TOPIC: MEDICAL MATTERS

Listen, read and practise.

At the Doctor's Surgery

There were several patients waiting at the surgery, one of them was Joseph. There was nothing wrong with him, but the National Health Service was free, so he was always inventing pains and being given enormous supplies of pills, ointments and medicines that were worth a small fortune.

This meant that he was getting regular check-ups, because he was constantly having to register with a new doctor. But what harm was there in that?

His name was called over the loudspeaker and he rose promptly. He didn't want his overcoat, which he wore winter and summer alike, but as he was taking it off, a woman said, 'You've dropped something.'

He looked down. It was a receipt. He picked it up, and continued to straggle out of his coat. His name was repeated over the intercom. Hurried­ly he stuffed the crumpled receipt into a pocket and left the waiting room.

'Third door on the right,' the receptionist told him.

Joseph knocked and entered.

'Morning, doctor.'

'Good morning.'

The doctor got up behind his desk and they shook hands.

'Well, what's the trouble?'

The doctor flicked through the cards in the index cabinet and pulled one out.

'I've got a pain.' Sometimes he would complain of backache, some­times of headaches, at other times of pains in the chest. Today he chose a pain in the stomach, just above the navel.

'Right, take your shirt off and let's have a look at you.'

Joseph stripped and lay stretched out on the couch.

'How's your appetite?'

'I never refuse a good meal.'

'Any discomfort afterwards? Nausea, indigestion, dizziness?'

'No.'

'Are you ever troubled by constipation?'

'I'm as regular as clockwork.'

'I see,' the doctor said.

'Perhaps I'd better give you a general check-up.'

He got out his stethoscope and sounded Joseph's chest.

'Do you sleep well?'

'Like a dog.'

The doctor pressed his hands over Joseph's fat stomach.

'Are you a worrier?'

'What's the use of worrying, doctor? It may never happen.'

They were silent for a minute while Joseph had his pulse taken.

'How many cigarettes do you smoke a day?' the doctor asked, as he prepared to take his blood pressure.

'A packet of twenty.'

'Are you a heavy drinker?'

'Wish I could afford to be. Do you know the price of a bottle of whisky these days?'

The doctor nodded.

'Do you ever get pains in the chest after exercise?'

'Never take exercise.'

'You should, you're overweight. You ought to go on a diet, keep off fried food and cut out sugar altogether.'

'Which reminds me, doctor. I reckon I need a good tonic'

Next Joseph was tapped below the knee to test his reflexes.

'The best tonic for you is to go for a walk after supper and do some exercises when you get up in the morning. A prescription isn't needed for that. Let's have a look at your throat. Say 'Ah.' He nodded. 'There is nothing wrong with you. All the same, I'll take a blood sample and I'd better have a specimen of your urine.'

The thought that he was giving things rather than receiving them upset Joseph. He hastily began inventing other symptoms of illness.

'But, doctor, I get this tired feeling...'

'No wonder.' The doctor patted Joseph's belly. 'You're carrying about with you the equivalent of a sack of potatoes.'

'Well, that's enough exercise, isn't it?'

'The wrong sort. Now you take my advice, and you'll be in excellent condition in no time.'

'Thank you, doctor.'

The waiting room was empty. His overcoat pocket was empty too. Joseph peered suspiciously round. On the chair opposite was the green coat belonging to that sharp-eyed female who'd first spotted the receipt on the floor. Had it been picked by her? He felt in the pockets. The

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green coat revealed nothing, but the handbag had been hidden under it. He opened it and swiftly searched among its contents. The owner of the handbag appeared quite suddenly and screamed.

'Help. Thief! Murder!'

Joseph, in panic, dropped the bag and fled.

Some time later he found the missing receipt in his jacket pocket. Even later he was visited by two policemen in plain clothes.

A. Questions.

1. What was Joseph doing at the surgery? 2. What did he complain of on this occasion? 3. What did the doctor tell Joseph to do? 4. What was the result of the doctor's examination? 5. What was the last piece of advice he gave Joseph? 6. Why, according to the doctor, did Joseph feel tired? 7. What happened after Joseph had left the surgery?

B. Study and practise the text.

C. Practice.

1. Make up short dialogues. Use the present or the past continuous with always.

(a)A: Mike doesn't interrupt much, does he?

B: Oh yes, he does. He's always interrupting!

(b)A: He didn't interrupt much, did he?

B: Oh yes, he did. He was always interrupting!

(a) He doesn 't... does he? (b) He didn 't... did he?

1. smoke much

2. ask for help often

3. talk about her

4. argue much

5. often forget your telephone number (Use my in the answer.)

6. use the phone often

7. change his job often

8. have accidents often

9. get into trouble often

10. boast often

11. break things often

12. let you down (Use me in the answer.)

