Tag: medical

Traditional and Western Medicine

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 to 80 percent of the world’s population (over 4 billion people) rely on alternative medicine as their primary form of health care compared to only 10 to 30 percent of people who use conventional medicine.

http://medcitynews.com/2012/11/the-great-debate-between-western-and-alternative-medicine/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think traditional medicines are tried, tested, and safe?
  2. What traditional medicine do you know of? Have you ever tried any?
  3. Would you like to try acupuncture, cupping, massage etc.?
  4. Do you think traditional medicine works? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think traditional medicine is just a fad? Elaborate.
  6. What do you think of things like art therapy, music therapy, healing with animals, etc?

Huggable Robots

C1 – Advanced

For kids, going to the hospital can be a terrifying and sometimes boring experience. An interesting innovation from researchers and roboticists may be a good solution- a robot companion.  This robot’s creators aim to know if it can can have therapeutic value for hospitalized children. Can it really alleviate sick children’s anxiety, pain, and isolation?

Let’s meet this blue bear who’s making sick kids less blue.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of “Huggable”? How does a child respond to it?
2. What suggestions did one of the kids give to make it a better robot companion?
3. How else can we make a doctor’s visit less dreadful for children?
4. Did you enjoy hospital visits when you were a kid? How about now?

Euthanasia -Pros and Cons of Mercy Killing

B1 – Intermediate

Euthanasia has always been a controversial topic. It also has other names. It is sometimes called assisted suicide and mercy killing.

Click the link below to know more about euthanasia and its pros and cons.

Euthanasia -Pros and Cons of Mercy Killing

Discuss:

1. Are you in favor of euthanasia?
2. Could euthanasia be used as a means of health care cost containment?
3. Is Euthanasia allowed in your country?

Over-The-Counter Medicine May Shrink Brain

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Medicines are supposed to make us feel better and cure any illness a person might have. But sometimes, these medicines may also cause more harm than good.

Read the article below to find out more. Share your opinion after reading the text.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160421-over-the-counter-drugs.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think over-the-counter medicines work?
  2. Would you prefer medicines prescribed by a doctor?
  3. Would you consider yourself a healthy person?
  4. When was the last time you got sick and had to stay in bed?

First Human Head Transplant

B2 – Upper intermediate

Organ transplants have saved many lives. But, an Italian neurosurgeon wants to take a few steps further with his first human head transplant.

Read the article below to learn more about Dr. Canavero and his potential patient.

First Human Head Transplant Planned for 2017

Discuss:

1. Is Dr. Sergio Canavero’s idea worth a try?
2. Do you believe that the current technology we have is well- equipped for this attempt?
3. Would you volunteer for a medical experiment for greater and good intentions?

Brain-Dead Man Dies after Drug Trial

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In France, an experimental drug intended to treat mood, anxiety, and movement disorders went shockingly wrong, resulting in the death of one participant and hospitalization of others. Biotrial says correct procedures were followed at every stage of the trial. So what went wrong?

Read the article below to get more information then express your thoughts.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35337671

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on this issue?
  2. When a clinical trial goes wrong, who do you think is to blame? And why?
  3. Would you be willing to be participate in a drug trial? Why or why not?
  4. Should scientists stick to animal testing? Why or why not?
  5. In your opinion, has drug trial safety improved over the years? Explain.

World’s First Bionic Eye

B2 – Upper intermediate

Most of us are born with good eye sight and sadly take it for granted. Read about Ray Flynn and the extraordinary second chance he had to see life in a different light.

Feel free to work on the different activities below the article with your next teacher.

Man gets world’s first bionic eye

Discuss:

1. Talk about and describe some of the medical breakthroughs that you know of.
2. Have you had an operation before?
3. What medical operations do you think should be free to help citizens in your country?

The Ice Bucket Challenge Years After

C1 – Advanced

In the summer of 2014, one guy posted a video of himself pouring a bucket of ice water over his head to support ALS and other causes. Then his friends decided to do it as well. In total, more than 17M people took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Ever wondered what happened to the money the supporters donated? Watch the video then read the article to get an update on the ALS research.

One year later, your ALS Ice Bucket money goes to …

Discuss:

1. What do you know about ALS?
2. What did you think about the Ice Bucket Challenge?
3. If you could support a research or an organization, what would it be?

Will Synthetic Vaccine Stop Polio?

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B2 – Upper intermediate

Medical technology has improved radically. It is due to non stop hard work of medical scientists and specialists. They continuously aim for the eradication of deadly diseases with the hope of longer and healthier lives for everyone.

Read the article below to know about the latest advancement in vaccines.

Will Synthetic Vaccine Stop Polio?

Discuss:

1. What is your general opinion of vaccines?
2. Will synthetic vaccine stop polio?
3. How much do you trust modern medical technology?
4. Do you think it’s possible that all diseases will be cured by vaccine?

Blood Test May Predict Suicide Risk

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C1 – Advanced

A recent study found a simple blood test that can help identify a person’s risk of committing suicide. Read the article below to know more about a specific gene that has helped the study.

 

 

 

Blood Test May Predict Suicide Risk By Studying Levels Of Gene Mutation SKA2

Discuss:

1. Do you think this kind of test can be useful in your country? Why or why not?
2. How else can this test be useful?
3. What psychological disorders do you know of? Please briefly discuss them.
4. Do you think more studies should focus on psychological disorders? Why or why not?