Unit 6 Health and Modern Lifestyle

1 Read the text. Pay attention to the key vocabulary. Choose the best title for the text.
Explain your choice.

1 Can Pollution Cause a Decrease in Allergies?

2 Are People Getting Healthier Due to Fast Food Consumption?
3 The Impact of Modern Living on Our Health

Modern living has undoubtedly had an impact on our health, and not always for the better.
The way we live our lives can go some way to explaining why certain health problems are
increasingly common today.
There is no doubt that many of us lead a more sedentary life than our parents or
grandparents did. In the past people were used to walking everywhere and doing things by hand.
With the advent of cars and machines, we have become much less active. As a result, obesity is
now a major problem in many countries. Obesity is often linked with overeating, but it is also
caused by eating the wrong types of food. Processed foods, which contain high levels of fat and
sugar, play a large part in the rise in obesity. Another factor is our increasing reliance on fast food,
which is often unhealthy. When people are too busy to cook they tend to choose takeaways or
ready meals, which are generally high in fat and low in nutrients. It is not surprising that so many
people are overweight or obese these days.
Another health problem associated with modern living is hypertension, or high blood
pressure. This is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the main causes is
stress, which is a regular feature of many people's lives. Pressure at work, financial worries and
relationship problems all contribute to stress levels. Stress leads to hypertension, which in turn can
cause heart disease and other serious illnesses. If we are to reduce the risk of such diseases, it is
important to find ways of managing stress.
The increase in allergies is another example of how our lifestyle choices affect our health.
Many people suffer from hay fever, a type of allergic rhinitis. This allergy is particularly common
in the spring and summer months, when there is a lot of pollen in the air. There is evidence to
suggest that pollution is partly to blame for the rise in hay fever. Airborne pollutants can make the
symptoms of hay fever worse. Other allergies, such as those to certain foods or medicines, are also
on the increase. The causes of these allergies are not fully understood, but it is likely that lifestyle
factors play a role.
Our health is not only affected by what we eat and how much exercise we take. It is also
influenced by our living conditions. For example, people who live in overcrowded cities are more
prone to respiratory problems, such as asthma. The pollution in these areas can trigger asthma
attacks. In addition, the lack of open spaces means that people have fewer opportunities for outdoor
activities. This can lead to feelings of depression and fatigue. On the other hand, people who live
in rural areas tend to be healthier because they have access to fresh air and green spaces.
The choices we make about our diet and lifestyle can have serious consequences for our
health. However, there are many things we can do to protect ourselves from illness. Firstly, we
need to pay more attention to what we eat. A healthy diet is one that is balanced and varied. We
should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Processed foods
should be avoided, or eaten only occasionally. Fast food should be seen as a treat rather than a
regular part of our diet. Regular exercise is also important for good health. We need to find ways
of being more active, whether this involves walking or cycling instead of driving, or taking up a
sport or hobby. Exercise is not only good for our physical health, it is also an effective way of
combating stress. Finally, we need to ensure that our homes and workplaces are clean and well-
ventilated. We should try to spend time outdoors whenever possible, even if this means going for
a walk in the park during our lunch break.
 In conclusion, modern living has brought many benefits, but it has also had a negative
impact on our health. Conditions such as obesity, hypertension and allergies are becoming
increasingly common. However, by making the right choices about what we eat and how active
we are, we can reduce the risk of these and other health problems.

2 Read the statements. Answer true/ false/ not stated.

1. The author's grandparents were more active than the current generation.
2. Obesity is not a significant issue in modern society.
3. The author has high blood pressure.
4. Allergies have decreased due to modern living.
5. The author's health is solely determined by diet and exercise.
6. Regular exercise has no impact on health.
7. The author prefers driving over walking or cycling.
8. Exercise has no impact on stress levels.
9. The author's workplace is poorly ventilated.
10. The author believes that modern living has only positive effects on health.

3 Read the text once more. Pay attention to the words in bold. Find definitions for each
word.

Definitions: Words
A not getting enough of the right food to stay healthy. 1 poor
B a medical condition where your body reacts badly to 2 underweight
something you eat, touch, or breathe in. 3 hypertension
C lasting for a long time or happening repeatedly over a period 4 malnutrition
of time. 5 obese
D a medical condition where your blood pressure is too high. 6 obesity
E very overweight, with too much body fat. 7 allergy
F protect or defend someone or something from harm or danger. 8 fatigue
G lacking money, resources, or quality. 9 chronic
H eating more food than your body needs or can handle. 10 fragile
I being unable to do something because of physical or mental 11 overweight
limitations. 12 undernourished
J the state of being extremely overweight and unhealthy due to 13 delicate
excess body fat. 14 allergic
K not getting enough of the right food to stay healthy. 15 undernourishment
L having a bad reaction to something in the environment, like 16 overeat
pollen or certain foods. 17 shield
M easily broken or damaged, not strong or sturdy. 18 incapacity
N feeling very tired and lacking energy.
O weighing less than what is considered healthy for your height
and build.
P the state of not getting enough nutrients to maintain good
health.
Q weighing more than what is considered healthy for your height
and build.
R easily broken or damaged, needing careful handling.
4 Complete the text with the words from the box.
mindful eating, a balanced diet, poor food choices, an unbalanced diet, negative effects
of malnutrition, limited food availability, low self-esteem, essential nutrients, serious
health condition, a weakened immune system, avoiding mindless eating, various health
problems, depending on factors

