Tag: health and medicine

Treating Covid Like an Endemic Illness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

After having lived for so many years of the pandemic life, I think it’s safe to say that most of us have had enough. As a result, more and more countries are calling for Covid to be treated like the flu which is an endemic illness.

Spain is one of the first countries to suggest that we all should just start living with it.

Read the article below and watch the video be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.euronews.com/2022/01/18/spain-to-move-from-treating-covid-19-as-a-pandemic-to-an-endemic

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on this? Is it really time for us to start treating Covid much like the flu?
  2. What would be advantages and disadvantages of doing this now?
  3. How has your life changed because of the pandemic?
  4. What is the first thing you’d do once the world ‘goes back to normal’ again?

World Health Organization Introduces Gaming Disorder

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Video games have been very popular since they were introduced. Kids and adults alike love playing video games. It is a way to relax and enjoy the time and even bond with family and friends. Video games have even been helpful in some situations and in managing some medical conditions.

With video games getting more and more accessible, more people get access and play more, which can sometimes be too much, leading to a disorder. Because of this, the World Health Organization has added this to their list of diseases, calling it gaming disorder.

Read the article below on what gaming disorder is according to the WHO.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/world-health-organisation-introduces-gaming-disorder.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is just right for the WHO to include this disorder? Why or why not?
  2. Who do you think are those most likely to have this disorder?
  3. What could be the possible causes of these disorders? What would be the best way to manage this disorder?  
  4. What were some games that you liked playing as a child? How about as a grown-up?
  5. Do you prefer video games or other game types? Why?

New Zealand Has New Plan to End Smoking

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Smoking is a hard habit to break. Most people smoke for different reasons such as peer pressure, stress relief, or some might think it’s “cool”. Quitting smoking can be very challenging but it will definitely yield greater health benefits at any age.

Let’s listen to the audio about New Zealand’s plan to end smoking.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/new-zealand-has-new-plan-to-end-smoking/6347731.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is smoking a problem in your country? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think it is so difficult for people to give up smoking?
  3. Do you get angry about passive smoking – breathing in secondhand smoke? Why or why not?
  4. Which is worse for your health, smoking every day or drinking every day?
  5. In some countries and sectors of society, smoking is actually increasing. Which of the following would be the best way to reduce smoking? Explain your answer.
    • Increase the price of cigarettes
    • Make smoking illegal
    • Launch a public health campaign
    • Limit smoking to very specific areas
    • Something else

Best Bedtime to Lower Heart Disease

B1 – Intermediate

To stay healthy, one must eat properly, exercise regularly, and sleep well. A study reveals that sleeping early prevents people from developing heart problems.

Read the lesson on the healthiest time to go to bed to avoid heart diseases.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2111/211111-bedtime-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that going to bed early is healthy? Explain your stand.
  2. Talk about your sleeping pattern. What time do you normally sleep and what is the reason for this?
  3. Now that you know sleeping beyond 12MN isn’t healthy, would you try to change your sleeping habits? Why or why not?
  4. What else can we do to avoid heart diseases?
  5. What other health problems can you develop if you do not sleep early?

French Diet Secrets for Health and Happiness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People are fascinated by the French diet as it allows them to be healthy and thin without dieting or exercising and just merely using the French principle. How does a population that loves steak, cheese, bread, and desserts avoid going to the gym but manage to stay healthy and live long?

Click the picture below and read the tips the French can give us about living longer, healthier, and happier lives. Be able to answer the questions that follow.

15 French Diet Secrets for Health and Happiness
https://empoweredsustenance.com/french-diet-healthy/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the French diet?
  2. How important is diet to you? Explain.
  3. Based on the article, which tips have you ever tried before? Did they work? Share your experiences.
  4. Which of the tips did you find fascinating or strange and why?
  5. How do you keep yourself fit and healthy?

Concussion in Sport

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Surprisingly, sports-related concussions are quite common. For most athletes, the symptoms disappear around the second week after the incident occurred. Some, however, have far-reaching effects in their physical and mental well-being. Oftentimes, their way of life and sports career just aren’t the same anymore.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript on concussion in sport.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210812

Discussion Questions:

  1. What ‘full contact’ sports are popular in your country? Do you play any of them? How are these sports dangerous?
  2. Do you think these ‘full contact’ sports should be regulated regarding the safety of its athletes/players? Elaborate.
  3. Have you ever had any sport-related injury before? Talk about it.

Pills or Therapy

C1 – Advanced

Choosing the right treatment can be quite complicated as different people respond to treatments differently so it is important to choose something that you are willing to do.

Some research show that medications can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety more quickly. Thus, giving the person a chance to be relieved from their symptoms while undergoing therapy at the same time.

Watch the video to know how combining therapy and medication can improve outcomes for mental health conditions including depression and anxiety disorders.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should depression be treated with medicines, psychotherapy, or both? Explain your stand.
  2. Could depression cause physical pain? Elaborate on your answer.
  3. What kind of lifestyle changes will help with the symptoms of depression?
  4. Could other health conditions be contributing to symptoms of mental health problems? Share your thoughts.

Is MSG Bad for You?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a controversial food-additive mostly used in Asian countries. It enhances the flavor of food. Some people claim that it could cause headaches, chest pains, or even brain damage. On the other hand, sources such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claim that it is safe for consumption.

Let’s watch the video below to know more about MSG and find out if it’s actually bad for us.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the use of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) How do you usually season your food?
  2. Do you like eating Asian food? If yes, what’s your favorite?
  3. How conscious are you of the food that you eat and the ingredients you use for cooking?
  4. Do you think food nowadays is becoming more or less safe to eat? Explain your opinion.
  5. Should the government do more to regulate food safety?

Seizures

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The first detailed account of a neurological disorder related to epilepsy was dated back in the Babylonian era. In the olden days, with the absence of scientific authority, there were different beliefs and treatments used to treat this medical condition.

Let’s watch the video and find out more about the history and scientific evolution of seizure treatments.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Miqtu? What are its symptoms?
  2. What belief did Babylonians have about it and what treatments did they and ancient Greeks recommend?
  3. What causes seizures? Do all seizure treatments/medication available at present effective for all patients experiencing them?
  4. What do modern scientists recommend when you encounter someone experiencing seizures?

Causes of Opioid Addiction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Imagine a pill that can both induce pleasure and reduce pain. Would you take it only to relieve your pain or would you take it even in the absence of pain?

Let’s watch the video and learn more about the history and the current usage of opioid.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about opium?
  2. According to the video, how do opioid drugs affect the human body?
  3. What factors can lead to opioid addiction?
  4. Do you think substance abuse in general is a problem in your country? What measures are being done in your country to fight against addiction?
  5. What is your opinion on pharmaceutical companies producing and benefitting from opioid-like synthetic substances?