Unit 3 · Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
Reading I: A Letter from a Patient
A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B.
a. nightmare → a very unpleasant or frightening experience
b. pediatric → relating to the medical care of children
c. intravenous → into or connected to a vein
d. priority → a thing that is regarded as more important than others
e. medications → treatment using drugs
f. confidante → a person with whom private matters and problems are discussed
g. deprivation → the lack of something considered to be a necessity
h. vulnerable → in need of special care, support, or protection
i. dreadful → very bad or unpleasant
B. Write True for true and False for false statements.
a.The sender of the letter was happy with the service of the health workers.
Answer: False
b.The staff of different departments in the hospital had harmonious relationships with each other.
Answer: False
c.The hospital staff were concerned with the requirements of the sick child.
Answer: False
d.The staff of the hospital shared their personal feelings with the writer.
Answer: False
e.The chart was unclear about the patient's gender.
Answer: True
f.The author took the mistakes of the health workers normally.
Answer: False
g.The writer seems to be more sincere in her duty than the hospital staff.
Answer: True
C. Answer the following questions.
a.What was the nightmare for the author?
Answer: The nightmare for the author was having to bring her nine-week-old baby with a high fever to the hospital for medical treatment.
b.What do you think the main purpose of this letter is?
Answer: The main purpose of this letter is to highlight the lack of compassion, poor communication, and unprofessional behavior of hospital staff so that improvements can be made in patient care.
c.According to the author, what was the main weakness of the hospital staff?
Answer: According to the author, the main weakness of the hospital staff was that they had lost sight of the patient's real needs. They were skilled but lacked empathy and were more focused on their own busy schedules than on the vulnerable child in their care.
d.Did the nurses really say 'your daughter is not a priority'? Why did the author think so?
Answer: No, the nurses did not say those exact words. However, the author felt that way because the nurses repeatedly complained about how busy they were, which made the author worry that her sick baby was not receiving the attention and priority she needed.
e.What do the patients and their families expect from the health workers?
Answer: Patients and their families expect health workers to be honest, serious, and compassionate in their duty. They want to feel heard, respected, and confident that they are receiving the best possible care.
f.List the questions that the author was asked frequently in the hospital.
Answer: The author was frequently asked two questions: "Was your baby premature?" and "Did you have a normal delivery?"
g.Why did the health workers make a gender error about the author's daughter?
Answer: The health workers made a gender error because they did not pay close enough attention to the baby's paperwork. The author noted that they made an assumption based on her gender without checking the chart properly.
h.According to the author, how do people perceive the career of health workers?
Answer: According to the author, people perceive the career of health workers as noble and precious, but the experience of care is deeply affected by how the workers treat each other and their patients.
D. If you become a health worker in the future, what would be your priority? How would you treat your patients and their families?
Answer: If I become a health worker in the future, my priority would be to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. I would treat every patient and their family with empathy, respect, and dignity. This means listening carefully to their concerns without judgment and communicating honestly about their situation. I would make sure to see the person behind the illness, understanding that they are often scared and vulnerable. A warm bedside manner and clear communication can be as healing as medicine itself. I would always strive to create a safe environment where patients and families feel supported and valued.
Grammar I: Indirect Speech
B. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
a."Please help me fix this machine."
She requested me to help her fix that machine.
She requested me to help her fix that machine.
b."Don't please switch on the fan?"
The electrician requested me not to switch on the fan.
The electrician requested me not to switch on the fan.
c."Help me with my homework, please."
My friend requested me to help him with his homework.
My friend requested me to help him with his homework.
d."Lend me some money, please."
She requested me to lend her some money.
She requested me to lend her some money.
e."Do your homework!"
The teacher told me to do my homework.
The teacher told me to do my homework.
f."Don't smoke!"
The doctor advised him not to smoke.
The doctor advised him not to smoke.
g."Don't make a mess!"
My mother told me not to make a mess.
My mother told me not to make a mess.
Writing I: Email of Apology
Write an email to the patient's mother apologising for your behaviour. Assure her that there will be improvement in the services your hospital provides.
From: hospital.staff@email.com
To: patient.mother@email.com
Subject: Sincere Apologies for Your Recent Experience at Our Hospital
Dear Madam,
I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for the treatment you and your daughter received during your stay at our hospital. Reading about your experience has been deeply humbling, and it is clear we failed to provide the compassionate and attentive care you deserved during such a stressful time.