Malnutrition is the result of _______________(1), in which a person consumes too few or

too many nutrients. People who are malnourished suffer from _______________(2), including
being underweight, overweight, or obese. Undernourishment occurs when a person does not
consume enough calories or _______________(3) to meet their body's needs. This can lead to
weight loss, fatigue, and _______________(4). In severe cases, undernourishment can result in
stunted growth and even death. On the other hand, overeating and _______________(5) can lead
to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is a _______________(6) characterized by excessive body fat.
It increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and
certain types of cancer. Obese individuals often struggle with mobility issues,
_______________(7), and depression. To maintain a healthy weight and prevent malnutrition, it
is crucial to consume _______________(8) that includes a variety of foods from all the major food
groups. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The
proportions and ratios of these foods may vary _______________(9) such as age, sex, activity
level, and overall health. A balanced diet provides the body with the right amount of calories,
proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. It also
ensures that the body has a sufficient surplus to sustain it during periods of _______________(10),
such as illness or famine. In addition to eating a balanced diet, it is important to practice portion
control and _______________(11). This means being aware of hunger and fullness cues and eating
until satisfied, not overly full. It also involves paying attention to the quality of the food being
consumed and _______________(12), such as snacking while watching television. By adopting
these healthy eating habits, individuals can protect themselves from the _______________(13)
and maintain a healthy weight for life.

5 Answer the questions. Use the key words in your answers.

1 How has modern living contributed to the rise in obesity, according to the text?
2 What role do processed foods and fast food play in the increase of obesity, as mentioned in the
text?
3 Why is stress considered a significant factor in causing hypertension, as discussed in the text?
4 How does stress lead to serious illnesses like heart disease, based on the information provided?
5 In what ways does pollution contribute to the increase in allergies, particularly hay fever, as
stated in the text?
6 How do living conditions in overcrowded cities impact respiratory health, specifically in
relation to asthma?
7 What lifestyle choices can individuals make to protect themselves from illness, according to
the text?

6 Read the text. Pay attention to the key words. Choose correct answers based on the text
content.

I grew up in a small town and from as far back as I can remember, my mother was always
the one people went to for help. She was the nurse at the local hospital and she worked tirelessly
to make sure everyone got the care they needed. She had a warm smile and a gentle touch that put
even the most nervous patients at ease. To me, she was a hero.
 When I was old enough, I decided to follow in my mother's footsteps and become a nurse.
I attended nursing school and spent years studying and training to be the best nurse I could be.
Finally, the day came when I received my nursing degree and I was ready to start my career.
I got a job at a large hospital in the city and was assigned to the paediatrics ward. I loved
working with children and it was a dream come true to be able to help them feel better. However,
I soon realised that being a nurse wasn't exactly what I had expected.
The first child I cared for was a little boy named Tommy. He was only six years old but he
had been diagnosed with leukaemia and was undergoing chemotherapy. I remember the first time
I saw him, he was lying in bed, his face pale and his eyes tired. He looked so small and fragile, it
broke my heart.
Every day, I would check on Tommy and do what I could to make him comfortable. I
would bring him toys and books to keep him entertained and I would sit by his side and talk to
him when he couldn't sleep. I would hold his hand when he was scared and reassure him that
everything would be okay. And through it all, I would try to hide my own fear and sadness because
I knew that Tommy needed me to be strong.
One day, Tommy's parents asked to speak with me. They told me that Tommy had an
allergic reaction to the chemotherapy and that his condition had worsened. They said that there
was nothing more the doctors could do and that Tommy didn't have much time left. I felt like the
wind had been knocked out of me. I couldn't believe that this sweet, innocent child was going to
die.
That night, as I made my rounds, I couldn't help but see Tommy in every sick child I cared
for. I saw him in the little girl with chronic asthma who struggled to breathe, and in the boy with
a broken leg who missed playing outside with his friends. I saw him in the baby born prematurely
who fought for every breath, and in the teenager with anorexia who was wasting away before my
eyes.
I realised that being a nurse meant not only caring for the physical needs of my patients,
but also their emotional and spiritual needs. It meant being there for them when they were scared
or in pain, and holding their hand when they had no one else. It meant comforting them when they
received bad news, and celebrating with them when they reached a milestone in their recovery. It
meant being their advocate and fighting for them when they couldn't fight for themselves.
In the years that followed, I cared for countless patients, each with their own unique story
and struggles. I saw the toll that illness and injury took on them and their families, and I did what
I could to ease their burden. Some of my patients got better and went home, while others never
left the hospital. But no matter what the outcome, I knew that I had made a difference in their lives.
Nursing is a difficult and demanding profession, but it is also one of the most rewarding.
The hours are long and the work can be physically and emotionally exhausting. There are days
when I feel overwhelmed and wonder if I can go on. But then I think of my mother and all the
lives she touched, and I find the strength to keep going.
My mother taught me that being a nurse is about more than just treating illness and injury.
It's about showing compassion and kindness, and providing comfort and support to those who need
it most. It's about being there for people in their darkest moments and helping them find hope and
healing. And most importantly, it's about making a difference in the lives of others, no matter how
big or small.