13. grumble much

14. tell lies often

15. get into debt often

16. catch cold often

17. write to the newspapers

2. Which of these sentences can be completed with either used to or would? Which of them can only be completed withused to?

1. When Andrew was a small baby he ... cry a lot. 2. When I was little, I ... be afraid of the dark. 3. When we were children, we ... visit my grandmother every Sunday afternoon. 4. When Mrs Woods was young­er, she... play tennis every weekend. 5. Years ago I... have a motorbike.

6. There ... be quite a lot of cinemas in the town, but now there aren't any. 7. We ... live in a village in the North of England. 8. When Robert was younger, he ... go running every morning. 9. Whenever Arthur was angry, he ... walk out of the room.

3. From each pair of sentences make one sentence with as (time).

>- She opened the letter. I watched her. I watched her as she opened the letter.

1. We posed for the photograph. We smiled. We smiled... 2. He ex­ plained what I had to do. I listened carefully. I... 3. The two teams ran onto the pitch. The crowd cheered. The crowd... 4. She passed me in the street. She didn't look at me. 5. The man slipped. He was getting off the train. 6. She was taking the cakes out of the oven. She burnt herself.

7. The thief was seen. He was climbing over the wall.

4. Supply the correct forms of the verbs in brackets.

1. What are you doing? I... the car. (clean) I'm cleaning the car.

2. Where's your car? — It... at the moment. I'll collect it in an hour, (clean) 3.1 never find time to clean the car myself, so I... (clean). 4. Did you decorate the room yourselves? —No, we... (decorate). 5. We can't use the living room. It.... at the moment, (decorate) 6. You... They look quite worn, (must/repair your shoes) 7. My shoes ... It was an expensive job! (just repair) 8. The heel came off my shoe and I... it myself, (re­ pair) 9. 'I'd like this film...,' I said. 'Certainly,' the assistant said, (de­ velop and print) 10. 'Can I use the photocopier... this document?' I asked, (photocopy) 11. Who... the children's clothes in this house? — Who do'

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you think? I do! (mend) 12. What's happened to my report? — It... at the moment, (photocopy)

5. Make up statements according to the models.

1. I can't type the article now. There is something wrong with my typewriter.

2. —I'm tired.

— No wonder. You've been working hard.

Vocabulary of injury.

The following words are often confused.

Verb	Noun	Adjective
to hurt
to ache	an ache	—
—	a pain	painful
to injure	an injury	injured
to wound	a wound	wounded

People are wounded in wars or in a fight, and injured in an acci­dent. Both are more serious than hurt.

Ache as a noun is mainly found in the following compounds: back­ache, earache, headache, stomachache, toothache. For other parts of the body, we say a pain in my elbow, etc.

An ache is dull and continuous; a pain can be more extreme and more sudden.

When ache and hurt are used as verbs, it is more common to find them in the Present simple than the Present Continuous to describe pain now: My leg hurts.

6. Fill each gap with one of the words from the chart in the correct form.

1. The England football captain has... his ankle, and won't be playing in next week's international against Belgium. 2. The soldier had a bullet... in his thigh. 3.1 have a terrible... in my chest. 4. When I cough, it really ... 5. Two people died and ten were ... in a train crash yesterday. 6. I played tennis for the first time this year yesterday. Today my whole body ... 7. Two football fans were seriously ... in a knife attack by rival fans earlier today. Three men are helping police with their enquiries.

8. Please don't touch my ankle. It's too ... to move. 9. Doctor: I want to feel your bones. If it..., tell me and I'll stop.

7. Fill in the blanks as in the example.

New Cross Memorial is the busiest (busy) hospital in New York. It has ... (new) medical equipment and ... (fast) ambulances ... the city. Its waiting lists are ... (short)... other hospitals' and many people say that medical staff are ... (caring) ... America. Jane works in the children's ward. Her work is ... (hard)... some of her colleagues' because she is ... (qualify) nurse on the ward. Despite this, she thinks she has ... (good) job ... the hospital. Her hours are ... (bad) ... her friends' but the re­wards are ... (great)... .theirs.

Health Service In Great Britain

There is a state medical service in Britain called the National Health Service (NHS). Anyone can go and see a GP and this costs nothing. (The service is free for foreigners too in an emergency.) If the doctor thinks you need some medicine, he writes you a prescription, which you take to the chemist's. Most people have to pay a small charge for a prescription. Although medical treatment, including hospital treatment, costs NHS patients almost nothing, there are some problems: you often have to sit in crowded waiting rooms with a lot of ill people; doctors and nurses are overworked; people may have to wait for months for a minor operation because there aren't enough hospital beds. People who have serious illnesses, however, get immediate medical treatment.

Some people go to private doctors to get private treatment, though this is expensive.

