13. Health:
diet, exercise, state health system, private healthcare, alternative medicine, stress
 
 
Diet--
 
The human body requires a balanced diet.
An unhealthy diet can cause various health problems.
Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are on the increase.
Many people nowadays rely on fast food or pre-prepared meals.
These foods often contain too much fat, salt and sugar.
They are cheap to buy and very easy to prepare.
Many young people have grown up on a diet of convenience foods.
Populations in developed countries are increasingly overweight.
 
Exercise--
 
Regular exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy body.
Exercise burns calories and helps to build healthy bones and muscles.
Doctors advise exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes.
Most people nowadays lead a sedentary lifestyle.
We tend to walk less and do desk jobs.
Most adults relax by watching television.
Children play video games rather than doing outdoor sports.
In the past, people were more active in their jobs and at home.
 
Government's Role--
 
Governments have a significant role to play in reducing obesity.
More and more people, including young children, are seriously overweight.
They are at risk of heart disease and diabetes.
This situation will increase the burden of hospitals and taxpayers.
Hospitals rely on the government for money and resources.
Governments should promote a healthy diet and regular exercise.
They should promote a healthy diet and regular exercise.
There should be more time for sports on school timetables.
Unhealthy junk food should be banned from school menus.
People need information about what foods contain.
Food packaging must show the food's nutritional content.
 
 
State Health Systems: Advantages
 
Good healthcare should be available to everyone for free.
State healthcare is paid by the government using money from taxes.
Everyone has access to the same quality of healthcare and treatment.
Private healthcare is unfair because only wealthy people can afford it.
 
 
Private Healthcare: Advantages
 
State hospitals are often very large and difficult to run.
Private hospitals have shorter waiting lists for operations and appointments.
Patients can benefit from faster treatment in private hospitals.
Many people prefer to pay more for a personal service.
Patients have their own room and more comfortable facilities in private hospitals.
 
 
 
Alternative Medicine: Positives
 
People are increasingly using alternative medicine to treat illnesses.