1. to be prone to obesity
Meaning: to be likely to become fat [in an unhealthy way]
Example: Children who are addicted to watching television, instead of playing outdoor games, are more prone to obesity.
2. eating disorders
Meaning: problems which occur when people are unhappy with their bodies, and therefore eat far too much or far too little.
Example: Advertising tells women that they should have bodies like supermodel celebrities, and this sometimes leads to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
3. safe hygiene standards
Meaning: a safe level of keeping yourself, living areas or working areas clean in order to prevent illness and disease
Example: Maintaining safe hygiene standards in hospitals, homes and workplaces is a simple and inexpensive way to combat the spread of diseases.
4. to keep their teeth healthy
Meaning: to take care of their teeth by cleaning them regularly
Example: Advertisements encourage youngsters to brush their teeth several times a day in order to keep their teeth healthy.
5. to launch a full-scale investigation into sth
Meaning: to start an investigation completely or using all available methods, equipment, money, etc.
Example: Scientists are about to launch a full-scale investigation into the cause of the outbreak of the disease.
6. the outbreak of an epidemic
Meaning: a large number of diseases occurring at the same time in a particular community
Example: A lack of government programs for vaccination and regular health care may lead to the outbreak of an epidemic, particularly in developing countries.
7. sedentary lifestyle
Meaning: involving little exercise or physical activity
Example: A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor in health problems such as
obesity and heart disease.
8. healthy eating habits
Meaning: eating healthy food at regular times of the day
Example: Health education involves teaching people about healthy eating habits, such as regular mealtimes and eating fruit and vegetables every day.
9. to take regular exercise
Meaning: to do some physical activity on a regular basis
Example: Authorities should encourage people of all ages to take regular exercise by providing facilities in each community.
10.a fitness regime
Meaning: a method or routine of taking regular exercise
Example: Even elderly people can adopt a fitness regime by taking light exercise such as walking or jogging.
11.health awareness campaigns
Meaning: publicity to encourage people to be concerned about looking after their health.
Example: Public health awareness campaigns are essential if people are to accept that they have a personal responsibility to look after their own health.
12.preventive medicine
Meaning: practices of healthcare intended to try to stop illnesses
Example: An emphasis on preventive medicine will result in a healthier population and reduced costs for medical treatment.
13.alternative healthcare
Meaning: this is a term used by many western countries to describe more traditional types of healthcare that do not involve operations and pharmaceutical drugs.
Example: Naturopathy is a form of alternative healthcare which treats illness and diseases using natural foods, herbs and other techniques.
14.public health services
Meaning: the agencies funded by the government to protect and promote the health of the population
Example: I would argue that funding for public health services should be the main priority of all governments.
15.to take out private health insurance
Meaning: to make regular payments to an insurance company, who will pay for medical or hospital treatment when you need it
Example: In countries with poor public health services, many people have to take out private health insurance in order to receive adequate medical treatment.
16.primary health care
Meaning: the medical treatment that you receive first when you are sick or ill, for example from your doctor or local clinic.
Example: Developing countries must allocate resources to establish primary health care clinics in rural areas and overcrowded city districts.
17.medical practitioner
Meaning: a person who works as a doctor or surgeon
Example: It is essential to train more medical practitioners if public health is to be improved.
18.to build up one’s immune system/ immunity
Meaning: to increase the ability of your body to fight diseases
Example: A healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins is a sure way to build up one’s immune system.
19.mental health problems
Meaning: related to illnesses of one’s mind
Example: Overwork may sometimes result in mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
20.to offer emotional support
Meaning: to give counselling to a person who is suffering from a mental health problem
Example: Some schools in Europe now offer emotional support to pupils who are the victims of bullying.