Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Unlocking the secrets to aging well doesn’t necessarily involve high-tech treatments like hyperbaric chambers or infrared light. Instead, evidence points to some key factors that contribute to longevity and overall well-being.

Read the article to know the secrets to a longer life. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-longer-life-secrets

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to think things through” mean in the sentence, “An 80-year study found people who are conscientious — meaning they pay attention to detail, think things through, and try to do what’s right — live longer.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to think things through’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “to rub off on someone” mean in the sentence, “Your friends’ habits rub off on you, so look for buddies with healthy lifestyles.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to rub off on someone’ in your own sentence.
3. What does “to whittle one’s middle” mean in the sentence, “Eat more fiber and exercise regularly to whittle your middle.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What steps do you currently take to prioritize your health and well-being as you age? Please share.
2. How do you incorporate factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management into your daily routine to promote longevity?
3. Can you share any personal experiences or insights into how maintaining social connections has impacted your overall health and longevity?
4. Are there any specific longevity practices or rituals from other cultures that you find intriguing or incorporate into your own routine?
5. How do you stay informed about the latest research and recommendations regarding aging and longevity?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Chinese. The plant contains compounds known as cannabinoids, which have been found to have various therapeutic effects on the body.

Despite its potential benefits, cannabis remains a controversial topic due to its legal status in many countries. However, as more research is conducted and laws are reformed, it is becoming increasingly accepted as a legitimate form of medicine.

See why some Spaniards are unhappy with the law regarding the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes by reading the article.

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2024/02/14/cannabis-is-set-to-be-made-legal

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrase “on track to something” mean? “Spain is on track to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes, it emerged today.” Construct your own sentence using this phrase.
2. What does “scientific evidence” mean? “The ministry said its law, hoped to be passed within the next year, is a “rigorous measure based on the best scientific evidence available.” Use it in a sentence.
3. Define “bone of contention”. “Another bone of contention is that the products will only be available at hospital pharmacies, and not those found on almost every corner of Spain – making them that much more inaccessible.” Construct your own sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes still cause controversy?
2. “The regulation does not include marijuana buds and self-cultivation, two of the main demands of suffering patients.” What are your thoughts on this subject?
3. Share your own opinion on this, “The products will only be available at hospital pharmacies, and not those found on almost every corner of Spain – making them that much more inaccessible.“
4. Do you support making marijuana legal for certain uses? Why or why not?
5. What is the difference between decriminalization, legalization of medical cannabis?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cozy cardio refers to engaging in cardiovascular exercises in a comfortable and inviting environment, often characterized by warmth and relaxation.

Unlike traditional intense cardio workouts, cozy cardio focuses on gentle yet effective movements that elevate the heart rate while maintaining a sense of comfort and coziness. This may include activities such as brisk walking in a scenic park, leisurely cycling on a stationary bike while listening to soothing music, or practicing low-impact aerobics in a cozy living room.

Cozy cardio emphasizes the enjoyment of exercise without the pressure of high-intensity routines, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation while still reaping the benefits of cardiovascular fitness.

Read the article below, listen to the short audio, and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/what-is-cozy-cardio-/7468815.html

Vocabulary Questions: 

1. What does the expression “to flip one’s mindset” mean in the sentence, “Thank you so much for flipping my mindset on what I thought exercise is supposed to be.” Use in it your own words. 
2. What does the expression “to tap into something” mean in the quote, “It’s not just that I’m exercising…I’m tapping into something I want to be doing already”? Use it in a sentence. 
3. What does the expression “all-or-nothing” mean in the sentence, “Too many people look at exercise as an all-or-nothing?” Use this expression in your sentence.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What factors contribute to the popularity of “cozy cardio” as a form of exercise?
2. How might creating a comfortable environment contribute to the sustainability of exercise habits?
3. How does social media play a positive role in promoting health and fitness trends? Talk about possible drawbacks, too.
4. How does “cozy cardio” challenge the notion that exercise has to be intense or time-consuming?
5. Do you think “cozy cardio” is a passing trend, or do you see it becoming a lasting part of exercise culture? Share your opinion.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever wondered what happens to your brain after reaching the big 5-0? Well, we have the inside scoop from medical professionals who explain what happens to your mental system once you reach your 50s.

Prepare for an easily understood process as we reveal the science underlying the transformations that the human brain undergoes as you go into the latter part of your life.

