Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in delivering mental health services, particularly in underserved communities and rural areas. With the proliferation of digital platforms and secure communication technologies, individuals can now access therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and support groups from the comfort of their homes.

Read the article to know why this not only reduces barriers to care, such as transportation and stigma, but also enhances the overall accessibility and convenience of mental health services, ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “Technological advancements in telehealth are paving the way for a healthcare delivery model that surpasses barriers and provides personalized care.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the idiom “to gain traction”? “The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare diagnostics and treatment is gaining traction.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “underserved” mean? “Patients living in underserved areas can now easily connect with specialists without having to travel.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is telemedicine and how is it transforming healthcare delivery?
2. What might be some benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine?
3. How does telemedicine make it easier for people to receive healthcare services?
4. Share your insights about some key trends in telehealth:
   • Remote Monitoring and Wearable Technology
   • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare diagnostics and treatment
   • Mental health support apps

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results with gene-editing techniques demonstrating the ability to address the underlying genetic mutations responsible for CF. While further research is needed, these developments signal a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of this debilitating condition, offering the prospect of personalized therapies tailored to individual patients.

Read the article to know more about these breakthroughs in gene therapy and how they brought new hope to individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230626/New-hope-for-cystic-fibrosis-patients-as-groundbreaking-treatment-enters-clinical-trial.aspx

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Explain what “molecular prosthetic” is. “”With this method, people with CF could directly deliver this molecular prosthetic to their lungs where they need it most, hopefully increasing its efficacy and safety” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “spin-out” mean here, “Pioneered by scientists at Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa in partnership with the spin-out biotechnology company, cystetic Medicines, this promising inhalable molecular prosthetic is intended to improve lung function in people with CF who cannot benefit from current therapies.”? Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “at the root” mean? “We’re hopeful that for those who have held their breath for far too long, this could be a first opportunity to regain ion-channel-like function in the airway and thereby address CF at its roots.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is gene therapy, and how does it offer hope for cystic fibrosis patients?
2. What recent advancements have been made in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis?
3. How might gene therapy change the way cystic fibrosis is treated in the future?
4. What could this treatment mean for individuals living with cystic fibrosis and their families?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The study highlights the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet in promoting both longevity and cognitive health.

According to research, they found that individuals adhering closely to the Mediterranean diet experienced lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Read the article to see the growing body of evidence supporting the role of dietary patterns in maintaining brain health as we age.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/18/health/mind-diet-study-results-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “rub” mean in this context, “But here’s the rub — the brains of the control group who were not eating the MIND diet also improved to a similar degree.”? Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “a battery of something” mean in this context, “A battery of cognitive testing was done when the study started and repeated at set intervals, while regular blood tests measured biomarkers, such as beta carotene, which indicated how well each person was following the MIND diet.”? Use it in a sentence.
3. Define “biomarker“. “A battery of cognitive testing was done when the study started and repeated at set intervals, while regular blood tests measured biomarkers, such as beta carotene, which indicated how well each person was following the MIND diet.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What specific findings were highlighted in the recent study regarding the Mediterranean diet’s impact on longevity?
2. How did researchers measure brain health in participants of the study?
3. What are some potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the brain, according to the study?
4. What advice might be given to people interested in trying the Mediterranean diet based on these findings?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traumatic childhood events can linger in our minds even through adulthood. These traumatic events such as physical and mental abuse, a serious unfortunate accident or a natural disaster may scar children for the rest of their lives. Recently, AI was used to reassess the effects of childhood trauma on the human brain.

Let’s read the article and find out more about this AI brain study.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-68424853

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the idiom “to win/hit the jackpot” mean? “Valerie always wondered why she reacted to situations differently to other people, and said this research was “like winning the jackpot.” Give example sentence using this expression.
2. What does “to mean something to someone” mean in this context? “Kari, who was sexually abused as a child, said she had “no words to describe what [the research] means to me“.” Use it in a sentence.
3. Define “brain rewiring“. “It brings hope because the right treatments can help to reverse that brain rewiring.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the study, how does childhood trauma change the brain?
2. What are the long-term effects and physical symptoms associated with childhood trauma?
3. What coping mechanisms are used to manage the aftermath of childhood trauma?
4. How does this study help people who are dealing with childhood trauma?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our parents and grandparents often warn us about dressing appropriately in cold weather to avoid getting sick. We tend to believe them because there seems to be more cases of cold and flu cases at this time of the year. However, medical experts have explained that the cold weather alone is not the culprit.

Let’s watch the video and read the article to find out how people get sick when the temperature drops.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/02/21/fact-check-can-cold-weather-actually-make-you-sick

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the idiom “old wives’ tale” mean? “You’ve probably heard of the old wives’ tale that you should cover up once the temperatures drop.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the adverb “suppressed“? “In some respects, when we’re exposed to cold air, we can think that our immune system is suppressed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘suppressed’ in your own sentence.
3. Define the phrase “fend off“. “Well, one legacy of the COVID pandemic was the popularisation of one important device for fending off these pesky germs: a face mask.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fend off’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the connection between cold weather and falling ill?
2. How can one protect oneself against viruses during winter?
3. How do you feel/What do you think about wearing a mask in winter?
4. What are your thoughts on topical nasal medications?
5. What other medical myths have you heard of?

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?