ALLERGIES 1.

Although medical experts might not always agree on the root causes of allergies or on the reason why one person has a tendency towards allergic reactions while another doesn t! one thing they do agree on is the steady rise in allergies o"er recent years. As a life#long hay#fe"er sufferer I ha"e noticed that these days there are a selection of o"er#the#counter remedies that were una"aila$le when I was growing up. Supply is meeting demand. And demand is clearly growing. Some theories as to why our defence mechanisms are letting us down are outlined $elow. %. A &uic' rummage under the 'itchen sin' will pro$a$ly confirm our o$session with cleanliness. (owe"er) researchers $elie"e that a certain le"el of dirt is good. (ow can our children de"elop their immune systems if they aren t exposed to any germs* In an article in +ew Scientist in ,uly 1--.) Garry (amilton wrote a$out /the gentle side of germs0 and warned that $eing o"er#clean could result in an increase in allergies. 1. .. Another way in which we are pre"enting our immune systems from de"eloping is $y o"er# "accinating our children. 2hildhood diseases that were commonplace are now $eing eradicated. 3any $elie"e that we should reser"e "accines for serious illnesses and should allow children to fall prey to the milder ones. 4his would help to strengthen their immune systems so that they will $e $etter a$le to cope with threats later in life. 5. . 6ecause of changes in lifestyles people are eating more and more processed food. 7ree8er# to# microwa"e ready#made meals dominate supermar'et shel"es. 4his food is hea"y on calorie content $ut lac'ing in the "alua$le nutrients that our $odies need. 9ur immune systems need a $alanced diet) rich in "itamins and minerals and fresh fruit and "egeta$les. Sadly) the soils that our plants are grown in are losing their mineral content too so the few "egeta$les that do find their way into our diet are not as nutritious as they once were. :. . 4he pace at which we lead our li"es is speeding up and resulting in higher le"els of stress. ;or'#life $alance is usually hea"ily weighted on the wor' side. Rest) fresh air and exercise are $eing sacrificed to pressures of o"ertime and longer wor'ing days. <oung people feel under pressure to achie"e high powered =o$s and material goods. 3ost doctors agree that stress is one of the main causes of allergies so it is hardly surprising that the figures of sufferers are rising so dramatically. >.. So) if you ha"e $ecome allergy sufferer what should you do* 7irst of all go to see your G? and as' for an allergy test so that they can determine what it is you are allergic to. 4hen try a"oiding the cause of the allergy. If that doesn t wor') try some remedies or go one step further and change some aspects of your %1st 2entury lifestyle.

Select the most appropriate heading for each paragraph .

Human Body One of the first things you need to know when working in English is the parts of the body. You will need to learn the names of the internal (inside the skin) and external body parts. You will also need to learn the words for the functions of each of these body parts. Here are the basics to get you started. Head Inside the head is the brain, which is responsible for thinking. he top of a person!s scalp is co"ered with hair. #eneath the hairline at the front of the face is the forehead. $nderneath the forehead are the eyes for seeing% the nose for smelling% and the mouth for eating. On the outside of the mouth are the lips% and on the inside of the mouth are the teeth for biting and thetongue for tasting. &ood is swallowed down the throat. 't the sides of the face are the cheeks and at the sides of the head are the ears for hearing. 't the bottom of a person!s face is the chin. he jaw is located on the inside of the cheeks and chin. he neck is what attaches the head to the upper body. Upper Body 't the top and front of the upper body% (ust below the neck is the collar bone. On the front side of the upper body is the chest% which in women includes the breasts. #abies suck on the nipples of their mother!s breasts. #eneath the rib cage are the stomach and the waist. he navel% more commonly referred to as the belly button% is located here as well. On the inside of the upper body are the heart for pumping blood and the lungs for breathing. he rear side of the upper body is called the back% inside which the spine connects the upper body to the lower body. Upper Limbs (arms) he arms are attached to the shoulders. #eneath this area is called the armpit or underarm. he upper arms ha"e the muscles known as triceps and biceps. he (oint halfway down the arm is called the elbow. #etween the elbow and the next (oint% the wrist% is the forearm. #elow the wrist is the hand with four fingers and one thumb. #eside the thumb is the index finger. #eside the index finger is the middle finger% followed by the ring finger and the little finger. 't the ends of the fingers are fingernails. Lower Body #elow the waist% on left and right% are the hips. #etween the hips are the reproducti"e organs% the penis (male) or the vagina (female). 't the back of the lower body are the buttocks for sitting on. hey are also commonly referred to as the rear end or the bum (especially with children). he internal organs in the lower body include the intestines for digesting food% the bladder for holding li)uid waste% as well as the liver and the kidneys. his area also contains the woman!s uterus% which holds a baby when a woman is pregnant. Lower Limbs (legs) he top of the leg is called the thigh% and the (oint in the middle of the leg is the knee. he front of the lower leg is the shin and the back of the lower leg is the calf. he ankle connects the foot to the leg. Each foot has fi"e toes. he smallest toe is often called the little toe while the large one is called the big toe. 't the ends of the toes are toenails.