Health service isn't paid for in the United States. There is no gov­ernment health service. People buy insurance, but it doesn't pay for everything. Hospital rooms can cost as much as two hundred dollars a day, and very often the patients have to buy their own necessities. Some­times they pay for their treatment for the rest of their lives.

A. Speak about health service in Great Britain.

B. 1. Do you pay to see a doctor in your country? 2. Would you like to be a doctor? Why? Why not? 3. Talk about interesting personal experi­ ences with doctors and hospitals.

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Dentists

In Britain, young people (under 21) and people on Social Security don't have to pay for dental treatment. Other people have to pay. But there is a maximum charge for treatment (in 1980 it was £8.00). This means if the dentist gives you one, two or three fillings, an injection, an X-ray and pulls out a tooth, you pay a little for each piece of treatment, but you don't have to pay more than the maximum charge. The government pays most of the cost of your treatment. There are also private dentists. People go to them if they want special treatment, like gold fillings or better quality false teeth. It is almost impossible for foreigners in Britain to find a den­tist who is willing to do work on their teeth on the National Health.

A. Speak about dental service in Great Britain.

B. 1. Why do people hate going to the dentist? 2. Do you pay a lot for dental treatment in your country?

C. Discussion.

Advantages and disadvantages of government and private health services.

'What Should I Do?

Ten years ago I used to be very fit. I cycled to work and I got a lot of exercise at the weekends. I used to play tennis a lot and go for long walks. In those days I didn't earn very much. I had a job in an office. It wasn't a very good job but I had a lot of time to do the things I enjoyed doing.

Then, about eight years ago, I got a much better job. The pay was better. But the hours were a lot longer, too. I bought a car and drove to work every day. I began to take people out to lunch. 'Expensive account' lunches. And I began to put on weight, too. I stopped playing tennis and going for long walks at the weekend because I just didn't have any time for things like that any more. There's a lot of stress in a job like mine. Perhaps that's why I started drinking more than I used to. For example, I used to have only a half a glass of whisky when I got home, then I started filling the glass to the top. Then I had another glass, and then another. I started smoking a lot, too. I never used to smoke at all.

Two months ago I had a heart attack. At first I just couldn't believe it. 'I'm too young,' I said. Luckily it wasn't very serious. I was in hospi­tal a few days and they did a lot of tests. The doctor advised me to stop smoking and to eat less. He told me to do a lot of other things, too. But

I don't see how I can do some of them and keep my job. For example, he advised me to work less, and get more exercise. But I just haven't any time! My job takes everything out of me! Sometimes I wonder if I should get another job. Perhaps I could do something like I used to do. But if I do that, I won't earn as much. I have a family to support. I have to think of them, too. I just don't know what I should do. What do you think?

A. Questions.

1. What are some of the things this man used to do but which he doesn't do any more? 2. What are some of the things he probably enjoyed doing at the weekend? 3. Do you think he enjoys life as much as he used to? Give reasons for your answer. 4. What are the things he does now but which he didn't use to do? 5. What has his job to do with these things? 6. Do you think he should stop doing some things and start doing oth­ers? What? Why?

Laura’s Story

Here's one person who really believes in keeping fit. Her name is Mrs Laura Taylor. She is 45 but looks at least 10 years younger. Let's listen to her story.

It all started about two years ago. In those days things were very different. I was overweight. I used to smoke a lot — about 30 cigarettes a day. I never got any exercise. I used to stay at home all day. I never went out into the fresh air, except to do the shopping. And even then I used to take the car. One day I looked at myself in the mirror. 'My God!' I thought. T look terrible!' I tried to touch my toes. I couldn't do it. I found an old dress. I couldn't put it on. It was too small. Or rather I was too fat!

The next day I tried to jog a little. At first it was terrible. I mean I just couldn't run. Not even a short distance. And at first people used to laugh at me. 'Why are you running? Are you in a hurry?' they shouted. But now I've completely changed the way I live. I've stopped eating meat and I've started eating far more fresh vegetables. My husband and daugh­ter have started that, too. At first they didn't like the new food. But they've changed. About six months ago I sold my car and bought a bike. Recently I've started doing yoga exercises.

My husband often goes cycling with me now and my daughter jogs with me in the evening. They've both lost weight and are much health­ier than they used to be, too.

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A. 1. Describe the way Laura Taylor used to live.

2. Describe what happened one day about two years ago.

3. Describe the things she and her family have started doing in the last two years.

B. Keeping fit.

Write down as many ways of getting and keeping fit as you can think of in five minutes, then tell them to the class. Say when, where or how often you can do these things. Your ideas can be serious or funny, as long as they keep you fit.

>* You can go to a keep-fit class once or twice a week. You can climb the Eiffel Tower once a year.

