Regular Exercise Improves Memory

B1 – Intermediate

Exercise is a simple but powerful way to keep your body and mind healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an exercise pro, it can make a huge difference in how you feel every day.

In this article, we’ll explore why exercise is important and how it can help you stay fit and happy.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/regular-exercise-can-improve-your-memory.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mild form” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘mild form’ in a sentence.
  2. What does “impairment” mean? “More than 6% of all people around the world have a mild form of cognitive impairment.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “cope” mean” “Unlike people with dementia, those with mild cognitive impairment can cope with their regular routine, like getting dressed or preparing meals.” Give a synonym and use ‘impairment’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does exercise impact the brain and why is this important for memory enhancement?
  2. How can people incorporate exercise into their daily routines to improve memory?
  3. What are some examples of simple memory-boosting exercises that anyone can do?
  4. Are there any potential barriers or challenges people might face when trying to exercise for memory improvement? How can these be overcome?
  5. How do you think society as a whole can encourage more people to prioritize regular exercise for memory improvement and overall health?

Advice from People in Blue Zones to Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever wondered why certain people have such remarkable health and longevity? For years, scientists, researchers, and health enthusiasts have pondered the question. In a world with varying life expectancies, ‘Blue Zones’ stand out as regions where people not only live longer but also enjoy vibrant lives well into their hundreds.

Read this article to learn some advice from people in ‘Blue Zones’ on how to live longer.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blue-zones-longer-life-tips_l_651af7dfe4b00421f662db6a

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mindful eating” mean? “According to Wood, in the Okinawan Blue Zone, they adhere to a form of mindful eating known as hara hachi bu.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “encompass”. “The little things all add up to create a life that encompasses more movement.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “to be in tune with someone/something” mean? Becoming more in tune with your body’s food needs has become buzzy outside of Blue Zone culture, too — you’re probably familiar with newer terms like intuitive eating and mindful eating.” Make a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you perceive ‘Blue Zones’ and the lifestyles of the people living in them?
  2. Talk about your dietary preferences. Also, share your thoughts on ‘mindful eating’.
  3. Share your thoughts on this, “These social relationships have a positive influence on your health.“.
  4. How do you prioritize physical activity and movement in your daily life? Are there any particular activities you enjoy?
  5. What factors do you think contribute to a longer, healthier life based on your experiences and knowledge?

Improve Your Brain Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Our brain is one, if not the most important part of our body. However, we don’t focus on it as much as we should unless we experience symptoms of a severe condition. We should always keep in mind that brain care is as important as other form of body care.

Read this article to learn five habits that can improve your brain health.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/improve-brain-health-habits_l_64cbb3e7e4b021e2f298248e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “leg up” mean? “Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, here are five expert-backed habits you can adopt to give your brain a leg up…” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  2. What is “silver lining“? “Training yourself to find the silver lining by practicing gratitude can be a powerful antidote, but shifting your mindset isn’t easy.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. Define “drift off“. “…while we’re drifting off to dreamland, our brains are hard at work consolidating memories and clearing toxins that build up when we’re awake.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you conscious about taking care of your brain health? Why or why not?
  2. Have you tried any specific habits to improve your brain health? If so, which ones?
  3. Do you think the things you do every day make your brain stronger?
  4. What is your opinion on this, “Brain care is self-care.”?
  5. Are there any personal experiences or events that made you consider the importance of brain health? Talk about them.

Potential Ozempic Side Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People go through great lengths to lose weight. In some instances, they resort to any method, sometimes not thinking about its consequences.

You got to ask yourself this, “Is all this worth it?”

Read this article to learn more about Ozempic and its potential side effect.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ozempic-side-effect-gastroparesis_n_64dc5ffce4b06b5d9bad81a7

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”idiopathic” mean? “My condition is officially listed as idiopathic.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does ”flare-up” mean? “When I am lying in bed waiting for an acute flare-up of nausea to subside, I feel so depressed that I can’t help wondering if I can continue to live this way.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “off-label use” mean, “I’m not saying Ozempic and similar drugs should be banned for their off-label weight loss use.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is this side effect of Ozempic discussed in the article? What are your thoughts on this drug and its off-label use?
  2. The resulting symptoms, particularly the severe nausea and vomiting, mean that eating will be the last thing on your mind.” Some people ignore these symptoms, continue taking Ozempic, and suffer the side effects. What are your thoughts on this?
  3. Give examples of off-label uses of some medications that you know of.

Improve Your Energy Levels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In this fast-paced, modern world, maintaining optimal energy is crucial. We are always on the go, juggling work, family, and personal time. Not managing our energy well can leave us feeling exhausted and drained all the time.

Read the article to learn the seven habits that will drastically improve your energy levels.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/habits-improve-energy-levels_l_6351a3a1e4b04cf8f381628e

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “slump”. “Unable to overcome the afternoon slump?” / “When it’s not present, you can experience an energy slump.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘slump‘ in a sentence.
  2. What does “to catch enough ZZZs” mean? “It goes without explaining that catching enough ZZZs is key to boosting your energy throughout the day.” Give a synonym and use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What does “paradoxical effect” mean? “However, drinking too much caffeine can have a paradoxical effect, leaving you lethargic.” Make a sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Among the seven habits, which one do you find the most challenging to incorporate into your routine? Why is that?
  2. How exhausting is your current day-to-day life?
  3. How do you currently manage your energy levels in your daily life?
  4. How do you manage stress in your life, and do you think effective stress management can influence your energy levels?
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Stress has a huge impact on your physical well-being.”?

