Tag: health and medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you think about the pharmaceutical industry, what comes to your mind? Here are some important dates in the history of pharmaceuticals and interesting facts about the past

Read the article about the pharmaceutical industry today and the phases it consists of and discover which countries and companies are dominating the pharmaceutical market.

https://www.tapemark.com/blog/pharmaceutical-industry-facts

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the word “resurgence”? “This giant industry is a huge player in the world economy, and it is estimated to be worth over a trillion dollars in 2021 — not to mention the recent resurgence of international drug development due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What is the “subsequent”? “Since its accidental discovery in 1928, and subsequent use as an antibiotic starting in 1942, penicillin has become the most successful drug in the world.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What is “adaptable”? “Because of the adaptable nature of bacterial and viral infections and diseases, drug development remains an ongoing challenge.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the main pharmaceutical discoveries are the result of long hard work or just accidents?
2. Which fact do you find the most surprising?
3. What other interesting facts about the industry do you know?
4. What is the most famous pharmaceutical company in your country?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

An Australian doctor named William McBride published a letter in The Lancet in 1961. This letter indicated the connection between thalidomide and its impact on the development of an unborn child. This was the first public findings on the harmful effects of this drug.

Let’s read the article and know more about this drug and how it devastated tens of thousands of families in the past.

https://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/thalidomide/thalidomide-victims.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the adjective “malformed“. “Thousands of other babies survived but their limbs, eyes, ears and internal organs were severely malformed.” Use it in a sentence.
2. Define the word “lawsuit“. “After a series of lawsuits Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What does the word “withdraw” mean here? “After a series of lawsuits Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is thalidomide and what was it used for?
2. How did it affect the offspring of the mothers who took them?
3. According to the article, what is the drug used for at present?
4. Given the enormity of its ill-effects, do you think it should be completely banned? Why or why not?
5. Talk about a drug that had been withdrawn from the market due to its adverse effects on patients.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the age of information, turning to the internet for health-related queries has become second nature. However, distinguishing credible medical information from the misleading or anxiety-inducing can be a daunting task.

How do we discern reliable healthcare data from the misleading, and prevent ourselves from succumbing to unnecessary anxiety?

Click on the link provided to empower you with the skills needed to navigate the vast sea of health facts online, while maintaining your peace of mind.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-google-health-symptoms-goog_l_651480ade4b07c60b51571b5

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “go awry” mean, “Surveys suggest about 90% of patients Google their symptoms before they talk to their doctor. But it can, of course, quickly go awry.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “brush up on something” mean, “Brush up on some study basics.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “due diligence” mean, “It can also be useful to look for media coverage of a study, because in an ideal world, health reporters and editors are doing their due diligence when deciding what to cover.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the key guidelines for effectively Googling health symptoms? Provide me with information about them.
2. How can individuals ensure that they are not unnecessarily alarming themselves when conducting online health research?
3. Can you explain the importance of seeking information from reputable sources when Googling health symptoms?
4. Do you resort to using Google to investigate your symptoms? Please share.
5. What are some effective ways to stop oneself from becoming overly anxious while exploring health information on the internet? Tell me more.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Antibiotics are like superheroes in the world of medicine. They are tiny but mighty, and they play a crucial role in helping our bodies combat infections and illnesses. These remarkable substances, although small in size, wield immense power. They are the front-line defenders that our immune system relies on to conquer invading germs and restore our health.

Let’s read the article below to know more about it.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/world-without-antibiotics.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “run out” mean? “In some areas, especially Third World countries and densely populated areas in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh doctors have already run out of antibiotics.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “densely populated” mean? “In some areas, especially Third World countries and densely populated areas in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh doctors have already run out of antibiotics.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “call for action” mean? “Health experts call for increased action to fight off diseases.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the potential consequences of a world without antibiotics? Explain.
2. Can you think of any alternative solutions or treatments that might be used if antibiotics become less effective?
3. How might the loss of effective antibiotics affect the treatment of infectious diseases in developing countries?
4. How do you think healthcare professionals can effectively communicate the importance of responsible antibiotic use to patients?
5. Are there any natural or alternative remedies that can be used to help treat common infections in place of antibiotics?

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?

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.

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.

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.”?

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?