Please know that we take full responsibility for these shortcomings. The behavior you described, from the lack of communication to the insensitive remarks, does not reflect the standard of care we strive to provide. We are taking your feedback seriously and have already begun discussing it with our team to ensure that all staff members are reminded of the importance of empathy and clear communication with patients and their families.
We are committed to making tangible improvements in our services. Your trust is invaluable, and we hope that you might consider giving us another opportunity in the future to show you the level of dedication and care we are truly capable of.
Thank you for your honesty and for bringing these critical issues to our attention.
Sincerely,
A Member of the Hospital Administration Team
To: patient.mother@email.com
Subject: Sincere Apologies for Your Recent Experience at Our Hospital
Dear Madam,
I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for the treatment you and your daughter received during your stay at our hospital. Reading about your experience has been deeply humbling, and it is clear we failed to provide the compassionate and attentive care you deserved during such a stressful time.
Please know that we take full responsibility for these shortcomings. The behavior you described, from the lack of communication to the insensitive remarks, does not reflect the standard of care we strive to provide. We are taking your feedback seriously and have already begun discussing it with our team to ensure that all staff members are reminded of the importance of empathy and clear communication with patients and their families.
We are committed to making tangible improvements in our services. Your trust is invaluable, and we hope that you might consider giving us another opportunity in the future to show you the level of dedication and care we are truly capable of.
Thank you for your honesty and for bringing these critical issues to our attention.
Sincerely,
A Member of the Hospital Administration Team
Reading II: A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life
A. Consult a dictionary or the internet and define the following words/phrases.
a. Wonderfood → A food item considered to be exceptionally nutritious and beneficial for health and well-being.
b. Cardiovascular diseases → A group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including conditions like heart attacks and stroke.
c. Bioeconomy → An economic system that uses renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, materials, and energy.
d. Demographic change → Shifts in the structure of a population over time, often related to factors like aging, birth rates, or migration.
e. Multidisciplinary approach → A method of problem-solving that involves the collaboration and combined expertise of specialists from several different fields of study.
f. Economic inequalities → Disparities in income, wealth, and economic opportunities among individuals or groups within a society.
g. Neurological disorders → Medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body.
h. Biomarkers → Measurable biological indicators found in blood, tissues, or other body fluids that can signal a normal or abnormal process, condition, or disease.
B. Complete the sentences below with one of the words in red from the text above.
a.The children were especially delighted that there were enough cookies for each of them to have two.
b.The organization held its annual conference in New York this year. The health ministers of more than forty countries attended it.
c.It is innovation that makes any organization a successful one.
d.Your life changes dramatically if you perform well in your study.
e.Mr. Gurung is leaving the job because of a cardiovascular disease.
f.Early diagnosis of a disease helps us to cure it soon.
g.We have faced an unprecedented level of climate change at present.
h.The patient may need blood work or other biomarkers to determine his specific health problem.
i.The world looked for different multidisciplinary approaches to find the solution to COVID-19.
C. Choose the best alternatives to complete the following sentences.
a.The greatest public health challenge at present is obesity.
b.The Joint Programming Initiative will bring the knowledge of member states together.
c.The health care innovation chain begins from researchers.
d.The need behind a multidisciplinary approach is the unchanged pattern of food purchase and consumption.
e.Through this speech, the speaker wants to appeal to the members of EU for collaboration for research and innovation.
D. Answer the following questions.
a.What topic is the speaker talking about when she says, "It's a topic that's never out of the media…."?
Answer: The speaker is talking about healthy eating, nutrition, and the impact of diet on health and lifestyle-related diseases.
b.According to the speaker, what is the cause of obesity among children in the EU?
Answer: According to the speaker, the cause of obesity among children in the EU is an unhealthy diet combined with low levels of physical activity.
c.What should people do to prevent themselves from diseases like type 2 diabetes?
Answer: To prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes, people should adopt better lifestyles that include significant improvements to their diet and an increase in regular physical exercise.
d.What is Horizon 2020?
Answer: Horizon 2020 is the European Union's eighty billion euro research and innovation funding program designed to tackle major societal challenges, including those related to health, nutrition, and aging.
e.Why is research very important to fight against health challenges?
Answer: Research is essential because it leads to the creation of new products, innovative treatments, and effective public health approaches that benefit patients and help prevent diseases from developing in the first place.
f.What result can Horizon 2020 give if it is implemented effectively?
Answer: If implemented effectively, Horizon 2020 can deliver significant progress in the science of healthy diets and healthy lives, leading to improved healthcare, better therapies, and enhanced overall population health.
g.What results does the speaker expect from the conference?
