Tag: health and medicine

People Get Bad Blood

B1 – Intermediate

People who have certain medical conditions need blood transfusion. To do this, they depend on other people to donate their blood.

The government tries to supply safe blood. They motivate citizens to donate blood. In some rare cases, these blood donations are unfortunately contaminated.

Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript to know more about this problem with infected blood donation in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/people-get-bad-blood-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the word “bleeding“? “It means that the body has problems stopping bleeding“. Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the expression “to take responsibility for something“. “Many people want the government to take responsibility for what happens.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the medical term “hemophilia“? “In the 1970s and 80s, thousands of hemophilia patients in the UK need new blood.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Does your country have problems with blood supply? If yes, what is your government’s solution to this problem?
  2. What safety measures should public health agencies take to maintain the quality of blood donations?
  3. In your country, how can a person become a blood donor?
  4. What are the benefits of blood donation for donors?
  5. Have you ever donated blood? If not yet, would you like to do it? Why/why not?

The Harmful Legacy of Poor Nutrition

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The quality of our diet is crucial to our overall health and happiness. Poor nutrition can have long-lasting negative effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, a large number of people lack access to wholesome, nourishing food, which can have a negative impact on their physical condition in the long run.

Malnutrition is one of the most glaring consequences of poor nourishment. Poor nutrition has a lasting adverse impact that extends beyond individuals. Additionally, it might harm society as a whole more broadly. The economic system in general and healthcare industries may be hampered by the rising prevalence of diseases linked to dietary deficiencies. As a result, this warrants careful consideration.

But is addressing the issue using a multi-faceted approach sufficient?

Learn more about the negative effects of poor nutrition by watching the video.


https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0f5qzdq/the-harmful-legacy-of-poor-nutrition

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “thrifty genes” mean, “They possess what would have been dubbed as ‘thrifty genes‘, adapted to help them survive in famine conditions.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “famine” mean in the sentence, “Between November 1943 and February 1947, 2414 children were born in a hospital in a famine-hit area to mothers who have been pregnant during the famine or some time shortly before or after.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “predispose” mean, “In explaining the results, the researchers hypothesized that nutritional deficiencies experienced during the critical period of brain development impaired brain formation and cognition and predispose the children to greater violence.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you view this matter?
  2. What are your thoughts on this: “What someone eats today can affect their children, but their grandchildren.”?
  3. What are the underlying causes of poor nutrition and how can they be addressed?
  4. What are the persistent health effects of malnutrition across one’s lifespan?
  5. What is the significance of education in reducing the damaging legacy of poor nutrition?
  6. How can society work towards addressing the harmful consequences of inadequate nutrition?

The Truth about Eating Eggs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Eggs are a widely consumed food and has been a staple for ages. They are flexible and nutrient-dense. They can be cooked, scrambled, or fried in a variety of ways. Yet, there still exists a discussion concerning the health benefits of eating eggs.

Watch the video to explore the truth about eating eggs.

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p08ngz2r/the-truth-about-eating-eggs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “be cracked up to be” mean, “Are they really all they’re cracked up to be?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “out of hot water” mean, “Is one of the world’s favorite breakfast foods finally out of hot water?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “tease out” mean, “It’s impossible to tease out cause and effect.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your perspective on this issue?
  2. What are the merits of consuming more eggs?
  3. Are organic or free-range eggs healthier than conventional eggs? Please explain.
  4. What’s the best way to prepare eggs to maximize their nutritional benefits?
  5. Can you tell me about the dietary habits of people in your country?

Pollution Causes Male Fertility Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pollution is one of the most significant challenges that the world is facing today. Its negative impact is not limited to the environment but also affects human health. Among the many health concerns related to pollution, male fertility crisis has emerged as a pressing issue.

Follow the link to learn more about how male fertility is declining as a result of pollution.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230327-how-pollution-is-causing-a-male-fertility-crisis

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “chime (in) with something” mean, “The findings chime with other research showing the damage to fertility caused by chemicals found in plastics, household medications, in the food chain and in the air.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to hit record low” mean, “Birth rates worldwide are hitting record low levels.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fecundity” mean, “At the same time, there may also be a decline in a different kind of fertility, known as fecundity – meaning, a person’s physical ability to produce offspring.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. From your perspective, what are the key factors contributing to the decline in male fertility related to pollution?
  2. What steps can individuals and governments take to reduce exposure to pollutants that can cause male fertility issues?
  3. Can changes in environmental policies and regulations help reduce the impact of pollution on male fertility?
  4. How does lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, play a role in male fertility and the impact of pollution? Please explain.
  5. Is pollution a significant concern in your community? Please share.

What is a Paraben?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When people buy their personal hygiene and cosmetic products, they normally check the label for the ingredients and the expiry date of these products. As consumers, we prefer our products to have longer shelf life to ensure its effectiveness and safety. There are certain substances that ensure the longevity of these products. However, there are risks in exposure to these substances in high doses.

Let’s read the article and know more about some of these substances.

https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-paraben-and-why-are-so-many-products-advertised-as-paraben-free-198994

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “spruik” mean, “A lot of the endocrine disruptor stuff you hear on social media about parabens is usually from someone trying to spruik a “natural” or “clean” alternative, so you might not be seeing the full picture.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “without a second thought” mean? “Many things we use every day without a second thought – like aspirin, nylon, and silicone cookware – are synthetic.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
  3. What is “shelf life“? “They work by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi to improve product shelf life and safety.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are parabens? Which products contain them?
  2. Why are parabens used in certain products?
  3. According to the article, why are people hesitant to use products containing parabens?
  4. Do you opt for paraben-free products? Why or why not?
  5. Share your thoughts on the writer’s statement: “I’d take a small amount of a well studied, and well-regulated, chemical in my skincare products over mould any day.“.