1 As a child, what inspired the narrator to become a nurse?

A Their father's profession
B Their teacher's guidance
C Their mother's compassion
D Their friend's illness

2 Why did the narrator feel overwhelmed when caring for Tommy?
A Tommy's parents were not supportive
B Tommy's condition worsened rapidly
C Tommy had a rare disease
D The hospital was short-staffed

3 How did the narrator realize the full extent of a nurse's role?
A By observing other nurses
B Through personal experience
C By reading medical textbooks
D By attending nursing conferences

4 What do the narrator's experiences with Tommy and other patients teach them about
nursing?
A Patients always recover with proper care
B Emotional support is as important as medical treatment
C Nurses should avoid getting emotionally involved
D Medical expertise is the only requirement for good nursing

5 What motivates the narrator to continue working as a nurse despite the challenges?
A Their desire to earn a high salary
B The example set by their mother
C The fear of not finding another job
D The opportunity to work with children

7. 4 students were asked to express their opinion on the topic given in the box. Read their
opinions. Which of them do you agree with? Why? Explain your point of view.

Health problems can be prevented with the right lifestyle choices.

1. John: I'm totally against the idea that lifestyle choices can prevent health problems. My whole
family has a history of diabetes, despite living healthy lifestyles. It's all in our genes, and no amount
of exercise or dieting could have prevented it.

2. Sarah: I completely support the idea that making the right lifestyle choices can prevent health
problems. I used to suffer from high blood pressure, but ever since I started exercising regularly
and eating healthier, my blood pressure has been stable without any medication.

3. Emma: I'm not sure if lifestyle choices alone can prevent all health problems. I've seen people
who lead perfectly healthy lifestyles still end up with serious illnesses. Sometimes it feels like it's
just luck of the draw.

4. Tom: This topic is very emotional for me because my best friend passed away from lung cancer,
even though he never smoked a day in his life. It just goes to show that sometimes health problems
can strike even when you least expect it.

8. Read the following quotes. Comment on them. Prepare a monologue on the topic “The
way we live our lives can explain why certain health problems are increasingly common
today.”.

1. The greatest wealth is health. Virgil

2. Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live. Jim Rohn
3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Benjamin Franklin
4. Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for
illness. Edward Stanley
5. The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure
and prevent disease with nutrition. Thomas Edison

9. Questions for discussion.

1. Are you a healthy person? How often do you get sick?
2. What are the best ways to avoid getting sick?
3. Do you take vitamins? Do they really help people, or do they just have a placebo effect?
4. How often do you get a medical check-up? How often should people get a check-up?
5. Do you ever wear a face mask in public? Do you wear it to protect yourself or others?
6. What healthy habits do you have?
7. Who is the healthiest person you know? What do they do to stay healthy?
8. People sometimes say that 'laughter is the best medicine.' What do you think this means? Do
you agree?
9. What foods are good for your health? How important is healthy food to staying healthy?
10. Lifespans are getting longer. How long do you expect your generation will live on average?
How is it possible to improve the lifespan?

10. Choose a topic and write an essay (200-250 words).

1
Should the state regulate fast-food chains? Explain your opinion.
2
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sport
facilities. Other, however, say that this would have limit effect on public health and that other
measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
3
More and more people are suffering from health problems caused by a modern life style which
cannot be treated with modern medicines. Some people think that a return to traditional medicine
should be encouraged. To what extent do you agree?
4
Does the lifespan of a human being rely on genetics? Explain your opinion.
5
Opinions on food are changing rapidly and there are a lot of people who believe that everyone
should follow a vegetarian diet because it would have a positive impact in the health and the
environment. Do you agree or disagree?