collar bone* cla"icula rib cage * cutie toracica na"el* buric% ombilic% cordon ombilical shin* tibie calf* gamba gau+e* tifon dressing* pansament hypodermic needle* ac pentru seringa test tube* eprubeta "ial* fiola% flacon% sticluta

Medical Supplies and Tools

antiseptic bandage bandage scissors blood pressure monitor dressing elastic tape eye chart forceps li&uid used to sterili8e @cleanA the surface of the s'in a cloth co"ering that is placed o"er a wound to pre"ent $leeding) swelling and infection tool used to cut $andages a tool that measures the force of $lood flow through a personBs $ody protecti"e co"ering that is placed o"er a wound a thin roll of stretchy material that is stic'y on one side a poster of letter) word) and num$er com$inations of "arious si8es used to test a personBs eyesight instrument used during operations and medical procedures @assists the doctor in pulling) holding) and retrie"ingA thin) netted material used for dressing wounds sharp pointed metal piece that pric's the s'in @attached to a syringeA) used for ta'ing $lood or

gauze hypodermic needle

administering medicine IV bag medicine cup microscope otoscope oxygen mask privacy screen scales stethoscope syringe table and headrest paper test tube thermometer vial the pouch that contains li&uids to $e pumped into a patientBs $ody small plastic measuring cup e&uipment that ma'es small things appear larger than they are a de"ice used for loo'ing into a patientBs ears e&uipment that fits o"er the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen an o$=ect that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in an open room a de"ice that measures a personBs weight e&uipment for listening to a personBs heart and lungs a cylinder#shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can $e filled with li&uid paper that is placed on an examining ta$le or head# rest to pre"ent the spread of germs glass cylinder that is filled with $lood or other li&uids and can $e capped and placed in a storage area an instrument used to chec' a personBs $ody temperature a small $ottle or container used for storing li&uids

Matching Exercise 3atch the comments with the supplies that are neededC I can!t catch my breath" # % $repare the examining table for the next patient" &e!ll have to get a blood sample" a table and head-rest paper $ thermometer c oxygen mask

' )

I need to sterilize the (ound" &e!ll have to feed him (ith li*uids"

d hypodermic needle e bandage scissors f scales g eye chart h antiseptic i IV bag = privacy screen

+ ,et!s find out your (eight" I need to examine the patient in private"

. ,et!s check your vision" / 0 ,et!s see if you are running a fever" 1an you cut this gauze for me2

Medical Specialists
3edical specialists are experts in certain fields of medicine. 4hey either treat specific parts of the $ody) such as the $ac' or the $rain) or they speciali8e in certain diseases) such as cancer. 7amily doctors 'eep a list of local specialists and can help patients choose the right specialist for each medical issue. In many cases specialists re&uire a referral from a family doctor $efore they will see a patient. (ere is a list of the most common types of specialists. allergistC anesthesiologistC cardiologistC chiropractorC dentistC dermatologistC fertility specialistC gynecologistC massage therapistC mid(ifeC naturopathC speciali8es in determining food and en"ironmental allergies speciali8es in pain pre"ention during surgery heart specialist $ac' specialist tooth specialist s'in specialist helps people who ha"e difficulty getting pregnant speciali8es in womenBs needs speciali8es in muscle relaxation helps women deli"er $a$ies in a natural way speciali8es in natural cures and remedies

neurologistC obstetricianC occupational therapistC oncologistC ophthalmologistC pediatricianC physical therapistC podiatristC psychiatristC radiologistC