Bad Habits

Heart disease kills more than a million people in the world every year. In Britain alone 170,000 die from the disease annually. There are three main reasons for this: smoking, a bad diet, and not taking enough exer­cise. Many people travel to work by car, bus or train and then sit down at work all day! The food they eat is unhealthy and they eat too much. In a typical British dish of sausages, chips and beans there is too much salt and too much sugar — an important ingredient in tinned food — and there are not enough vegetables. And there is not enough fibre in most meals. There are too many deaths from heart disease. We can reduce that number, but we have to change our habits.

A. Are these statements true or false?

1.100,000 people in the world die annually from heart disease.

2. There is only one reason for heart disease.

3. Many people do not take enough exercise.

4. There isn't any sugar in tinned food.

5. Smoking can cause heart disease.

B. Speak about bad habits that make our life shorter.

С Fitness or fun?

Work in two teams. Have a class discussion. Team A argues that 'Fit­ness and good health are the most important things in life.' Team В argues that 'Fun and enjoyment are the most important things in life.'

D. Sum up the specific vocabulary on the topic 'Medical Matters.' Name a) the nouns b) the verbs c) the expressions.

'How to live to be 100 or more'

by George Burns

People keep asking me, 'George, you're 88, how do you do it? You make films, you do television, you give concerts, you record albums, smoke cigars, drink Martinis, go out with pretty girls — how do you do it?' It's simple. Today you don't have to worry about getting old; you have to worry about rusting. So I do exercises and walk a lot. Every morning I walk a mile and a half. My advice is to walk whenever you can. It's free; you feel better and look trim. If you want to live to be 100 or older, you can't just sit around waiting for it to happen. You have to get up and go after it. Here are my secrets for long life:

Think positive. Avoid worry, stress, and tension. Worry, stress, and tension are not only unpleasant but can shorten your life. My attitude is, if something is beyond your control, there's no point worrying about it. And if you can do something about it, then there's still nothing to worry about. I feel that way when the plane I'm on is bouncing around in tur­bulence. It's not my problem. The pilot gets a lot of money to fly that plane; let him worry about it.

Stay active. I know that for some people retirement works out fine. They enjoy it. I also know that for a great many others it presents lots of problems.

To me the biggest danger of retirement is what it can do to your attitude. When you have all that time on your hands, you think old, you act old. It's a mistake. I see people, who, the minute they get to be 65, start rehearsing to be old. They practise grunting when they get up, and by the time they get to be 70 they've made it — they're a hit — they are now old!

Not me. When you're around my age you've got to keep occupied. You've got to do something that will get you out of bed. I never made any money in bed. Yes, find something that will make you get out of bed like an interest, a hobby, a business, a pretty girl — there we are, back in bed again. At my age at least let me talk about it.

Challenge yourself. When my wife Gracie retired in 1958,1 could have retired too. Even today I don't have to do what I'm doing. I don't have to travel round giving concerts, making movies, doing television specials, recording country-music albums, being a sex symbol. I firmly believe that you should keep working as long as you can. And if you can't, try to find something that will interest you. Don't wait for it to

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happen; make it happen. Remember, you can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.

There's an old saying, 'Life begins at 40.' That's silly — life begins every morning when you wake up. Open your mind to it; don't just sit there — do things. Swim the English Channel; find a cure for the com­mon cold; be the first to go over the Niagara Falls in a rocking chair. You see, the possibilities are endless. The point is, with a good positive attitude and a little bit of luck, there's no reason you can't live to be 100. Once you've done that you've really got it made, because very few peo­ple die over 100.'

A. Study and practise the text.

B. Do you take care of your health? What is your daily routine? Do you want to live to be a hundred? What do you think one ought to do to live to be a hundred?

C. Work with a partner. Write a questionnaire with the title 'Have you got a healthy lifestyle?' Write at least ten questions which include some of the following phrases.

for breakfast/lunch how many... a day/week?

to/at school in the morning/afternoon

in the park to/in bed

by bicycle/bus at the weekend

watch television on foot

in summer/winter take exercise

What Should I Do?

Doctor Lennox is a radio doctor. She answers listeners' questions about their medical problems. Read their questions to her.

1. Hello, Doctor Lennox. Well, three days ago I fell over and cut my arm. There was a little blood, but it quickly stopped bleeding and I forgot about it. Now the wound is painful and red. It hurts when I touch it. I also think I may have a fever. I feel a little hot and quite weak. Do you think I should see my doctor?

2. Doctor Lennox, I am a 63-year-old woman. A few months ago, I was walking upstairs when I suddenly felt very faint and almost fell over. Now, whenever I do just a little exercise I get out of breath very quickly. Even when I'm sleeping, I have breathing problems. I wake up

in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I'm really worried, because I have never had insomnia in my life before. I don't have a pain in my chest, so I don't think I have heart problems. I'm very worried. What do you think?

