Unit 6: Health and illness

A ‣ How are you today?

I’m very well, thanks.

I’m fine, thanks.

I don’t feel very well. I must go home and rest. (I’ll probably be OK tomorrow.)

I feel ill. Can you get a doctor, please? (Perhaps it’s a serious problem.)

That fish was bad. I think I’m going to be sick! (I want to vomit.)

B ‣ Everyday problems

Have you got an aspirin? I’ve got a headache. /ˈhedeɪk/

I’ve got toothache. /ˈtuːθeɪk/ I need to go to the dentist.

I’m going to bed with a hot drink. I’ve got a cold.

C ‣ Problems people have for many years / all their lives

I get hay fever every summer, from flowers and grass. I sneeze all day. /sniːz/

My little brother has asthma; sometimes he can’t breathe. /ˈæsmə/

D ‣ Illnesses in hot / tropical countries

In some countries, mosquitoes can give people malaria. /məˈleəriə/

The drinking water was bad, and many children had cholera. /ˈkɒlərə/

E ‣ Serious illnesses

Every year cancer kills many people who smoke. /ˈkænsə/

My father went to hospital when he had a heart attack.

Common mistakes

My father had a heart attack [NOT got a heart attack].

F ‣ Expressions

A: Do you have a healthy diet?

B: Yes, I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

A: Do you exercise?

B: Yes, I like swimming, jogging and cycling. They’re really good for you.

A: I feel stressed!

B: Do you? You need to relax more and don’t panic about work!