Podcast del mes anterior: You’re going to listen to a
government information broadcast from 1947 about healthy living. Before
you listen we’ll focus on some vocabulary. Listen to some words in
Spanish and try to say the English translation before I do. Then, repeat
the word to practise pronunciation.
1. dolor de cabeza – headache, headache
2. esqueleto – skeleton, skeleton
3. hueso – bone, bone
4. músculo – muscle, muscle
5. piel – skin, skin
6. articulación – joint, joint
7. respirar - to breath, to breath
8. pulmones – lungs, lungs
Now do the same with the following words.
1. humo – smoke, smoke
2. suciedad – dirt, dirt
3. tomar el sol – sunbathe, sunbathe
4. sombra – shade, shade
5. ajustado/a – tight, tight
6. cintura – waist, waist
7. quedar bien – fit, fit
Prediction
Before you listen, think about the following questions.
1. When you’re working at a desk it is healthier to
a) lean forward (*) To lean =
inclinarse
b) lean back
c) sit up straight
2. The skeleton is covered by
a) muscles and skin.
b) bones and joints
c) skin and lungs
3. Your lungs work better when they are breathing
a) dirt
b) fresh air
c) smoke
4. It’s important that children’s shoes and clothes are not too
a) fit
b) comfortable
c) tight
5. Before you go to bed, you’ll sleep better if you
a) do the washing up
b) relax for at least half and hour
c) close all the windows
Now listen and check your predictions. Use the pause button on your
audio player to stop the listening if you need to.
Transcription
Here is an office worker who has never heard of the first rule for
health. He doesn’t know that bad posture can actually make him ill.
And he’s usually to be found slumped over his desk, like this.
Headache? Hmm…a bit of a backache, too. And terribly tired!
Well, try sitting up straight. See how much better you feel. Remember,
sit tall!
Now, come along, let’s see you stand up. No no, you know better than
that! Suppose we have a look at what goes on inside when you stand like
that.
The skeleton is a framework of bone which protects the vital organs of
the body.
It is strong, to give support. And jointed, to allow for movement.
It’s covered by muscles and skin.
Bad posture not only puts a strain on bone and muscle. It constricts
breathing and digestion, too.
Standing up straight gives the body a chance to get on with its work
without undue strain, and allows the lungs to take in the maximum amount
of air. And the digestive organs to do their work properly.
Keep your muscles in good trim by daily exercise and fresh air and it’ll
soon become a habit. You’ll get no exercise queuing for a bus. And
precious little fresh air inside it. So, instead of going to work by bus
or train, get what exercise and fresh air you can during your working
day by walking or cycling.
The air in our big cities is full of smoke. Which means air full of dirt
and sky without sun for the people of the city. So, make a point of
getting fresh air and exercise during the weekend. You’ll be using the
muscles that have been neglected during the week, and you’ll be able to
take your mind off work by getting out into the open country.
Your body won’t be used to so much sun and air, so start off cautiously.
It’s actually better to combine sunbathing with exercise. But, if you
must bake, see that you get a bit of shade. And take it in small doses
at first. Unless you want a headache, protect your eyes from the strong
light.
We can’t get clothes like this nowadays, but some modern clothes still
have their faults such as tight sleeves and armholes. Not enough room
for back or shoulders. And pinched waists. This is especially important
for growing children. Make sure their clothes really fit.
Shoes are important, too. See that they fit properly. See that they’re
comfortable, and that they give the right support. A well-fitting shoe
should fit snugly around the heel. It should be wide enough in front for
the bones of the foot and toes without squeezing them.
Tight socks can do just as much damage as tight shoes. Children’s feet
grow, but socks don’t. Let’s make the sock a bit bigger. That’s much
better. Clothes should be loose-fitting and comfortable to give complete
freedom of movement. Choose your clothes according to the weather.
Remember too, after any exercise the body cools down rapidly, so put on
a sweater or coat.
During sleep the brain and body are relaxed. But supposing you can’t
sleep?
Well, let’s see what you have to do during the day. There’s breakfast to
get ready. When you’ve got father off to work, and the children off to
school, there’s washing up to do. Then housework, ironing, cooking,
another meal; more washing up. In the afternoon there’s the shopping to
do, and the tea to get ready. After putting the children to bed, there’s
father’s meal to prepare; and washing up. And when that’s done, there’s
always plenty of mending.
Now, suppose you put that work away and relax for at least half an hour
before bed time. That’s right. You can’t possible expect to sleep well
if you work and worry right up to the time you go to bed.
You won’t sleep healthily if the windows are shut.
Have a hot water bottle of you need it. In fact, make yourself
thoroughly comfortable.
And finally, try not to worry about things you can’t change.
Goodnight.
Sleep well Did you check your predictions?
1. When you’re working at a desk it is healthier to sit up straight.
2. The skeleton is covered by muscles and skin.
3. Your lungs work better when they are breathing fresh air.
4. It’s important that children’s shoes and clothes are not too tight.
5. Before you go to bed, you’ll sleep better if you relax for at
least half and hour. |