Tag: health

Get Out of Bed When You Can’t Sleep

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Sleep is one of the most vital and essential things we need for survival. It is the phase where our awareness and stimuli from the environment are being reduced. Sleep was often neglected though, it is one of the major components of overall health of individuals. One of the reasons why sleep is important is because it helps the body to be fit and have energy for another day of work.

But what should you do if you can’t sleep? Let’s check out this video for more information on what you can do when sleep eludes you.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you sleep easily? Why or why not?
  2. What do you do when you can’t sleep?
  3. Why do we need to get out of bed when we can’t sleep?
  4. What is chronic insomnia? Do you know anyone who suffers from it? Describe their condition.
  5. Talk about the least and longest sleep you’ve ever had.

Diet Drinks As Unhealthy As Sugary Ones

B1 – Intermediate

Diet soda is addictive. Many people think that diet soda is healthy because diet soda contains no fat, low or no calories, and no sugar. Yet, it doesn’t really mean that drinking it won’t lead to weight gain.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about diet drinks.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201101-diet-soda-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Should we be eating or drinking anything artificial? Why/why not?
  2. What do you think of artificial sweeteners?
  3. What kinds of food would you like to remove from your diet?
  4. How good or bad is your daily diet? Describe your diet.
  5. What can we do to prevent obesity?

“Speaking Up About HIV Stigma” Campaign

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aside from the serious medical issues HIV positives are facing, they are also experiencing stigma and discrimination because of this disease. As a result, they tend to be discriminated in most social groups they belong to. Illinois HIV Care Connect launched a campaign to raise awareness on this issue.

Read this article for more information on this campaign.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005133/en/Illinois-HIV-Care-Connect-Launches-%E2%80%9CSpeaking-Up-About-HIV-Stigma%E2%80%9D-Campaign-in-Spanish-to-Encourage-Social-Media-Engagement

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the campaign about? How will it be helpful to those affected people?
  2. What is your reaction to this news?
  3. Are sexually transmitted diseases openly talked about in your country?
  4. Are there any laws in your country that protect the confidentiality and basic rights of people with HIV?
  5. What do you think are some ways to end the HIV stigma?

Vaccine Volunteers

B1 – Intermediate

Over 25,000 people in the US have volunteered to be part of COVID-19 vaccine trials. They will help find a safe and effective vaccine faster. This will help us to see the end of this pandemic soon.

Read the transcript and listen to the audio and be able to answer the discussion questions.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/vaccine-volunteers-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of clinical trial vaccines?
  2. Would you volunteer for a vaccine study? Why or why not?
  3. Are human trials for vaccines worth the risk? Explain your point.

World Autism Awareness Day

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Autism is a growing global health crisis. The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in Qatar, 2007. WAAD aims to educate people about autism and different intervention. It celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with this disorder. People with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the world.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript and be able to discuss the questions that follow.

https://eslholidaylessons.com/04/world_autism_awareness_day.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the UN adopting a resolution to recognize this disorder?
  2. How can this resolution help people with autism?
  3. How are people with this disorder viewed and treated in your country?

Anti-Aging Creams

B1 – Intermediate

They say age is just a number, but we can’t deny the changes we notice on our faces as we grow older. At this point, the quest for younger looking, plumper, and line-free skin begins. Some people opt for surgeries while others try a milder approach such as cosmetic products.

https://listenaminute.com/a/anti-aging_creams.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is an anti-aging cream? Do you believe in its effectiveness?
  2. Are they expensive in your country? Who usually buys them?
  3. Are you a fan of anti-aging cream? Do you think you have the need to use them?
  4. If you would be asked to test a product, would you do it?

Heaviest Sumo Wrestler Gives Diet Advice

B1 – Intermediate

Health is important to each and everyone of us. Everyone needs to be healthy and not only physically but also mentally and psychologically. The health of any given individual will determine how he or she functions.

Let’s read the article below and learn more about the world’s heaviest ever sumo wrestler’s health advice to other wrestlers.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2006/200628-sumo-wrestler-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of sumo wrestlers? What do you know about them or their sport?
  2. How much do you worry about your height and weight?
  3. How big is your appetite? How difficult is it for you to avoid snacks?
  4. What do you do to stay healthy?

Best Diet For Your Health

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Doctors tend to agree that what you consume on your plate has effects that go beyond having a slim waist. Ultimately, diet is one of the determinants of a long life.

In this short video, Dr. Sanjay Gupta outlines some key points of what characterizes a healthy diet.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the 80/20 rule? Do you think it’s a valid concept?
  2. How do your meal choices compare to what’s described in the video?
  3. What is meant by hara hachi bu? What are your thoughts on it?

Beat the Monday Blues

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mondays signal the beginning of yet another productive week of work. However, not everyone feels this way toward Mondays. Weeks start with you feeling anxious, blue, or stressed out. You are demotivated and sluggish. When this is the case, you might be suffering from Monday Blues.

Take it easy. It is dreadful but there are ways to fight Monday blues. Read this article to find out some ways on how to deal with Monday Blues.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/25/11-ways-to-beat-the-monday-blues/#2cb6a71b23f5

Discussion Questions:

  1. What causes Monday blues?
  2. What were the most interesting tips for you?
  3. What were the tips that you didn’t find very useful?
  4. In general, how do you view or how do you feel about Mondays?
  5. What do you do to cope with Monday Blues?

Bottled Water Has Plastic

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One cause for concern is the presence of plastic in bottled water. Research indicates that most bottled water contains micro plastics, which may pose health risks. Your bottled water probably has plastic in it, should you worry?

Even though water is not acidic (unlike soda), whenever you drink out of a plastic bottle, you risk ingesting the chemicals used to make the bottles as these toxins can leach into the water over time.

Watch the video and read the article to find out more about the dangers of drinking water from a plastic bottle:

https://time.com/5581326/plastic-particles-in-bottled-water/

Questions Discussions:

  1. Do you think tap water is better than bottled water?
  2. How concerned are you with plastic bottles and their use of resources? Why?
  3. Will this article cause you to stop buying bottled water? Why/not?
  4. What problem causes the greatest damage to the environment? Why do you think so?
  5. Were you surprised by how much Americans pollute? Why/not? How does your country compare?
  6. If we continue to use resources and pollute, what will the world be like in fifty years? Please explain.