Vocabulary and Expressions
  • The picture of health
  • In top condition
  • A clean bill of health
  • To be fit
  • Sickly
  • At death’s doorstep
  • In failing health
  • Infirm
  • Hereditary illness
/ Health and You
  • In what ways do you take care of your health?
  • Do you think about your health often? Why or why not?
  • If you suddenly lost your health, how would you deal with it?
  • Which is more important to you – good health or having enough money? Why?

Family History
  • Doctors often ask for a “family history” of health and illness. What are some illnesses that are hereditary and would be passed down through family history?
  • Do you think that knowing family medical history is important before a couple marries?
/ Kinds of Health
  • What are some good ways to become physically healthy?
  • What are some good ways to become mentally healthy?
  • What are some good ways to become spiritually healthy?
  • Do you think there is such a thing as “financial health”? If so, what would financial health look like?

Vocabulary and Expressions - Explanations

  • The picture of health – when someone looks very healthy, we say they are “the picture of health”. To look at this person, you would think they are 100% healthy. “Rosa’s daughter was the picture of health – she had lots of energy and smiled and played all day.”
  • In top condition – someone who exercises, watches his/her weight, doesn’t smoke and lives a healthy lifestyle is in the best physical condition s/he can be in. “Olympic athletes are all in top condition – they work out every day.”
  • A clean bill of health – after you are sick for a while, you might go in to see the doctor. If the doctor says you are healthy now, we call this “a clean bill of health”, especially in terms of infectious diseases. “Someone who was diagnosed with a disease like tuberculosis but is now cured might be given a clean bill of health by his/her doctor.”
  • To be fit – the opposite of someone who never exercises, and is “out of shape”. A “fit” person eats healthy food and exercises regularly. “If you exercise three times a week for 20 minutes each time, you will be physically fit.”
  • Sickly – someone who is not seriously ill with one particular illness, but who is not doing very well in terms of health – this person might feel tired, have lost weight, and look pale and weak – we call this being sickly. “May had mono for three months; she got better but still looked sickly for a few weeks afterwards.”
  • At death’s doorstep – someone who looks so sick, they appear close to death. “When Uncle Joe first had kidney disease, everyone thought he was at death’s doorstep – he really looked ill. When he got better after dialysis, everyone was happy.”
  • In failing health – your health is getting worse and worse over time. Often used to describe someone elderly or with a progressive illness. “At 90, Grandma G. was in failing health; she could no longer get out of bed on her own, or do her own chores.”
  • Infirm – someone who is in failing health and is very fragile/frail – can no longer take care of him/herself. “After elderly people fall and break a hip, they may become infirm – it becomes difficult for them to walk and do some household duties.”
  • Hereditary illness – an illness that is passed down through family genes. “Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary illness. Cancer can be either an environmental or hereditary illness; heart disease can be hereditary or environmental as well.”

Health Nuts

Joe Pro: I exercise every day, Susie…I’m in top condition. You, on the other hand, look like you’re at death’s doorstep. Are you really ill or something?

Susie:My doctor gave me a clean bill of health yesterday, but I had the flu, the chickenpox, and an ear infection…all at the same time! So, pardon me if my face still looks a bit sickly.

Joe Pro:I’m glad you’re better now. I was worried that you were suffering from a hereditary illness, but the flu is easy to get over.

Susie:Speaking of hereditary illnesses, I just learned that my grandmother has high blood pressure – and that I need to get my blood pressure checked, too.

Joe Pro:Really? Your grandfather is the picture of health, though, isn’t he?

Susie:Well – he is in his 90’s, so, although he’s been healthy for a long time, he’s becoming infirm.

Joe Pro:Would you like to come running with me tomorrow, since you’re feeling better?

Susie:Yes, my New Year’s resolution was to become fitter, so I’d better come along!

Joe Pro:You’ll look healthier in no time then!

Copyright Kristin Chong, 2011.Page 1