3. For the last two days, Doctor Lennox, I have been feeling abso­lutely terrible. My whole body aches. I have a backache and all my muscles ache. I have a terrible headache too. But the worst thing is the vomiting. Food just won't stay in my stomach for more than a few min­utes. And the diarrhea — I'm in the bathroom every half an hour. I called my doctor and asked for a prescription for some medicine, but she said there wasn't much she could do for me. She said I should stay in bed and drink a lot of liquids. Is that right?

4. I hope you can understand me all right, doctor, but I can't talk very well because of my sore throat. I've had it a few months now. And a cough, too, even though I don't smoke. And I seem to be tired all the time, but I'm never so sick that I can't go to work. I've been to the doctor and had some tests, but they can't find anything wrong with me. What do you think I should do now?

A. Here are Doctor Lennox's answers. Match her answers to the questions.

1. You should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will arrange for you to have a complete series of tests. It's best to take care of these things right away.

2. You've probably got a minor infection. Sometimes they take a long time to go away. The important thing is to get plenty of rest. And maybe you should get an opinion from another doctor.

3. It sounds as if you have an infection. You'll have to see your doctor, who will probably write you a prescription for an an­tibiotic and some medicine to put on your skin as well.

4. You probably have the flu. It's very important that you drink a lot of liquids. You should feel better soon, but if it contin­ues much longer you should see your doctor.

B. What are the most common symptoms (signs) of flue? When were you ill last? What was wrong with you? What did you do?

С Situation.

You are a radio doctor. At the moment you're answering listeners' ques­tions about their medical problems.

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Conversation Practice

Listen, read and practise.

Making an Appointment

Nurse: Doctor Kowalski's office.

Sheila: Hi. My name's Sheila Berger. I'd like an appointment with

the doctor as soon as possible.

Nurse: Have you been in before?

Sheila: No, I haven't.

Nurse: Okay, you're a new patient then.

Sheila: Well, yes, but I don't live here. I'm passing through the town.

Nurse: I see. And what's the matter?

Sheila: I'm dizzy and I have pretty bad diarrhea.

Nurse: Hmmm. Can you come in this afternoon at 3:00?

Sheila: Oh — huh, that'd be fine.

Nurse: And since you're not a resident ofEvanston, I'll have to ask

you to pay the $ 55 for the office call today.

Sheila: That's fine. See you at three.

A. Questions.

1. When does Sheila want to see the doctor? 2. Is she a new patient? Why do you think so? 3. What is the matter with her? 4. When does the nurse want her to come in? 5. How much will the office call cost? 6. Is Sheila a resident of the town that Dr Kowalski's office is in? 7. What's the name of the town? 8. When will Sheila pay the bill? Why?

B. Roleplay the conversation.

Can I Help You

Cheevers is phoning her doctor.

Clinic: Hello. Parkway Health Clinic. Can I help you?

Mrs Cheevers: Yes, this is Mrs Cheevers. I'd like to make an ap­pointment to see Dr Fox.

Clinic: Certainly. When would you like to come?

Mrs Cheevers: Well, I'm free on Monday...

Clinic: I'm afraid Dr Fox won't be here next week. He's

on holiday.

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, well. I'll be in London tomorrow. Can he see me then?

Clinic: Yes, he's here tomorrow. And he's free at 12 p.m.

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, dear. I'm meeting a friend for lunch at 12.30. Isn't he free in the afternoon?

Clinic: I'm afraid not. Dr Fox is very busy at the moment.

He won't be able to see you unless you come at 12.

Mrs Cheevers: Well, all right. I'll change my lunch appointment. Twelve o'clock tomorrow.

Clinic: That's right, Mrs Cheevers.

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, just a minute. Did you receive my last pay­ment? I didn't get a receipt.

Clinic: Oh, hold on a minute, Mrs Cheevers. I'll just look

in our files.

A. Questions.

1. When does Mrs Cheevers want to see Dr Fox? 2. Will she be able to see Dr Fox on Monday? Why not? 3. Why doesn't 12 o'clock suit Mrs Cheevers? 4. When can Dr Fox see Mrs Cheevers? 5. What will Mrs Cheevers have to do?

B. Report the conversation.

С Roleplay the conversation.

D. Situation.

You seem to have caught flu. You are phoning the clinic and making an appointment with the doctor.

What a Releif

Dr Fox is examining Mrs Cheevers.

Dr Fox: Hello, Mrs Cheevers. How can I help you?

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, Dr Fox. I think it's my heart. I've got pains in

my chest. Dr Fox: I see. Let me have a look then. Now, where does it

hurt exactly? Mrs Cheevers: Just here. And it hurts in my back, too. Dr Fox: Mm. Is it hurting now?

Mrs Cheevers: Not now. No.

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Dr Fox: What about when you are doing some exercise?

