Tag: health and medicine

Japanese Walking Helps to Live Longer

B1 – Intermediate 

As we all know, Japan is one of the countries with the longest life expectancy among its people. It could be because not only do they have a very healthy diet, but they also love walking.

“Japanese Walking” has become a fitness trend on Tiktok. Basically, you walk quickly for three minutes then gradually slow down for three minutes and then repeat it five times.

Read this article about the health benefits of Japanese walking.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250807-japanese-walking.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “life expectancy”. “Japan is often reported as having the longest life expectancy.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does “to come up (with something)” mean? “Researchers at Shinshu University in Matsumoto, Japan came up with the name in 2007.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What does “jargon” mean? “He said he wanted “to make fitness advice and scientific jargon a lot more accessible.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Japanese Walking?
  2. Do you and people in your country enjoy walking? Why or why not? How is walking beneficial for you?
  3. Talk about a fitness trend that is very popular in your country.
  4. Describe your fitness routine.
  5. Do you follow and listen to fitness experts on social media? Why or why not?
  6. What are other things we should do to increase our life span?

Wearable Devices to Measure Workers’ Temperature

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

We have been experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded. This causes employers to try using wearable technologies such as sensors and armbands to ensure that their employees’ wellbeing is in check.

These devices can be used to collect body temperatures so the employers can warn the workers if are getting too hot and let them go on a break.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about wearable devices that can measure worker’s body temperatures to prevent heat-related health issues.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/employers-use-wearable-devices-to-measure-workers-temperature-/7758808.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “raise concerns” mean? “He said the idea that companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “withhold” mean? “He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “hurt” mean in this context, “Schwartz said, ‘The device could hurt…because you could raise your hand and say, ‘I need a break,’ and the boss could say, ‘No, your heart rate is not elevated, go back to work.’” Use this term in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using wearable devices to track workers’ temperatures/heat stress?
  2. Considering its advantages and disadvantages, what do you think about using wearable technologies in the workplace to detect heat stress among workers?
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “Some groups worry that employers will use the technology to punish people for taking needed breaks.”.
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Companies could keep years of medical information on employees raises privacy concerns. He said the information could be used to withhold health plans or dismiss workers.”?
  5. In your country, how do companies protect workers from heat stress?

Drugs and Medication

B1 – Intermediate 

It is normal for people to get sick at times. And when that happens, we need to find something to help us feel better as soon as possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about drugs and medication. 

Drugs and Medication – Script

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in no time” mean, “You’ll be up and dancing around in no time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to stay off one’s feet” mean? “He also told me to stay off my feet for a day or so, but I’m so busy these days.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to get rid of” mean? “I have just the thing to get rid of bad colds.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Steve’s problem? What is Carla’s suggestion?
  2. If you were Steve, would you take Carla’s advice? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever tried taking herbal medicines? How was it? If not yet, would you try it?
  4. When was the last time you got sick? What did you do to feel better?

France Bans Smoking for Tobacco-Free Generation

B1 – Intermediate 

France aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. In order to do this, the government has banned smoking, especially in public places, particularly in spaces where children usually stay in such as parks, schools, etc.

Read the article about the smoking ban in France in hopes of a tobacco-free generation.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250703-tobacco-free-generation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “passive smoking”. “The new smoking ban is to protect children from passive smoking.” Use this term in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to break the law” mean? “Any smoker who lights up a cigarette in public will be breaking the law.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “tobacco”?
  2. What was your reaction to the smoking ban in France?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children … a park, a beach, a school. These are places to play, learn, and breathe; not for smoking.”? Share your thoughts.
  4. Is it possible for your country to create a tobacco-free generation? Share your views on this goal.
  5. “Smoking is slowly falling in France.” Is it the same in your country? Why do you think this is?

Cheese Gives Us Nightmares

B1 – Intermediate 

Did you know that almost 85% of adults have a nightmare at least once every year. In addition, about 5% experiences having a bad dream quite often.

Do you ever wonder what causes us to dream about bad or scary things?

What if I tell you that cheese can be a reason for night terrors to visit you in your sleep? 

Read the article about how dairy products such as cheese could give people nightmares.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250707-cheese-nightmares.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “severe” mean? “Research published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” found that people with a severe lactose intolerance were more prone to bad dreams and insomnia.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to account for something” mean? “If you have gastrointestinal issues, that could account for a lot of what’s happening in terms of sleep disturbances that could be associated with different dreams.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  3. What does “disorder” mean in this context, “One large survey found that 30-40 percent of individuals will have a clinically significant sleep disorder in their lifetime.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was your reaction to this, “Cheese and other dairy products could disturb  sleep.”?
  2. Would this finding change the way you consume dairy, specifically cheese? Why or why not?
  3. What do you think about the fact that the food we eat affect our dreams? Elaborate.
  4. What usually cause sleep disturbances for you?
  5. What is the worst/scariest nightmare you’ve ever had? Talk about it.
  6. Talk about a nightmare you’ve had recently.

The Infected Blood Scandal

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

From the late 1970s until 1985, patients with hemophilia were treated with contaminated blood products that were provided by the NHS in the UK.

The said patients later contracted hepatitis C and HIV. Over 3,000 of those patients have died.

The treatment for the patients who were mostly haemophiliacs used pharmaceutical products called Factor 8 and Factor 9 concentrates. They were imported from the US. 

The UK government has launched an official investigation of this grave public health issue hoping to help the patients and their families.

