Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In 2026, the health and wellness landscape is evolving rapidly. More consumers are turning to plant-based proteins and avoiding additives as they aim for holistic well-being. With weight management a major concern globally, newer therapies such as GLP-1 medications are gaining traction alongside traditional diet and exercise. These shifts mean health strategy is becoming a long-term enterprise-level concern.

Read the article to know why employers and health-plan providers are grappling with structural cost pressures, deferred care surges, high-cost claims and pharmacy spend.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “holistic approach” mean? “Among global consumers, Gen Z and Millennials are viewing naturalness from a holistic approach.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to gain a competitive edge” mean? “Therefore, highlighting the benefits of plant-based products can help brands tailor to younger consumers and gain a competitive edge.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “key driver” mean? “Additionally, the movement toward preventative health is a key driver of nutrition trends, with global consumers seeking more proactive approaches to well-being.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the growing trend of using plant-based proteins instead of meat? Do you think it’s something you’d try long-term?
2. Many people are now focusing on mental wellness and stress recovery. What do you usually do to relax or clear your mind?
3. Wearable health tech is becoming more popular for tracking sleep, fitness, and stress. Would you be interested in using one, or do you prefer traditional methods?
4. The article mentioned “quiet burnout” becoming more common. Have you ever experienced something like that without realizing it at first?
5. With more people paying attention to gut health and balanced nutrition, what are some healthy food habits you’d like to build or improve this year?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A major scandal has erupted in the southern Spanish region of Andalucía, where thousands of women were reportedly never informed that their mammograms showed inconclusive or abnormal results, preventing crucial follow‑up tests. 

The fallout has triggered mass protests, the resignation of the regional health minister, and a national investigation into cancer‑screening programmes. Authorities say about 2,000 women may have been affected, and legal action is now being pursued. 

Read this article to know more about Andalusian health authorities failing to inform thousands of female patients about the results of their breast cancer screening.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251008-breast-cancer-screening-scandal-outrages-spain?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to bow to the pressure” mean? “Andalusia’s leader Juanma Moreno bowed to the pressure and announced the resignation of his health minister on Wednesday evening.” Use the word in a sentence. 
2. What does “to lash out at someone” mean? “Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also lashed out at conservative leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo in parliament over the scandal, saying his party “defended the interests of private healthcare”.” Use the word in a sentence. 
3. What does the phrase “to spill over into something” mean? “But the scandal spilt over into the national arena, with far-left Health Minister Monica Garcia saying on social media she had required all the regions to submit cancer screening data “to strengthen surveillance”.”  Use the phrase in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the news that thousands of women were not informed about their breast cancer screening results?
2. Why is it important for patients to receive timely information about medical tests?
3. How might such a scandal affect public trust in the healthcare system?
4. If it were you, would you go and join the protest? Why or why not?
5. How do protests and public outrage influence government actions in healthcare scandals?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has ordered all high-risk areas to keep their poultry indoors starting November 10, 2025, after a surge in bird flu cases across Europe. The government said the move is a precaution to prevent farmed birds from coming into contact with infected wild birds.

The order affects several regions in the southwest, center, and north of Spain. While it may temporarily impact free-range farming, officials stress that keeping poultry indoors is necessary to protect animal health and prevent major outbreaks.

Read this article to know more about this restriction amid rising avian flu cases.

https://phys.org/news/2025-11-spain-poultry-indoors-bird-flu.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to confine something indoors” mean? “Spain will confine poultry indoors in several regions starting Monday in response to escalating cases of avian influenza across Europe, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to prompt concern” mean? “The virus can spread through bird droppings and saliva, as well as contaminated food and water, prompting concern among farmers and health authorities.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “free-range” mean?  “Free-range poultry farming will be banned in these zones starting November 10, save for exceptional cases. No end date has been set.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is avian flu? What are all the information you know about it?
2. What are some effects of avian flu on humans?
3. What do you think about Spain’s decision to keep poultry indoors?
4. How might this rule affect poultry farmers and industry?
5. In your opinion, how important is it to balance food production with animal health and safety?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Malta has seen a rise in youth obesity and inactivity rates over the past years. 

As part of a government-backed push for a fitter generation, starting 2026, young people ages 16-21 can avail of a free 6-month gym membership. No catch, no lottery.

The objective is not only to promote fitness among the youths, but to start building the habit among youngsters from a very young age.

In the long run, this won’t just be another policy, but a means of prevention against future national health crisis.

Read the article about Malta’s national health initiative.

https://timesofmalta.com/article/free-gym-membership-young-people-officially-launched.1109164

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “gym enthusiast”?  “Abela, a gym enthusiast himself, said around 12,000 young people can benefit from the initiative, in which the government will be investing €2 million.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “to seize an opportunity” mean? “Abela encouraged eligible youngsters to seize this opportunity.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “to echo someone’s sentiments” mean? “Sports Minister Clifton Grima echoed Abela’s sentiments, saying the measure demonstrates how investing in sport and youth can unite the community around a healthy and positive lifestyle.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about Malta’s free gym membership for people ages 16-21?
2. Should other countries consider adopting the same initiative? Why or why not?
3. What could be the impacts of this initiative in the citizens’ heath and wellness long term?
4. Share your insights about this: We want to bring about a change in mentality – in how we view physical activity from an early age.
5. How does the government in your own country encourage and support physical activity as part of the citizens’ lifestyle? What health and fitness programs do you have in your country?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we step into 2026, healthy living is evolving beyond the basics of diet and exercise into a more integrated, mindful, and sustainable approach.