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, well. I don't really do much exercise. Not now. Dr Fox: Well, I don't think it's your heart. You're still working

for that shoe company, aren't you? Sales manager? Mrs Cheevers: Yes, that's right. So you don't think it's my heart? Dr Fox: No, no... do you still smoke as much?

Mrs Cheevers: Oh, you know... Dr Fox: How many?

Mrs Cheevers: A few. Forty a day. In fact I've still got a sore throat

from... Dr Fox: Well, I'll take an X-ray of your lungs, but I don't

think there's anything wrong. You must cut down

on your smoking. Alcohol? Mrs Cheevers: I beg your pardon? Dr Fox: How much do you drink?

Mrs Cheevers: Well, a bit. If I go out I'll have a few drinks. Some­times a bottle of wine with dinner, a sherry or two

in the evening. Dr Fox: Well, I think the ache is actually in your stomach,

Mrs Cheevers. It's probably just indigestion. Mrs Cheevers: Oh, what a relief! Dr Fox: But you must relax, don't work too hard. And do

watch your drinking and smoking. Now, make an

appointment with the hospital for an X-ray. I'll give

you a card.

A. Questions.

1. What does Mrs Cheevers complain of? 2. What questions does the doctor ask her? 3. What does Mrs Cheevers answer? 4. What does the doctor advise her to do?

B. Report the conversation. С Roleplay the conversation. D. Role play.

Role A: You have a very difficult job. You smoke and drink a lot.

You don't get any exercise. You are worried about your

health. You go to a doctor for advice. Role B: You are a doctor. Find out how much A smokes and drinks

and how much exercise he/she gets. Then give some advice.

E. When were you at the doctor's? What was wrong with you? Did the doctor give you any useful advice?

At the Doctor's

Doctor: I see you last came to see me two years ago.

Mr Smith: Yes, doctor. You gave me a general check-up then.

Doctor: And what's wrong with you at the moment?

Mr Smith: Well, my throat hurts and I've had a terrible headache since last night.

Doctor: Have you got a temperature?

Mr Smith: I took my temperature this morning. It was 38.2.

Doctor: That's not very much.

Mr Smith: So much the better. If it was 39 I'd be in bed now.

Doctor: Are you coughing much?

Mr Smith: A little bit.

Doctor: All right. I'll examine you now. (The doctor examines the patient)

Doctor: Now take a deep breath please. Let it out. And now cough. And now cough again, please. Well, don't wor­ry, it's only a throat infection. There's nothing wrong with your lungs. I'll prescribe some pills which you should take in the morning and evening. I'll also pre­scribe some syrup, 2 spoonfuls a day will be sufficient.

Mr Smith: Is that all doctor?

Doctor: Oh yes, I won't give you any antibiotics, as you haven't got bronchitis. You'll see that with the prescription I've given you, you'll feel better in a few days. Don't forget your prescription.

Mr Smith: Thank you, doctor.

Doctor: Goodbye. You'll feel better soon.

Mr Smith: Goodbye, doctor.

A. Questions.

1. When did Mr Smith last visit his doctor? 2. Did Mr Smith have an operation the last time he visited the doctor? 3. What's wrong with Mr Smith? 4. How long has he had a headache? 5. Has he got a high tem­perature? 6. Has he been coughing a lot? 7. Has Mr Smith got bronchi­tis? 8. What medicine does the doctor prescribe? 9. When should he take the pills? 10. Did Mr Smith almost forget anything?

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В. Study the reported version of the conversation.

Mr Smith has an appointment with his doctor. The doctor tells him it has been two years since he came for a general check-up. Today, he ex­plains to the doctor that he has a sore throat and a headache and that he is coughing a bit. The doctor asks him if he has taken his temperature. Mr Smith tells him he has, and that it was 38.2 this morning. After the examination the doctor reassures him and tells him there is nothing wrong with his lungs, and he prescribes some medicine which Mr Smith should take. He says he will not give him any antibiotics as he has not got bronchitis, and with the pills and the syrup he should be better in a few days. As Mr Smith leaves, the doctor tells him not to forget his prescrip­tion and says he hopes Mr Smith will feel better soon.

C. Report the conversation, in the past.

D. Roleplay the conversation. Make a similar conversation.

At the Doctor’s Surgery

Mr Pale hasn 't been feeling very well lately. He has just waited forty-five minutes to see the doctor and now he is with the doctor in his surgery.

Doctor: Good evening. Sit down. Yes? What's wrong?

Mr Pale: Doctor, I haven't been feeling well for the last few weeks.

Doctor: And what exactly is the matter?

Mr Pale: Well, I've got a slight headache.

Doctor: Anything else?

Mr Pale: In the mornings I sometimes have a pain in my chest.

Doctor: Uh-huh. Any other problems?

Mr Pale: Sometimes my back hurts.