Visit the link to learn more about the natural shifts that accompany aging and uncover effective measures to proactively manage them.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-happens-brain-turn-50_l_65b135f6e4b0f55c6e31d156

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “slip one’s mind” mean in the sentence, “No matter our age, most of us are guilty of saying, “I must be getting old,” when we can’t quite find the words to describe something or an important item on our to-do lists slips our minds.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘slip one’s mind’ in a sentence.
2. What does “narrow down” mean in the sentence, “It doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, but a specialist can help to narrow down the cause and any potential treatments or lifestyle changes that may be helpful,” he said.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘narrow down’ in a sentence.
3. What does “down the road” mean in the sentence, “But as both Wint and Bredesen emphasized, lifestyle can make a huge difference in the rate at which your brain health declines, and whether you develop dementia down the road.”? Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘down the road’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the article describe brain shrinkage in your 50s, and what impact does it have on accessing accumulated knowledge?
2. How would you describe your current level of physical activity, and do you engage in regular, moderate aerobic exercise as suggested by doctors for brain health? Please share.
3. In terms of social connections, how rich and meaningful is your in-person social network, and how do you believe it contributes to your overall well-being and brain health? Tell me more.
4. Are there specific lifestyle changes you’ve made or are considering making based on the recommendations from doctors to support your brain health as you age? Please share.
5. Looking ahead, what long-term strategies do you envision incorporating into your lifestyle to promote brain health throughout the aging process?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that food can really affect our body. Experts say that reducing unhealthy food intake and eating healthy food can positively impact your mental health. Hence, it’s really important to be mindful of the food you eat during meals.

Read this article to learn about the five mood-boosting food.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mood-boosting-foods_l_64b81bfce4b09a3b489080a3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “precursor” mean? “Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin,” Behairy explained, “so look for foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds.” Make a sentence with this word.
2. Define “intersperse“. “I think that implementing small, lasting changes will help you go a long way, much further than sporadic days of ‘clean eating interspersed with ‘binges,’ Naidoo said.” Make a sentence using this word and give two synonyms.
3. What is the meaning of “catch up” in this context? “And even if your mood hasn’t caught up yet, do know that your gut notices and appreciates what you’re doing right away.” Make a sentence using this phrase and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever tried including mood-boosting foods into your diet? If so, did you notice any improvements in your mood?
2. Which of the five mood-boosting foods suggested in the article have you already incorporated into your daily meals?
3. How do you usually manage your mood or emotional well-being with your food or lifestyle choices?
4. Do you feel there is a significant connection between the foods you eat and your overall emotional state? Talk about it.
5. Are there any seasons or times of year when you find it more difficult to keep your spirits up and do you change your diet accordingly? Share about this.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Shifting from strict diets to intuitive eating means being kind to ourselves and tuning in to what our bodies want. It’s about enjoying food, moving a bit, and recognizing our differences. Yet, it’s tough because society insists we should look a certain way.

The person in the article tried intuitive eating for ten days and discovered a lot, such as enjoying favorite foods without feeling bad. It’s a journey to feeling good about ourselves and realizing it’s okay not to follow strict diets.

This topic prompts us to ponder our food habits and how societal ideas shape our self-perception. It’s about understanding ourselves and finding what genuinely makes us feel healthy and happy.

https://www.healthline.com/health/my-first-week-of-intuitive-eating#Everything-I-learned-during-10-days-of-intuitive-eating

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does the word “off-limit” mean in the sentence, “Throughout the entire 10 days of eating intuitively, I was a little fixated on certain foods that used to be off-limits and it was honestly really fun to follow those cravings without guilt.”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “jack up” mean in the sentence, “By day two, one thing became very clear — years of restricting followed by overindulgence and overeating has completely jacked up my hunger signals.”? Give 2 synonyms and use the phrase ‘jack up’ in a sentence.
3. What does the term “hamster wheel” mean in the sentence, “Freedom from the hamster wheel of dieting is worth it to me.”? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever tried eating just when you feel hungry and stopping when you’re full? How did it go for you?
2. Do you think it’s hard to eat intuitively because of what people say about how we should look? Why or why not?
3. What good things can happen if someone listens to their body and eats what feels right instead of following strict diets?
4. How do our thoughts about eating affect our choices?
5. Do you think more people will like the idea of intuitive eating if they find out it’s good for their health? Explain.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s the start of a new year which means it’s time for people to make their new year’s resolutions. Individuals often vow to have healthier habits and make positive personal changes.

Cardiologists, in particular, understand the importance of leading a heart healthy-lifestyle. Hence, they focus on resolutions to maintain their own heart health.

Read this article to learn what new year’s resolutions cardiologists always make for better cardiovascular health.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/heart-health-cardiologists-new-years-resolutions_l_65831ae9e4b0d9bdbf6876af

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “out of whack” mean? ““It’s important to know where you’re at in terms of those numbers, but also not to be discouraged if numbers are out of whack,” Jackson noted.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence using ‘out of whack’.
2. What does “to turn on a switch” mean? ““Our cardiovascular health is not just turning on a switch.” Use this expression in this context in your own sentence.
3. What does “to cut someone some slack” mean? “You should cut yourself some slack if you miss a day at the gym or fall back into an old habit you’re trying to break.” Give two synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘to cut someone some slack’.

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about the four resolutions mentioned in the article and share your thoughts on them.
2. Have you considered your heart health while making New Year’s resolutions, and if yes, what changes are you contemplating?
3. How might cardiologists’ resolutions inspire you to incorporate heart-conscious habits into your own life?
4. Which habits have you adopted that are influenced by cardiologists’ resolutions for heart health in your own lifestyle?

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?