Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers recently discovered that a single gene GRIN2A can directly trigger mental illness, overturning decades of belief that psychiatric disorders always require many genes acting together. The study suggests that people with certain variants of this gene have a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.

Read the article to know why this breakthrough could change how mental illness is studied and treated worldwide.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm?

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “uncover” mean? “Researchers uncover a rare gene variant that can directly spark mental illness—and may be treatable.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “predictor” mean? “Having a close family member with a mental illness remains one of the strongest known predictors.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “polygenic” mean? “This distinguishes it from the polygenic causes of such disorders that have been assumed to date” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is discovering a single gene that directly causes mental illness an important scientific breakthrough?
2. How could this discovery change the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions?
3. What ethical concerns might arise from identifying genes linked to mental illness?
4. How might this finding affect society’s understanding and stigma around mental health?
5. What further research is needed before this genetic discovery can be used in real-world medical care?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New research shows that a drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss can reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by nearly 50%.

Read the article to know more about the significant potential for repurposing existing medications to slow neurodegeneration offering hope for millions affected by Alzheimer’s globally.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/2025/-weight-loss-drug-liraglutide-slowed-alzheimers-decline/?

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “brain shrinkage” mean? “A drug prescribed for diabetes and weight loss has been shown to reduce brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s patients by almost 50%.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “agonist” mean? “The drug, called liraglutide, is one of the glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1) agonists which also includes semaglutide – known as Wegovy or Ozempic – which are licensed for managing overweight and obesity and for type 2 diabetes.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “double-blind” mean? “The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 204 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease seen at 24 clinics throughout the United Kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What surprised you most about the idea that a weight-loss drug could help slow Alzheimer’s disease?
2. Do you think existing medicines should be tested more often for new health benefits? Why or why not?
3. What concerns might people have about using weight-loss drugs for brain health?
4. How could this discovery change the way doctors treat Alzheimer’s patients in the future?
5. Would you personally feel comfortable taking a medication for a different purpose than it was originally made for? Why?

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?