Doctor: I see. OK. Well, I'm just going to examine you... open

your mouth... say 'ah'.

Mr Pale: Ah!

Doctor: Right. Have you been worrying much recently?

Mr Pale: Perhaps a little bit, yes.

Doctor: Mmm. Have you been sleeping all right?

Mr Pale: No, actually doctor, I haven't.

Doctor: What about your appetite? Have you been eating properly?

Mr Pale: Yes, I think so.

Doctor: So you haven't lost any weight recently?

Mr Pale: No, I don't think so.

Doctor: What do you do?

Mr Pale: I'm a teacher.

Doctor: And are you happy in your work?

Mr Pale: Well, not really, doctor.

Doctor: Look. Here's a prescription.

Mr Pale: Thank you.

Doctor: Take one of these before you go to bed each night. Try to

stop worrying and come and see me in two weeks.

Mr Pale: Thank you, doctor. Goodbye.

Doctor: Goodbye.

A. Ask and answer questions on the text.

B. Report the conversation.

C. Roleplay the conversation.

D. Imagine you have a medical problem, answer the doctor's questions.

What's the Trouble?

Mr Williams: Good morning, doctor.

Doctor: Hello, Mr Williams. Take a seat. What seems to be

the trouble?

Mr Williams: I'm not sure, doctor. But I haven't been feeling too well. I think I must have a touch of flu.

Doctor: Mm. There's a lot of it going round at the moment.

What are the symptoms?

Mr Williams: I'm feeling very tired, and I'm aching all over. I've been sneezing a lot, and feeling pretty feverish, hot and cold all the time. Oh, and I've got a sore throat.

Doctor: Any vomiting?

Mr Williams: No, but I don't feel very hungry. I've got no appetite at all.

Doctor: Well, let's have a look at you. Open your mouth.

'Aah'. Yes, your throat's a bit inflamed; and the glands in your neck are swollen. Can you just unbut­ton your shirt? I want to listen to your chest. Breathe deeply. Right. I'll just take your temperature. Don't say anything for a minute, just keep the thermometer under your tongue. I'll write out a prescription for

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you, but you know the best thing is just to go home, go to bed, and take plenty of fluids.

A. Ask and answer questions on the text.

B. Report the conversation.

C. Roleplay the conversation.

D. Situation: You haven't been feeling well lately. At the moment you are being examined by the doctor.

What's the РrоЫет?

Doctor: Come in. Do sit down. Now, what's the problem? Woman: I just can't sleep at night any more. I don't know what to

do. I feel so tired all the time. Doctor: Do you take any exercise during the day? Woman: No, not really. Doctor: Well, the first thing you should try to do is to take some sort of

exercise during the day. Maybe walk for twenty minutes or so. Woman: Mmm. I see. Doctor: Then you should try to relax before you go to bed. Make a

hot drink, watch television, have a bath and then go to bed. Woman: I usually have a cup of tea before I go to bed. Is that all right? Doctor: No, you really oughtn't to drink tea or coffee late at night.

They both contain caffeine and it keeps you awake. Woman: I see. What about sleeping pills? Doctor: Well, I really don't think you need to try sleeping pills yet...

A. Study and practise the conversation.

B. Situation.

You're at the doctor's. The doctor is giving you some pieces of advice.

C. Ask students to work in pairs and give a suitable piece of advice for someone who:

wants to make a perfect omelette;

is planning to drive his/her car in snowy conditions;

is going for a job interview;

wants to come to your country to work;

wants to take care of his/her teeth;

wants to start a garden.

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Focus on phrasal verbs.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Doc = Doctor

RB = Mr Rich Brown T = Ms Teresa Green

LW = Mrs Lily White IR = Mr Ivor Rose

1.

Doc: Hello, Mr Brown. And how are you?

RB: Well, I haven't been feeling very well recently. I get out of breath very easily when I climb stairs or walk short distanc­es, and last week I started getting pains in my chest.

Doc: Mm, I see. Do you smoke?

RB: Yes, I get through about 30 cigarettes a day

Doc: That's rather a lot. Have you tried giving up?

RB: I have, doctor, but I can't break the habit.

Doc: Well, I think you should at least try to cut down on the amount you smoke. What about your eating habits? Have youput on any weight recently?

RB: Yes. I'm a little overweight at the moment. You see, I eat in cafes most of the time and I tend to drive everywhere be­cause of my job. I sell sports equipment.

Doc: Well, it sounds as if you're out of condition. I think you need to take some regular exercise.

RB: What, you mean take up jogging?

Doc: Well, jogging or something like that, but the most important thing is, I think you need to lose some weight, so I want you to go on a diet.

RB: Go on a diet?

Doc: Yes, it's particularly important that you cut out fatty foods. What about alcohol? How much do you drink?