$rain specialist specialist for pregnant women speciali8es in wor'place health tumour specialist) including cancer speciali8es in eye diseases specialist for $a$ies and children speciali8es in the $odyBs mo"ement foot specialist specialist in mental health speciali8es in imaging tests

3octor!s 3iagnosis
$hysician

<our test results ha"e come in. IBm afraid the prognosis isnBt good. <ou ha"e a long road to reco"ery. ;e ha"e se"eral options to discuss. 4he $lood test came $ac' negati"e. 4he transfusion was a success. It loo's li'e youBre ready to go home. IBd li'e to 'eep you here o"er night. ;eBll 'now more in a few days. <ouBre not in the clear yet. ;eB"e ruled out dia$etes. IBm hoping to get to the $ottom of this soon.

$atient

I donBt understand what this means. Am I going to need surgery* Is it good news or $ad* ;hen will the tests results come in* (ow long do I ha"e to stay in the hospital* ;hat is the success rate* Are they going to run more tests* Is this a common pro$lem for people my age* IBd li'e to discuss other options. IBm going to get a second opinion.

Sample Conversation
3octor4 (i ,essica. (ow are you feeling today* $atient4 A $it $etter. 3octor4 4hatBs good to hear. Are you still feeling nauseous* $atient4 +o) I ha"enBt felt sic' to my stomach since you switched my medication.

3octor4 Great. Say) your test results came in this morning. $atient4 ItBs a$out time. Is it good news or $ad* 3octor4 I guess itBs a $it of $oth. ;hich do you want first* $atient4 LetBs get the $ad news o"er with. 9'ay. It loo's li'e youBre going to need surgery to remo"e the tumour from your leg. After the operation youBre going to ha"e 3octor4 to stay off your feet for at least three wee's. 4hat means no soccer. $atient4 I was afraid you were going to say that. +ow for the good news. 4he $iopsy shows that the tumour is 3octor4 $enign) which means itBs not cancerous. ;eBre going to ta'e it out anyway =ust to $e on the safe side. $atient4 ;ow) thatBs a load off my mind. 4han's Doctor. 3octor4 DonBt get too excited. ;e still need to get to the $ottom of all of this weight loss.

$atient4 IB"e pro$a$ly =ust $een so worried a$out this stupid lump. 3octor4 4hese things often are stress related) $ut weBre still going to do a few $lood tests =ust to rule a few things out.

$atient4 4hings li'e what* 2ancer* 3octor4 Actually) IBm thin'ing more along the lines of a food allergy.

Visiting 5ours
?art of $eing a nurse) in"ol"es dealing with the people who are close to your patients. ;hen a patient is staying in a hospital or other health facility) it is often necessary to welcome) monitor) and inform "isitors on a daily $asis. In many cases you may form stronger relationships with the patientsB "isitors than the patients themsel"es. Depending on the condition of the patient) certain lo"ed ones will $e allowed to "isit) while others will not. It is a difficult time for people who ha"e lo"ed ones in the hospital. Showing them compassion and explaining the rules is much easier if you ha"e the necessary English s'ills. Study the different people that may come to "isit the patient. 4hen read some typical concerns and &uestions that "isitors may ha"e) and some appropriate responses that you may $e a$le to gi"e them.

Immediate family
3other and 7ather @patientBs parentsA (us$and or ;ife @the man or woman the patient is married toA Son and Daughter @children of the patient) $oy and girlA 6rother and SisterEsi$lings @other children of the patientBs parentsA

Extended family
Grandmother and Grandfather @mother and father of patientBs parentsA Aunt and Fncle @$rother and sister of patientBs parentsA +iece and +ephew @girl and $oy child of patientBs si$lingsA 2ousins @children of patientBs aunt or uncleA

6riends and other loved ones

6est friend @patientBs closest friendA Room#mate @a person the patient li"es withA +eigh$our @a friend who li"es near the patientA 2o#wor'er @a person who wor's with the patientA 6oyfriend or Girlfriend @the man or woman the patient lo"esEdatesA 7iancG @the man or woman the patient is engaged to marryA

Questions and Concerns of Loved Ones

;eBre 3ichaelBs grandparents. 2ould you tell me which room 3rs Smythe is in* Is my child going to $e o'ay* ;hen can we spea' with the doctor* ;hat time are "isiting hours* IBm trying to locate my sister. (I'm trying to find my sister's room.) Is there anything you can do to ma'e him more comforta$le. 3y child would li'e something to drin'.