Obesity Crisis

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People’s health has declined a lot through the years as a result of many contributing factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global obesity epidemic is worsening. Thus, almost one-third of the world’s population is now overweight or obese.

Read the article to learn about the causes of this obesity crisis.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2303/230313-world-obesity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sedentary” mean, “These include an increased consumption of highly processed foods, greater levels of sedentary behavior, and a lack of healthcare services to assist in weight management.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “repercussion” mean, “Immediate action must be taken to avoid serious repercussions in the future.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “adolescent” mean, “The fastest rising rates are among children and adolescents.”? Give two synonyms of this word and use them in your own sentences.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the current status of the global obesity epidemic according to the World Health Organization?
  2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the worsening of the obesity problem?
  3. What health risks does obesity potentially pose?
  4. What programs and policies to address obesity has your national government implemented?
  5. What are ways to prevent obesity?

Diagnostics Apartheid

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to a recent report by the People’s Vaccine Alliance, some wealthy countries have been hoarding testing tools for Mpox and COVID-19.

This has lead to “diagnostics apartheid” wherein vaccines have not been readily available to everyone and the lack of testing in developing countries have been more apparent.

Read the article on how rich countries’ hoarding of medical test kits has caused inequality in access to testings in developing countries.

https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/02/02/health-experts-warn-of-a-diagnostics-apartheid-as-rich-countries-hoard-testing-tools

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “burdensome” mean, “… developing countries were left unable to buy supplies because of high prices and in the case of COVID-19 and “burdensome intellectual property rules” on PCR test components.”? Give 2 synonyms of ‘burdensome’. Also try to use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “apartheid” mean, “This research clearly lays out the system of diagnostics apartheid that emerged, where people in developing countries could not afford the price of tests…”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “glimmer” mean here, “After the collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a glimmer of hope.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on wealthy countries hoarding testing tools for Mpox and COVID-19?
  2. What are the consequences of diagnostics apartheid?
  3. Is the expansion of access to diagnostic tools for all diseases a good resolution? Share your opinion.
  4. Share your stand on: “In the next pandemic – and in the remainder of this one – testing needs to be made available as a matter of human rights.”.
  5. Do you think the same inequality will be repeated in the next health crisis? Explain your thoughts.

Telemedicine Booth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

If you find yourself in a situation where it is hard to find or set an appointment with your general practitioner (GP in your area, then “Consult Station” could be a solution.

Inside this hi-tech teleconsultation cabin, patients take their own physical checkup all the while a physician remotely guiding them via a video call. 

Read the article about this futuristic telemedicine booth.

https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/02/04/cant-find-a-doctor-this-hi-tech-telemedicine-booth-offers-hands-on-checkup-medical-desert

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to have two schools” mean, “Asked what doctors made of the technology, she said there were two schools.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “enthused” mean, “But others are very enthused at the prospect of saving time.”? Give 2 synonyms of ‘enthused’. Also try to use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to give something a go” mean, “But not everyone in the village is willing to give it a go.”? Give 2 synonyms of ‘to give something a go’. Also try to use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this technology? Do you see it shooting off, especially in your country, in the near future? Why/why not?
  2. “Elderly people were put off by the very idea of not seeing a doctor in person.” What are your thoughts on this?
  3. What are the pros and cons of a telemedicine booth?
  4. France struggles with a shortage of doctors. Does your country suffer from the same problem? Share some things you know about this issue.
  5. What do you think are reasons for shortage of GPs/doctors in some countries?
  6. Share your thoughts on: “Why can everyone work from home, but not doctors?”. 

Social Media and Plastic Surgery

B1 – Intermediate

Social media has a been a tool for people to be exposed to plastic surgery. Apparently, beauty standards are a thing on social media. Hence, people are wanting to get cosmetic procedures to conform to these so-called beauty standards.

Read the article to learn more about social media and plastic surgery.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/social-media-and-plastic-surgery-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “alter” mean, “Social media have built-in filters that alter face shape or facial features to fit current beauty trends.”? Give two synonyms of this word and use them in your own sentences.
  2. What does “go viral” mean, “This gives users an instant picture of what they might look like, and it helps the filters go viral.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “ditch” mean, “They also warn that doctors with less training ditch their chosen profession to perform procedures.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on plastic surgery?
  2. What are the pros and cons of plastic surgery?
  3. Are people in your country open-minded about plastic surgery? Why / why not?
  4. Have you been influenced by social media? In what way?
  5. What do you think of the beauty standards on social media?
  6. Would you be open to get plastic surgery? Why/why not?

Promising Research on Psilocybin

B1 – Intermediate

Psilocybin is a substance taken from a species of mushroom. It is informally known as ‘magic mushroom’. In many places, it is illegal. However, medical researchers are looking at it as possible treatment for some conditions such as addiction and depression.

Read the article and listen to the audio to learn more about psilocybin.

https://eslnewsstories.com/articles/2022-09-01-promising-research-on-psilocybin/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ”cut back” mean, ”New research on psilocybin shows that it can help heavy drinkers cut back on alcohol.”? Give at least 1 synonym and use this word  in your own sentence.
  2. What does “otherworldly” mean, “The participants who received psilocybin reported having otherworldly experiences and in most cases were able to guess that they got the real psilocybin.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does “psychedelic” mean, “Although taking psilocybin is illegal in most places, medical researchers are currently interested in it and other psychedelic drugs for the treatment of addiction and depression.” Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on psilocybin as a possible treatment for some conditions?
  2. What are the benefits and risks of psilocybin?
  3. Should this type of treatment be legal? Explain your opinion.
  4. Should scientists continue to study psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs? Why or why not?
  5. If your doctor recommends this kind of treatment, would you do it?