Spain Does Not Have a Fentanyl Problem

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fentanyl and Xylazine mixture is by far the deadliest drug threat in the USA. It is commonly known as the “zombie drug” because of its mental and physical manifestation on its users. There is an alarming rise in deaths linked to this drug mixture.

In Spain, however, this doesn’t seem to be a problem despite ranking fourth as the country with the most fentanyl consumption within the OECD.

Let’s read the article and know more as to why Spain doesn’t suffer the same fate as the USA.

https://www.thelocal.es/20230810/why-does-spain-not-have-a-fentanyl-problem

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “potent” mean in this context? “… it’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. Define the verb “dispense“. “These reports are sent to an administrative body, which then controls how much it dispenses.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fill the gap” mean? “Europe’s heroin market may soon be in short supply, however, making way for drugs like fentanyl to fill the gap.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What kind of drug is Fentanyl and how is it compared with heroin and morphine?
  2. What are the reasons why Spain doesn’t have a widespread Fentanyl abuse?
  3. According to the article, what is the medication dispensing process for pharmacies in Spain?

Sick Houses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are living under the notion that staying indoors could shield us from outdoor pollutants. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when most people around the world were confined to their homes, we felt safer. However, being indoor isn’t tantamount to pollution-free condition. There are homes with level of air pollution that is as high or even exceeds the legal outdoor limits.

Let’s read the article and know more about what makes a sick house.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/advanced-english-students/advanced-mini-lessons/173-sick-houses

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the adverb “adversely“. “Did you know that your house could adversely affect your health?” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the word “malaise“? “It’s a home that contributes to or brings about allergies, malaise, migraines, and/or colds.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does “solitary” mean? “And although it doesn’t come down to a solitary factor, the pollutants accumulate…” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are sick houses?
  2. Aside from health risks, what other effects could sick houses have on its dwellers?
  3. How do you keep your home free from indoor pollution?
  4. In your opinion, which areas in your country have more sick houses?

Healthcare

B1 – Intermediate

Access to free healthcare is a basic human right. However, even in rich countries, they are not provided. Because people can’t afford it, they have no choice but to not go to a hospital to get treated.

In an ideal world, everyone should get free medical treatments and medicines. The question is, is this ever possible?

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about healthcare.

https://listenaminute.com/h/healthcare.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “healthcare” mean? “Every country must provide free healthcare to its citizens.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “afford” mean here, “He went with lots of Americans who couldn’t afford healthcare in America.” Use ‘afford’ in this context in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”treat” mean here, “Amazingly, the Cuban hospitals treated them all for free and gave them medicine.” Use ‘treat’ in this context in your own sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree or disagree with this, “Every country must provide free healthcare to its citizens.”? Explain your point.
  2. Why do you think rich countries don’t provide free healthcare to everyone?
  3. Is it possible to provide everyone with free healthcare? Why or why not?
  4. Talk about the healthcare system in your country.
  5. What are the most important health care issues in your country?

Women Need to Eat Differently in Their 40s

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Due to aging and hormone changes, women’s bodies undergo significant modifications as they reach their forties. The shifts in metabolic processes, physique, bone composition, and overall wellness are caused by these adjustments. It becomes increasingly important for women to take charge of their eating regimens in order to maintain a healthy state at this stage of life.

Examine the underlying causes prompting women to alter their eating patterns in their 40s and access the recommended guidelines for making dietary changes to support enduring health and vitality through the link provided.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/women-dietary-needs-after-40_l_64b17d85e4b0dcb4cab2da14

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “holy grail” mean in the sentence, “If you’re a woman who’s in her mid-40s, you’ve probably witnessed a number of fad diets and nutritional holy grails over the past few decades.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “window of opportunity” mean in the sentence, “Health experts call the time of life a window of opportunity, she said.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “lower the bar” mean in the sentence, “So give yourself permission to lower the bar and make a most-of-the-time ‘good enough’ your standard, instead of striving for perfection every time.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do women need to eat differently when they reach their 40s?
  2. How can women adapt their diets to support their metabolism in their 40s?
  3. How does heart health become a priority for women in their 40s, and what dietary adjustments can support it?
  4. What are some other lifestyle factors besides diet that women should consider to maintain well-being in their 40s? Please share.
  5. What can be done to promote awareness of the importance of adapting their diets for better health during this life stage? Talk about it.

Dream Stage of Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sleep is a vital component of human life that has a big impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Our sleep rhythms include rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep at various stages throughout the night. Vivid dreaming is a hallmark of REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation, emotional control, and cognitive functions.

To learn more about the ideal dream stage duration during sleep and its significance for overall sleep quality, click the link.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hours-rem-sleep-need_l_64a6f95ae4b0e87d6552ff3d

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a host of” mean, “REM sleep is beneficial for a host of important reasons.”? Give a synonym and use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “check out” mean in the sentence, “With that said, you’ll want to get these checked out by a sleep doctor or specialist to see how underlying health conditions, medications and other sleep-related disorders may be affecting your sleep cycle.”? Give a synonym and use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “worth a chat” mean in the sentence, “It’s also worth a chat if you’re just generally having a rough time getting rest.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the dream stage of sleep and why is it important?
  2. Is there a recommended percentage of sleep time that should be spent in the dream stage? Talk about it.
  3. How does the optimal duration of the dream stage differ across different age groups?
  4. How does the dream stage impact memory consolidation and learning?
  5. What are the potential effects of disrupting or inhibiting the dream stage on emotional well-being and mental health?