Answer: The speaker expects the conference to generate a wealth of ideas on health and nutrition research, unlock national funding for future initiatives, and foster collaboration to align research programs and policies across member states.
h.Do you think that the people of the EU will be benefitted by this conference? If yes, what benefits will they get?
Answer: Yes, the people of the EU will benefit from this conference. The benefits include an improved understanding of nutrition, better strategies for preventing chronic diseases, and the development of innovative products, treatments, and services that support healthier lifestyles.
E. Draft a short speech entitled, 'Importance of Exercise for Healthy Life'.
Importance of Exercise for Healthy Life
Good morning everyone. Today, I want to talk about why exercise is a fundamental part of a healthy life.
Exercise is not just about losing weight or building muscle. It is medicine for both the body and mind. Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining a healthy heart and controlling blood pressure, which significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps manage weight, strengthens bones, and boosts our immune system.
But the benefits go far beyond the physical. When we exercise, our brains release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. This helps to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. A simple walk or a jog can clear your mind and leave you feeling more energized and positive.
In our busy lives, it is easy to neglect exercise. However, making time for it is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being. It does not have to be a strenuous gym workout. Dancing, cycling, swimming, or even a brisk walk in the park can make a huge difference. Let us all commit to moving our bodies a little more each day for a healthier and happier life.
Thank you.
Good morning everyone. Today, I want to talk about why exercise is a fundamental part of a healthy life.
Exercise is not just about losing weight or building muscle. It is medicine for both the body and mind. Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining a healthy heart and controlling blood pressure, which significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps manage weight, strengthens bones, and boosts our immune system.
But the benefits go far beyond the physical. When we exercise, our brains release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. This helps to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. A simple walk or a jog can clear your mind and leave you feeling more energized and positive.
In our busy lives, it is easy to neglect exercise. However, making time for it is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being. It does not have to be a strenuous gym workout. Dancing, cycling, swimming, or even a brisk walk in the park can make a huge difference. Let us all commit to moving our bodies a little more each day for a healthier and happier life.
Thank you.
Grammar II: Indirect Speech
A. Circle the correct words to complete these sentences.
a.The doctor told me to do some exercise every day.
b.She said, "Don't shout".
c.The doctor forbade me to eat junk food.
d.I told her, "Speak" slowly.
e.Sumina promised not to tell anyone.
f.My mother said, "Get" out of bed early!
g.The mountain guide warned him not to take the oxygen cylinder.
h.Sugam said to me, "Go" home and take a rest.
i.He ordered us to get out of his way.
j.The librarian requested them not to make a noise.
B. Change the following sentences into indirect speech. Use the reporting verbs in brackets.
a."Bring some sugar, Punita," she said. (ask) → She asked Punita to bring some sugar.
b."You must submit your assignment soon," the teacher said. (tell) → The teacher told us that we had to submit our assignment soon.
c."Remember to come early, Anu," he said. (remind) → He reminded Anu to come early.
d."You should see a doctor, Mrs. Tamang," he said. (advise) → He advised Mrs. Tamang that she should see a doctor.
e."Keep all the windows open, Nona," my father said. (warn) → My father warned Nona to keep all the windows open.
f."Go home, Prashun," Furba said. (tell) → Furba told Prashun to go home.
C. Report the following sentences in indirect speech.
a.The hermit said, "Don't idle away your time." → The hermit told me not to idle away my time.
b.Madan said to his friend, "Please help me with money." → Madan requested his friend to help him with money.
c."Be not afraid, noble prince", said the Guru. → The Guru told the noble prince not to be afraid.
d.He said to me, "Let me do my work." → He asked me to let him do his work.
e.The General said to his troops, "Guard the fort." → The General commanded his troops to guard the fort.
f.Aaswin said to the teacher, "Please excuse me, madam." → Aaswin requested the teacher to excuse him.
g.The guide said to the visitors, "Follow me carefully." → The guide instructed the visitors to follow him carefully.
h.My teacher said to me, "Don't look behind." → My teacher told me not to look behind.
i.Mother said to the daughter, "Get ready to receive the guests." → Mother told the daughter to get ready to receive the guests.
j.The boy said to the rescuers, "Please help me to get out of this well." → The boy requested the rescuers to help him to get out of that well.
k.The teacher said to the boys, "Read silently." → The teacher instructed the boys to read silently.
l.The coach said, "Let's play a friendly football match." → The coach suggested that they should play a friendly football match.
m.The monk said to us, "Give up bad habits." → The monk advised us to give up bad habits.
n.Father said to me, "Do not tell a lie." → Father told me not to tell a lie.