians are seeing in this dynamic environment right now.

Since JN.1 has surfaced, it is mandatory that we stay mindful of the unique traits of this variant to fully understand what makes it rare. Read the article to check out the symptoms linked to this novel strain and acquire important knowledge for managing the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing difficulties over the holiday season.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-symptoms-doctors-winter_l_6582f87ae4b085747d67e8c9

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “uptick” mean in the sentence, “Behind this uptick is a new strain called JN.1, which accounted for 21.4% of cases in the United States as of Dec. 9, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “at the global level” mean in the sentence, “The World Health Organization has named JN.1 a “variant of interest,” but also noted that “the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level.” ”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “red flag” mean in the sentence, “So what are the main red flags to watch for this winter? ”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the most common symptoms that doctors are observing with the emergence of the JN.1 variant? Please tell me about them.
2. How does the JN.1 variant differ from previous strains of COVID-19, and why is it important to be aware of these distinctions? Please elaborate.
3. How can individuals stay informed about the unique traits of the JN.1 variant to better understand its impact on public health?
4. What measures does the article suggest for managing and mitigating the potential risks associated with the JN.1 variant?
5. Is there any information in the article about the origins or characteristics of the JN.1 variant that may be influencing its spread during the holiday season? Please share.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The convenience of grabbing a cold soda seems almost compelling in today’s hectic society. The sugary, sparkling, carbonated beverage has become a welcome addition to our everyday meals and snacks.

But behind all of that sweetness and fizz, lies a complex web of consequences that unfold within our bodies when we make a habit of daily soda consumption.

Read the article to learn more about the series of intricate reactions of the seemingly innocent act of drinking soda every day.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-happens-to-your-body-drinking-soda-every-day_l_65663d8fe4b066e398b57af1

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “a spike in something” mean in the sentence, “First, you’re going to notice a spike in your energy from the caffeine and sugar.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “defeats the point” mean in the sentences, “Just be sure to eye the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Otherwise, it defeats the point.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “cold turkey” mean in the sentence, “If you’re used to drinking soda every day and then quit cold turkey, Angelone says you might feel more tired because you aren’t getting that hit of caffeine that you’re used to.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Did the article provide any insights or facts that were different from what you might have anticipated, and if so, what were they?
2. Explain the noticeable changes in skin health associated with long-term soda consumption.
3. How does consistent soda consumption influence the risk of developing chronic health conditions over the long term?
4. Is soda something you enjoy drinking, or do you have a different beverage preference? Please share.
5. Do people in your country commonly indulge in drinking soda? Talk about it.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The world of caffeine lovers has recently been intrigued with mushroom coffee, which has become a viral sensation that has many questioning its authenticity. Blending the familiar kick of coffee beans with the earthy goodness of ground mushrooms, this non-traditional brew promises a taste similar to regular coffee along with an assortment of other benefits. While supporters acknowledge it, critics cast doubt on it, raising the question, “Is mushroom coffee a real game-changer or just another trend wrapped in excitement and speculation?”

Click on the provided link to learn more.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mushroom-coffee-health-benefits_l_655cbde8e4b0c91d827890b9

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “purportedly” mean in the sentence, “The beverage, which is made with ground-up mushrooms and coffee beans, purportedly tastes like regular coffee while offering more benefits.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “in the name of something / someone” mean in the sentence, “In the name of mental and physical health, more and more brands are infusing coffee with blended-up mushrooms, sparking a viral craze online.” ? Use this expression in your own sentence.
3. What does “jitter” mean in the sentence, “Companies claim that mushroom coffee decreases the amount of caffeine you’re drinking and helps with things like the jitters, inflammation, immunity, stress relief and better sleep.”? Give a synonym and use ‘jitter’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Please share your thoughts on the craze for mushroom coffee.
2. What specific benefits are attributed to mushroom coffee, and how do they differ from those of traditional coffee? Tell me more.
3. What might be some potential side effects or risks associated with consuming mushroom coffee, especially for individuals with certain health conditions?
4. Can mushroom coffee be considered a sustainable or environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coffee production? Talk about your opinion.
5. What drinks do people generally opt for in your locality? Please talk about it.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Countries have slightly different regulations requiring non-residents entering their territory. One of these regulations is to identify the visitors by their fingerprints. Fingerprinting is an infallible means of personal identification. No two persons have identical fingerprints. However, there are cases when one just doesn’t have them.

Let’s read the article and know more about this rare genetic disorder.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/adermatoglyphia-people-without-fingerprints.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the word “baffled“? “They were baffled because they had not seen a phenomenon like this before.” Use it in your own sentence.
2. What does the verb “grasp” mean? “People who were born without fingerprints often don’t have the grip to grasp things.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What does the word “sole” mean in this context? “Adermatoglyphia is a disease that affects not only your fingers but also the palms of your hand and the soles of your feet.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is adermatoglyphia and what causes it?
2. What challenges do people with adermatoglyphia have?
3. What comes to your mind when you hear ‘fingerprint’?
4. How are fingerprints important?
5. Talk about other genetic disorders you know about.