EnglishHealth check
What symptoms can you see or describe?
- high fever [/ˌhaɪ ˈfiːvə(r)/]
- a very high body temperature
A high fever can be a sign of an infection. - sore throat [/ˌsɔː ˈθrəʊt/]
- pain or irritation in your throat
She has a sore throat and cannot speak comfortably. - cough [/kɒf/]
- air that suddenly comes out of your throat and lungs
His cough is worse at night. - headache [/ˈhedeɪk/]
- pain in your head
I have a headache after working on the computer. - stomach ache [/ˈstʌmək eɪk/]
- pain in your stomach
A stomach ache can happen after eating bad food. - rash [/ræʃ/]
- red or irritated marks on your skin
The child has a rash on her arms. - dizzy [/ˈdɪzi/]
- feeling that the room is moving or spinning
Sit down if you feel dizzy. - allergy [/ˈælədʒi/]
- a health problem caused by a reaction to something
He has an allergy to nuts. - appointment [/əˈpɔɪntmənt/]
- an arranged time to see a doctor or other professional
I have a doctor’s appointment at 3 p.m. - prescription [/prɪˈskrɪpʃən/]
- a doctor’s written instruction for medicine
Take your prescription to the pharmacy. - pharmacist [/ˈfɑːməsɪst/]
- a person who prepares and gives out medicine
Ask the pharmacist how to use this medicine. - symptoms [/ˈsɪmptəmz/]
- signs that show you may be ill
Tell the doctor all your symptoms.
Say one sentence about a symptom.
You’d better see a doctor if you have a high fever.
Choosing the right health advice
Read each situation. Decide: necessary, optional, prohibited, advice, or a strong warning.
Meaning | Useful modal |
|---|---|
necessary rule | must / have to |
personal necessity | need to |
no obligation | needn’t / don’t have to |
prohibited | mustn’t |
advice | should |
strong warning | had better |
Choose the best modal
At this clinic, visitors [___] smoke inside the building.
You have a bad cough, so you [___] drink plenty of water.
You [___] bring cash because the pharmacist accepts card payments.
If the rash spreads quickly, you [___] call a doctor today.
Complete the doctor’s advice
To collect your medicine, you [___] show the pharmacist your prescription.
I feel dizzy, so I [___] sit down for a few minutes.
You [___] rest at home if you have a high fever.
You [___] print the appointment email; you can show it on your phone.
Before Your Appointment
Before Your Appointment
Before you come to the clinic, you must bring your photo ID, health card, and a list of any medicines you take. Please arrive ten minutes early, but you do not have to arrive earlier than that. You need to tell the receptionist if you have a high fever, a cough, or a rash. In the waiting room, you mustn’t eat or drink because some patients have allergies. You should avoid bringing children unless another adult can look after them. You needn’t print your appointment email; showing it on your phone is fine. If you cannot come, you had better call us before 9 a.m. so we can offer the time to another patient.
- What must you bring to the clinic?
- What don’t you have to do before your appointment?
- What should you avoid bringing?
Difficult words
- photo ID — an official card or document with your photo and name
- health card — a card that gives information about your medical care
- receptionist — the person who welcomes patients and manages appointments
- waiting room — a room where patients wait before seeing the doctor
- allergies — reactions to things such as food, medicine, or dust
- avoid — try not to do something
- look after — take care of someone
- offer the time — give the appointment time to another person
Gym health rules
Write 30–60 words. Complete and extend these rules for a gym.
- In our gym, you must ...
- You mustn’t ...
- You don’t have to ...
- You should ...
- Add one more rule or piece of advice about health, safety, or illness.
Useful phrases:
- wash your hands
- clean the equipment
- tell a trainer if you feel dizzy
- bring a water bottle
- exercise when you have a high fever
- see a doctor if symptoms get worse