Read the article to know why recent research by American College of Sports Medicine, the top trend in fitness is not just movement it’s how movement, technology, rest, and recovery work together.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “outpace” mean? “Although guidelines exist for evaluating wearables, rapid innovation often outpaces validation.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “wearable” mean? “When applied with intention, wearables enhance individualized coaching and help reinforce healthy habits over time. ” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “reinforce” mean? “Exercise professionals should consistently reinforce the unique role of exercise in sustainable weight outcomes and position themselves as trusted partners in this process. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s one healthy habit you’d like to start or improve this 2026?
2. Do you think using fitness trackers really helps people stay consistent with exercise? Why or why not?
3. How do you usually take care of your mental health or manage stress?
4. Which do you find harder to maintain, eating healthy or getting enough sleep?
5. How do you balance living healthy with enjoying your favorite comfort foods or lazy days?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that declining immunization coverage and delays in vaccination are putting children at serious risk.

Read the article to know a sharp rise in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.

https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/item/28-05-2025-resurgence-of-preventable-diseases-threatens-children-in-east-asia-and-the-pacific?

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “t0 miss out on something” mean? ” In the first months of 2025, countries like Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines and Viet Nam have reported a sharp rise in measles cases compared with the same period last year, signalling that far too many children are missing out on life-saving vaccines.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What is an “underserved community”? “It highlights the vulnerable children who are being left behind — those who haven’t received even a single dose of vaccine, living in underserved communities, missed by routine immunization and vaccination campaigns.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “systemic failure” mean? “The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in East Asia and the Pacific reflects deeper, systemic failures.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you hear that some preventable diseases are making a comeback in East Asia?
2. Can you guess how many measles cases were reported in the Philippines earlier this year?
3. What other diseases do you think the article mentioned besides measles?
4. Why do you think more kids are getting these diseases again?
5. How do you feel about the fact that fewer children are getting vaccinated nowadays?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The WHO warns that roughly one in six laboratory confirmed bacterial infections globally are now resistant to antibiotic treatments. From data collected between 2016 and 2023 across more than 100 countries, around 40 % of samples showed antibiotic resistance. It signals that investments in new antibiotics, better diagnostics and stronger stewardship of existing ones are becoming ever more critical.

Read the article to know why antibiotic resistance threatens to make common infections difficult or impossible to treat.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-27204988

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Explain what the term “post-antibiotic era” means. “Without urgent, coordinated action by many stakeholders, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era.” Use the term in a sentence.
2. What does “last-resort drug” mean? “One of them – carbapenem – is a so-called “last-resort” drug used to treat people with life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and infections in newborns, caused by the bacteria K.pneumoniae.” Use the term in a sentence.
3. What does “wake-up call” mean here, “Ultimately, WHO’s report should be a wake-up call to governments to introduce incentives for industry to develop new, affordable antibiotics that do not rely patents and high prices and are adapted to the needs of developing countries.” Use the phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever heard of antibiotic resistance before? What do you think it means?
2. Why do you think some countries are experiencing higher levels of resistance than others?
3. Do you think people are aware of the proper way to use antibiotics? Why or why not?
4. How do you feel knowing that common infections may become harder to treat in the future?
5. What steps do you think individuals or governments can take to help solve this problem?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

This article discusses a 2025 update from the EAT-Lancet Commission, reporting that adopting a more plant-based, flexitarian diet could prevent up to 15 million premature deaths per year worldwide. The diet emphasizes whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, with limited animal products.

Read the article to know why the report also highlights that nearly half of the global population currently cannot afford a healthy diet so structural changes are needed to make this more accessible.

https://www.foodandwine.com/planetary-health-diet-eat-lancet-report-2025-11826819?

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “premature death” mean? “The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission reports that adopting a more flexitarian diet could prevent up to 15 million premature deaths annually and save trillions in healthcare expenses.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “a sweeping study” mean? “In early October, The Lancet published the updated EAT-Lancet Commission, a report that builds on the highly popular 2019 EAT–Lancet Commission, a sweeping study that brought together scientists, nutrition experts, and environmental researchers from more than 30 countries in what they describe as the “most comprehensive global scientific evaluation of food systems to date.” ” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “prescriptive diet” mean? “And it’s really a diet that any culture, anywhere, can adapt to their tastes and local flavors. The Planetary Health Diet isn’t a restrictive or prescriptive diet.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the idea of a mostly plant-based diet to improve global health?
2. Would you be willing to eat less meat if it meant living a longer and healthier life?
3. What plant-based foods do you enjoy the most?
4. Do you think this kind of diet is affordable and realistic in your country?
5. How can governments or communities make healthy diets easier for people to follow?