Tag: health

Gene Editing for Cancer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cancer is undoubtedly one of the worst diseases one can ever be so unfortunate to contract.

In the US, doctors have started using gene editing to help cancer patients with their bouts with this dreadful disease.

Listen to the podcast and find out more about gene editing and how it can help fight cancer.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/doctors-report-first-us-tests-of-gene-editing-for-cancer/5158217.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this breakthrough?
  2. What other ways to treat cancer do you know of?
  3. How prevalent do you think the incidence of cancer is in your country?
  4. Why do you think more and more people contract cancer?
  5. What might be the reasons we haven’t discovered an effective treatment for cancer?

Mental Health in the Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A large number of workers suffer from mental health issues at work. Life becomes very complicated for those who struggle with mental health problems.

Listen to the podcast and find out more about the topic of mental health and learn some things people can do to help and cause change.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-191114

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can be done to raise awareness of mental health issues in the workplace?
  2. What are the effects of it on people’s lives?
  3. How is mental health treated in your workplace?
  4. What are things your company is doing to address its employees’ mental health needs?
  5. What are your thoughts on mental health leaves?

Food and Drinks on Public Transport

B1 – Intermediate

Public transport is used for going from one point to another. Some people use them for other things. They do other things while on the bus or train.

Read the article and find out what the UK government is planning to ban on public transport.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1910/191012-public-transport-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the UK government thinking about doing?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this ban?
  3. Do you agree or disagree with this ban? Explain your position.
  4. What is your opinion on prohibiting fast food at football games?
  5. Do you ever eat or drink while on public transport? Why or why not?
  6. What other things do you do or see other people do while on public transport?

Leftovers You Should Stop Eating

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Leftovers can be a good solution to a quick meal. It is so easy to just reheat them in the microwave to satisfy one’s hunger. However, reheating certain food can be risky and much too fatal.

Watch the video and see if you are guilty as charged.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe your reaction to this video.

2. What are the leftover food mentioned in the video?

3. Are you guilty of eating any of these leftover food?

4. What are the proper food reheating techniques discussed in the video? Do you have the time to do them when you eat leftover food?

The Most Dangerous Sport

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As much as sports are enjoyable, it can also be perilous or at times, even deadly. Athletes understand the perils in their respective sports. Tragically, sometimes this means even their lives are can be at risk.

Let’s find out what is considered the most dangerous sport in the world. Play at your own risk.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What sport do you play? Tell us about your own experience of getting an injury.

2. Do you know any athlete who suffered from a serious injury or died while competing?

3. Despite the risks, why do people obsess over sports like football, basketball, and boxing?

4. If you could, would you ban these dangerous sports?

Workers Must Take Lunch Breaks

B1 – Intermediate

A health group in the U.K. workers must take lunch breaks and exercise to stay active at work. A study says that a lot of people continue to work during their lunch breaks. This is not good for our health.

Read about the importance of taking lunch breaks from the link below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1406/140608-lunch-breaks-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to get some air” mean, “They went shopping or got some air.”? Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does “to take time off” mean, “People get sick and take time off work.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does “full-time” mean, “A spokeswoman said full-time workers spend a lot of time travelling to and from work.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on working lunches?
2. Why is taking a break in the middle of the workday important?
3. What do you usually do during your lunch break?
4. Do you agree that we need to find ways to be more active at work?
5. What does your company do or offer to help you stay active?

WHO Says Burnout is a Medical Problem

B1 – Intermediate

Burnout is the state of mental exhaustion from too much stress usually because of work. The World Health Organization (WHO) now considers it a medical condition.

Find out more about it through the article below:

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1906/190602-burnout-1.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the signs of being burned-out?
2. Do you think it is really a medical condition?
3. Have you ever been burned-out or too stressed out at work?
4. What are some stressful situations that you have to face at work?
5. How do you manage burnout or too much work stress?

Jail Risk for Parents Who Raise Children as Vegans

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vegans have a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat including fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, honey and they also avoid animal-derived materials, products tested on animals and places that use animals for entertainment.

It’s the individual’s choice to go vegan but is it unethical to force this on children?

Please read the article and answer the questions that follow.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/16/parents-raise-children-vegans-should-prosecuted-say-belgian/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of being vegan?
  2. What kind of diet do you have?
  3. Please state the pros and cons of being vegan.
  4. Is it unethical to force a vegan diet on children?

Injecting Vitamins

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Vitamin drip is a  modern-day way of administering vitamins and minerals intravenously. Many claim that it can boost energy, strengthen the immune system, improve skin, cure hangovers, burn fat, fight jet lag, and cure minor ailments.  As a number of celebrities swear on its effectiveness, it became more and more popular. Although there are numerous advantages to using vitamin IV drip, there are also a few disadvantages.

Read the article and be able to discuss the questions that follow:

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47803286

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of Vitamin IV drip?
  2. Would you consider doing it?
  3. What are the pros and cons of using it?
  4. What do you think of taking vitamins and mineral supplements?

 

The Truth Behind Calorie Labels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New York City’s Health Department amended the city Health Code to require the posting of calorie counts by chain restaurants on menus, menu boards, and item tags. This was one element of the city’s response to rising obesity rates.  So if you’re stopping by a fast-food spot or chain restaurant, chances are you’ll be reminded of just how many calories you’re about to consume, thanks to the listings on the menu. But the question is, how spot-on are these listings?

Watch the video to know the findings:

Discussion Questions:

  1. Are you conscious of your calorie intake?
  2. What do you think of the video?
  3. Is calorie-labeling effective to curb the rising obesity rates?
  4. What do you do to stay fit and healthy?