Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Useful Vocabulary

Adverse reaction: (n.) An unexpected and harmful response to a medication, treatment, or substance, usually characterized by undesirable or harmful side effects
After receiving the flu vaccine, she experienced an adverse reaction, including fever and severe headaches, which required medical attention.
Antibiotic: (n.) A type of medicine used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the patient's sinus infection.
Ailment: (n.) A minor health problem or illness.
The doctor diagnosed Sara with a common stomach ailment.
Balanced diet: (n.) A diet that contains all the essential nutrients in appropriate proportions.
Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins is essential for good health.
Bedridden: (adj.) Someone who is unable to leave their bed due to illness, injury, or weakness.
After his surgery, John was bedridden for a few days, but with rest and proper care, he started feeling better and was able to get out of bed.
Cardiovascular: (adj.) Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Chronic: (adj.) Persisting for a long time or recurring frequently.
Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
Contagious: (adj.) Capable of being transmitted from one person to another.
The flu is highly contagious during the winter months.
Digestion: (n.) The process of breaking down food in the body.
Proper digestion is essential for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat.
Epidemic: (n.) A widespread occurrence of a disease in a particular community or region.
The health authorities worked to contain the flu epidemic by providing vaccinations.
Faith healing: (n.) A form of belief-based treatment where a person's faith and prayers are used to promote healing and improve health, often without medical intervention.
Some people believe in faith healing and visit religious places to seek help and hope for their recovery.
Fitness tracker: (n.) A device worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing that helps monitor and record various aspects of physical activity and health, such as steps taken, distance traveled, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
Sara loves using her fitness tracker to keep track of her daily steps and make sure she stays active and healthy.
Germs: (n.) Microorganisms, often bacteria and viruses, that can cause infections.
Washing hands regularly helps prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
Health-conscious: (adj.) being aware of and actively seeking to improve one's health.
Fossil fuels like coal and oil are finite non-renewable resources that are rapidly depleting.
Hygiene: (n.) Practices and conditions that promote cleanliness and prevent disease.
Good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, is crucial for staying healthy.
Immunity: (n.) The ability of the body to resist and fight off infections and diseases.
Eating fruits and vegetables can help boost your immunity and keep you healthy.
Infection: (n.) When harmful germs, like bacteria or viruses, enter the body and cause illness or disease.
After a surgery, the doctor prescribed antibiotics to prevent any infection from developing.
Inflammation: (n.) A natural process where the affected area becomes red, swollen, and painful as the immune system works to heal and protect the body.
When Sara fell and scraped her knee, it became red and swollen due to inflammation, but after a few days, it started to heal and feel better.
Inpatient: (n.) A person who stays in a hospital or medical facility to receive treatment or care.
John was recommended to be an inpatient at the hospital for a few days after his surgery so that he could recover under close medical supervision.
Lifestyle: (n.) The way a person lives, including daily habits, behaviors, and choices.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can lead to better overall well-being.
Meditation: (n.) A practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and relaxation.
Regular meditation can reduce stress and promote emotional health.
Nutrient: (n.) A substance that provides nourishment and is necessary for growth and development.
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of essential nutrients.
Obesity: (n.) the condition of being excessively overweight or having a high body fat percentage.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases.
Outbreak: (n.) The sudden occurrence of a disease in a specific geographic area or population.
The health authorities responded swiftly to contain the measles outbreak.
Over-the-counter (OTC): (adj.) Medicines and treatments available without a prescription.
You can buy common pain relievers over the counter at the pharmacy.
Pandemic: (n.) An epidemic that spreads over a large region or worldwide.
The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 had a devastating impact on global health.
Prevention: (n.) Actions taken to avoid or minimize the occurrence of diseases or injuries.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for disease prevention.
Sleep deprivation: (n.) The state of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
Chronic sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive function and mood.
Water intake: (n.) The amount of water consumed in a day.
Staying hydrated is important, so ensure you maintain a sufficient water intake.
Well-being: (n.) The state of being happy, healthy, and content in various aspects of life.
Regular exercise and a positive mindset contribute to overall well-being.

Speaking Practice

Remember to:

structure your responses into three parts: introduction, body, conclusion
support your ideas with relevant examples and details

1. Introduction

Start your response with a clear and concise introduction that directly addresses the prompt.
Restate the topic or question in your own words to show understanding.
Provide a brief overview or general statement about the topic to set the context for your response.
Avoid going into too much detail in the introduction. Keep it focused and to the point.

2. Body

Divide your response into two or three paragraphs to discuss different aspects of the topic.
Each paragraph should address a specific point or idea related to the prompt.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point or idea you will discuss.
Support your ideas with relevant examples, details, and personal experiences.
Use cohesive devices (e.g., linking words, transition phrases) to ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

3. Conclusion

Conclude your response by summarizing the main points discussed in the main body.
Restate your overall opinion or provide a final thought related to the topic.
Keep the conclusion concise and avoid introducing new information.

For example:

Discuss the concept of preventive care in healthcare systems.
What are some simple ways to prevent common illnesses?
Do you think vaccines are effective?
How can exercise be a form of preventive care?
Should governments invest more in preventive healthcare?

Preventive care is an often-overlooked but essential aspect of healthcare. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of simple preventive measures, the role of exercise, and the need for government investment in preventive healthcare.

Firstly, proper hygiene is a straightforward way to prevent common illnesses. Regular handwashing and a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of infections and boost the immune system.

Secondly, regular screenings for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are also effective in early detection and management. These screenings can lead to timely interventions, thereby reducing the severity and cost of treatment in the long run.

Moreover, regular exercise serves as a multifaceted form of preventive care. It not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases, thereby improving overall well-being.

Lastly, government investment in preventive healthcare, such as public health campaigns and screenings, can reduce the burden on healthcare systems and save money in the long term.

In summary, preventive care is crucial for both public health and economic efficiency. Simple measures like proper hygiene and regular exercise can have a significant impact on health outcomes. Furthermore, regular checkups and governments' financial involvement are also key components in a well functioning preventive healthcare system.

Discuss the importance of mental health awareness in society.

Why is talking about mental health important?
Can schools do something to help?
What are some common misunderstandings about mental health?
How can social media either help or harm mental health awareness?

Possible (essay) questions about the topic of education

Discuss the causes and effects of obesity in modern society.
What are the consequences of sedentary lifestyles and how can they be mitigated?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine.
Should governments impose stricter regulations on the fast-food industry to combat public health issues?
What are the impacts of mental health on overall well-being and productivity?
Discuss the importance of vaccination and its role in public health.
Should governments promote physical education and sports in schools to improve children's health?
Discuss the role of individuals in maintaining their own health and well-being.
What are the challenges and benefits of transitioning to a healthcare system focused on preventative care?
Should smoking be banned in public places to reduce health risks?
Discuss the impacts of substance abuse on individual health and societal well-being.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of alternative medicine?
Should healthcare be considered a basic human right?
Discuss the role of education in raising health awareness.
What are the impacts of air pollution on public health?
Should governments invest more in researching and developing new medical treatments?
Discuss the effects of aging populations on healthcare systems.
Should countries prioritize public health initiatives over economic development?
What are the challenges and benefits of implementing stricter regulations on pharmaceutical companies?
Discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing global health crises.