Read the article about the contaminated hemophilia blood products scandal.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48596605

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “arms-length body” mean? “It set up an independent arms-length body called the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) to administer payments.“ Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “interim payment” mean? “In October 2024, the government said more relatives of those who died could also apply for £100,000 interim payments if the money had not already been claimed.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “on one’s side” mean? “People infected and affected do not have time on their side.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights about the contaminated hemophilia blood products scandal.
  2. Do you agree that the families of victims should receive a payout as a form of settlement? What is your opinion?
  3. Talk about another serious public health problem that you know of. 

Poor Chewing Linked to Higher Childhood Obesity Risk

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists are now looking at how kids eat, not just what they eat. New research shows that when children eat too fast or don’t chew their food well, they may be more likely to become overweight. This means good chewing habits could be important for staying healthy.

Let’s take a closer look at the article to learn more about the link between chewing and childhood obesity.

Poor Chewing Linked To Higher Childhood Obesity Risk

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stuff oneself” mean? “Those who frequently stuffed themselves while eating were 1.29 times more likely to be obese.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Explain the phrase “more likely to be“. “Children with poor chewing skills were 1.5 times more likely to be obese compared to peers with better chewing ability.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the phrase “to address something“? “Addressing these behaviors early could support healthier growth and reduce obesity-related health risks.“. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on the study’s conclusions?
  2. Does it seem unusual that something like chewing strength might influence childhood obesity? Why or why not?
  3. How long do you usually chew your food before swallowing? Why is that so?
  4. What are some healthy eating habits we can teach children?
  5. What kinds of table manners did your parents expect you to follow when you were a child?

Infant to Receive Personalized Gene Therapy Treatment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have made a significant breakthrough by successfully treating an infant suffering from a rare genetic disorder that was once deemed untreatable, using a customized gene therapy. This cutting-edge treatment specifically addresses the faulty gene responsible for the illness, providing new hope where conventional therapies have not succeeded. The procedure involves using an engineered virus to deliver healthy copies of the gene directly into the patient’s cells. Prior to testing in humans, thorough laboratory and animal studies confirmed the treatment’s safety and potential benefits. This achievement represents a major advancement in the fight against rare genetic diseases through personalized medical interventions. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role that rare disease databases play in facilitating the development of individualized therapies.

Read the article to know more about personalize gene therapy treatment.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “monogenic disease” mean? “This therapy targets the underlying cause of the infant’s monogenic disease, which is traditionally considered incurable.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “viral vector” mean? “If the treatment uses a viral vector to introduce corrected genetic material into the patient’s cells.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “immunogenicity” mean? “Researchers carefully monitored the patient for any signs of immunogenicity, which could affect treatment success.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might gene therapy change the future of medicine?
  2. Do you think gene therapy could eventually eliminate some genetic diseases entirely? Why or why not?
  3. Would you consider gene therapy if it was available to treat a genetic condition you or someone you know had? Why or why not?
  4. How might personalized medicine affect healthcare costs and accessibility?
  5. What ethical concerns could arise from personalized genetic treatments?

Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Set Up Your Desk

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Setting up your workspace correctly can make a huge difference in your comfort, productivity, and long-term health. In this video,, an ergonomics expert walks you through the key principles of desk setup—from chair height and monitor placement to keyboard positioning—so you can work smarter, avoid strain, and feel better throughout the day.

Watch the video and be able to answer the discussion questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ergonomic” mean? “To set up your work desk properly, start by selecting an ergonomic chair that supports your posture and reduces strain during long hours of sitting.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “strain” mean in this sentence: “Position your monitor at eye level and keep your keyboard within easy reach to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.“? Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the word “slouch” mean? “To maintain good posture at your work desk, adjust your chair and monitor height so you don’t have to slouch while working.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think investing in ergonomic furniture is worth the cost? Why or why not?
  2. In your opinion, which part of the desk setup has the biggest impact on comfort—chair, monitor, or keyboard?
  3. How important do you think proper desk ergonomics are for remote workers compared to office workers?
  4. How can poor desk ergonomics affect a person’s health and productivity over time?
  5. What are some simple, affordable changes people can make to improve their desk setup?

Test Calculates Biological Age and Longevity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have developed the Health Octo Tool, a novel method to estimate an individual’s biological age and predict health outcomes. By analyzing eight clinical and bloodwork metrics, the tool assesses aging more comprehensively than traditional methods. It introduces concepts like “health entropy” and assigns a “body organ disease number” to evaluate the condition and aging rate of individual organs.

Read the article to know why the researchers aim to develop a digital application to help individuals track their aging metrics and the effects of lifestyle changes.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/old-really-test-calculates-biological-123000895.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a slew of something” mean? “A new way of calculating your biological age called the Health Octo Tool uses a slew of different metrics to figure out your biological age.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “health entropy” mean? “The tool centers around an aging concept called health entropy.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “susceptibility to something” mean? “Ultimately, the researchers say that the Health Octo tool is better than major tests used for assessing biological age, including the frailty index, a widely-used test that looks at a person’s susceptibility to age-related health issues.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this tool?
  2. Why is knowing a person’s aging process necessary?
  3. What types of data does the Health Octo Tool use to determine a person’s biological age?
  4. How does the tool evaluate the aging process of individual organs?
  5. What is the reported accuracy of the tool in predicting age-related outcomes like mortality and functional decline?
  6. Why do some experts advise caution despite the tool’s high accuracy and potential benefits?