Is there somewhere I can lie down for a while. 2ould you tell me where the chapel is* ?lease tell her to get well soon.

Questions and Responses from Nurses

;hat is your relation to ,essica* <ouBll ha"e to come $ac' during "isiting hours. 3s Lee is too tired for "isitors. Room H is down the hall to your right. IBll gi"e you two some pri"acy now. Does your daughter need anything* IBm afraid sheBs not ha"ing a "ery good day today. ;e do the $est we can around here. 4hereBs a &uiet room for families down the hall. 4he doctor would li'e to ha"e a word with you. (The doctor wants to speak to yo .) SheBs doing much $etter this morning. (eBs in isolation $ecause of the transplant. ;e had to transfer your mother#in#law to the I2F. ItBs in your $rotherBs $est interest.

Sample Conversation
7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 IBm afraid "isiting hours are o"er) sir 3y wifeBs in room 16. Sorry) youBll ha"e to come $ac' in the morning. And lea"e her all alone o"ernight* IBm afraid thatBs the policy) sir. Surely you can ma'e an exception* ;hat if she needs me in the night* DonBt worry) weBll loo' after her. ;hat she really needs is her rest. Some of her friends want to see her too. ;hen can they come* Iisiting hours are from - to 11 in the morning and 5 to H in the e"ening) $ut IBm afraid while your wife is on $edrest the doctor has re&uested that only immediate family mem$ers come in to see her. 2anBt her friends e"en stop $y to $ring her flowers* 7lowers are not permitted in this ward. ;e =ust canBt ris' any

germs that might come in with them. Visitor 4 7urse4 Visitor 4 7urse4 ;ell) I guess itBs all in her $est interest. 4han's for understanding. +ow) IBm going to $ring your wife her dinner. ;hy donBt you head home and get something to eat yourself* 9'ay. I really hate to lea"e her) $ut thatBs pro$a$ly a good idea. SheBs in good hands here. IBll tell her you were here and that youBll see her in the morning.

8ooking a 3octor!s 9ppointment

$atient

I need to ma'e an appointment. I need to see the doctor. ;hen is the doctor free* I need to renew my prescription. Do you thin' the doctor could s&uee8e us in today* I need to ma'e an appointment for my hus$and. 3y child needs to come in for a chec'#up. 4he doctor wants to see me again in two wee'Bs time.

:eceptionist

;hat is your chart num$er* ;hat is the appointment regarding* ;hich dayEwhat time is good for you* Is ,anuary the 1rd o'ay with you* (ow does four oBcloc' sound* ;eBll see you then. IBm sorry the doctor is not ta'ing new patients. ;eBll call you if there are any cancellations. ;eBre running an hour $ehind schedule. Dr ,ones is away. <ouBll $e seeing Dr Lindsay.

Sample Conversation
:eceptionist4 DoctorBs office. ,ane spea'ing. (ow can I help you* 1aller4 I need to ma'e an appointment with Dr. (arris.

:eceptionist4 Do you 'now your chart num$er* 1aller4 +o) sorry. ItBs at home and IBm at wor' right now.

:eceptionist4 +o pro$lem. ;hatBs your name) please* 1aller4 :eceptionist4 1aller4 :eceptionist4 1aller4 :eceptionist4 1aller4 :eceptionist4 1aller4 :eceptionist4 1aller4 George 3ason. 9'ay 3r 3ason. (old one moment while I gra$ your chart) please. Sure. 4han's for waiting. +ow) what do you need to see the doctor a$out* ;ell) IB"e $een fighting a cold for more than a wee') and I thin' I might ha"e a chest infection or something. 3y cough is getting worse each day. (mm. Doctor (arris is off tomorrow. Do you thin' it can wait until ;ednesday* 9h) I was really hoping to get in today or tomorrow in case I need some anti$iotics. 3ay$e IBll ha"e to go to the wal'#in#clinic instead. Actually) we had a cancellation for %CJJpm today if you can get away from the office. Gee) itBs almost 1CJJpm already. I thin' I can ma'e it if I lea"e right now. ;eBre running a $it $ehind schedule) so you can pro$a$ly count on seeing the doctor around %C1J. 4hatBs great. 4han's for fitting me in.

:eceptionist4 +o pro$lem) 3r. 3ason. ;eBll see you in an hour or so.