RB: About two or three pints of beer in the evenings.

Doc: I think you need to cut out drinking completely for the next few months.

RB: That's easier said than done, doctor.

Doc: I agree, but if you don't change your lifestyle, you could be in trouble...

2.

Doc: Hello, Teresa. And what seems to be the problem?

T: Well, I'm not feeling very well at the moment. I'm preparing

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for exams and I've been staying up late at night studying. This morning I got out of bed very early to do some more work, and I passed out. My flatmate found me on the floor. I came round after a few seconds.

Doc: Mm. Have you had any other symptoms?

T: Well, I have been feeling a bit off colour and sometimes I get splitting headaches. What do you think is wrong with me?

Doc: Well, it sounds as if you've been burning the candle at both ends. You've probably been overdoing it and you're over­tired. I don't think it's anything to worry about, but I think you should take it easy for a while and try to get enough sleep.

T: Yes. I haven't been getting much sleep lately.

Doc: 1 '11 give you something to help you relax in the evenings. And just try to have a few early nights.

T: Thank you, doctor.

3.

Doc: Hello, it's Mrs White, isn't it?

LW: That's right, doctor.

Doc: What can I do for you?

LW: Oh dear. I'm always tired, doctor — I'm absolutely worn out

at the end of the day. Doc: Are you eating regular meals? LW: Well, I don't really have time to eat — I'm too busy with the

children. And we don't have much money for food because

my husband's out of work. Doc: It sounds to me as if you're a bit run down. I'll write out a

prescription for some extra iron and vitamins, and I'd like

you to come back in a couple of weeks so I can see how

you're getting on. LW: Thank you, doctor.

4.

Doc: Hello, Mr Rose. How are you feeling?

IR: I feel a bit under the weather. I've got a headache and I ache

all over. Doc: Mm. You've probably picked something up. Let me see.

Yes, you're running a temperature. I think you're going down

with flu. IR: How long will it take me to get over it? You see, I need to get

back to work as soon as possible.

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Doc: About four or five days. I'll write out a prescription for some pain killers for you. Take these tablets three times a day after meals. Meanwhile, my advice is to go to bed with a hot water bottle aud drink lots of fluids. After a few days you should feel as right as rain.

A. Listen to the four patients talking to the doctor. Make notes about each of them under the headings below.

Patient	Symptoms	Diagnosis	Treatment
1. Mr Rich Brown 2 Ms Teresa Green 3 Mrs Lily White 4 Mr Ivor Rose

В. Practice,

1. Listen to the sentences with the multi-word verbs in A. Match the verbs in A with the definitions in B.

1. How long will it take me to get over it? 2.1 think you're going down with flu. 3.1 get through about 30 cigarettes a day.

4. You've probably picked something up.

5. It's particularly important that you cut out fatty foods.

6. Have you put on any weight recently?

7. What, you mean take up jogging?

8.1 think you should try to cut down on the amount you smoke. 9.1 passed out. My flatmate found me on the floor. 10.1 came round after a few seconds.

A В

1. to get over something a. to increase in weight or size

2. to come/go down with something b. to recover from an illness, shock,

or surprise

3. to get through an amount с to develop the symptoms of an of something illness or disease

4. to pick something up d. to use a quantity of something

such as food or money

5. to cut something out e. to reduce something, to consume

less of something

6.to put on an amount of something f. to develop an interest in some-

thing as a hobby or profession

7. to take something up g. to recover consciousness

8. to cut down (on) (something) h.to stop doing/using something

9. to pass out i. to catch an illness

10. to come round j. to faint, to lose consciousness for

a short time because of lack of food or air, or because of shock

2. Listen to the sentences. Then say the sentences again, using the multi­ word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you.

1. Achoo! Oh dear. I think I'm starting to catch a cold. {come down with).

Achoo! Oh dear. I think I'm coming down with a cold.

2. I think I caught my cold from Jim. (pick up)

3. It took me a week to recover from my last cold. (get over)

4. I really must reduce the amount I smoke. (cut down on)

5. I smoke 20 cigarettes a day. (get through)

6. My weight has increased recently. (put on)

1. I must stop eating chips. (cut out)

8. I've started playing golf as a hobby. (take up)

9. I think I'm going to faint. (pass out)

10.1 recovered consciousness a few seconds later. (come round)

3. Translate into English.

1. Я поправилась. Я должна отказаться от сладкого и жирного.

2. Мой отец начал заниматься спортом, когда ему было уже за 40.

3. Он заболел гриппом. 4. Когда произошла утечка газа, несколько человек упало в обморок, но вскоре они пришли в себя. 5. Мне необходимо сократить потребление соли. 6. В прошлом месяце я подхватила грипп. 7. Он болел пневмонией-, но сейчас уже попра­вился. 8. Как жаль, что он бросил музыку.