Health and Hygiene
Getting started
Look at the picture and discuss about the meaning of the health.
Looking at this word cloud, we can see that health is a rich, multidimensional concept that goes far beyond simply “not being sick.” The image beautifully captures how health touches every aspect of our lives.
Key Dimensions of Health
1. Physical Health
Words like fitness, training, athlete, muscle, body, running, and sport highlight the physical side of health. This involves:
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Proper nutrition and diet
- Adequate rest and maintenance of the body
2. Mental Health
Terms such as mind, mental, relaxation, happiness, and cheerful remind us that health is also about psychological well-being:
- Managing stress through relaxation
- Cultivating positive emotions
- Maintaining emotional balance
3. Spiritual & Social Health
Words like spirit, wellbeing, nature, and enjoyment suggest that true health includes:
- A sense of purpose and inner peace
- Connection with nature and others
- Joy and fulfillment in daily life
4. Lifestyle & Habits
Lifestyle, hygiene, self-care, dieting, care, and healthy emphasize that health is built through:
- Daily choices and routines
- Personal hygiene
- Self-care practices
Health is not just the absence of disease, but a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being — a definition consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a balance of body, mind, and spirit, achieved through conscious lifestyle choices, positive habits, and care for oneself and the environment.
In short, health is wealth — it is the foundation that allows us to enjoy life, pursue our goals, and live with happiness and purpose.
Reading I
Before you read the interview below, answer these questions.
- How do you get advice from a doctor?
There are several ways to get advice from a doctor:
a. In-person visit – Going directly to a hospital, clinic, or private practice for a face-to-face consultation.
b. Appointment booking – Scheduling a visit through phone calls, hospital websites, or health apps.
c. Telephone consultation – Calling the doctor’s office to ask quick questions or get medical guidance.
d. Online/Video consultation – Using video calls through apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, or specialized telehealth platforms.
e. Email or messaging – Sending health-related questions through email or patient portals.
f. Pharmacy referral – Sometimes pharmacists can connect patients with doctors for advice.
g. Health hotlines – Calling government or hospital health helplines for immediate medical advice.
2. What do you know about telehealth services?
Telehealth allows patients to consult with doctors, nurses, or specialists without visiting a hospital in person, using tools like video calls, phone calls, or mobile apps.
Common Services Offered
- Virtual doctor consultations via video or phone
- Online prescriptions and electronic medical records
- Remote monitoring of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, blood pressure)
- Mental health counseling and therapy sessions
- Follow-up appointments after treatment
- Health education and advice
Benefits
- Convenience – Get medical care from home
- Saves time and travel costs
- Access for rural areas – Helps people who live far from hospitals
- Reduces risk of infection – Especially useful during pandemics like COVID-19
- Quick consultations for minor health issues
Limitations
- Not suitable for emergencies or conditions requiring physical examination
- Requires internet access and digital literacy
- Privacy and data security concerns
- May lack the personal touch of in-person visits
Popular Examples
- Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, Amwell (international)
- Halodoc, Alodokter, Good Doctor (in Southeast Asia)
Telehealth has become increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it represents the future of accessible healthcare.
The Acceleration behind Telehealth Services
(In this interview, Chun-Kai Chang , the Business Development Manager of Telehealth at Advantech, talks to News-Medical about the acceleration behind telehealth services.)
A. The meanings of some of the words from the interview are given below. Find the words and fill in the crossword puzzle.
Across
1. psychological treatment of people using dialogue (PSYCHOTHERAPY)
2. process of sorting patients (TRIAGE)
3. to prepare and arrange (DEPLOY)
4. special department of a hospital for intensive care of patients (ICU)
Down
5. to include as a part (INCORPORATE)
6. identification of nature and cause of a disease (DIAGNOSE)
7. not having sufficient service (UNDERSERVE)
8. epidemic over a wide geographical area (PANDEMIC)
B. Read the interview again and write whether the following statements are True
or False.
a. Internet service is necessary to use telehealth services. (True)
b. While providing telehealth services, health professionals are at high risks of being infected due to the exposure to patients. (False)
c. Telehealth service can be the best alternative to a face to face service. (False)
d. The problem with the lack of medical staff will be solved to a great extent with telehealth technology. (True)
e. The success of telehealth programmes depends on the infrastructure and the best use of IT tools. (True)
B. Answer the following questions.
a. What is telehealth service?
Telehealth refers to delivering healthcare services from a distance, most commonly via video conferencing.
b. What are the advantages of using telehealth programmes?
The benefits of telehealth programs include being quicker, safer, more efficient, and more cost‑effective.
c. Why, according to Dr. Chang, is the telehealth service growing rapidly?
Dr. Chang states that telehealth service is expanding rapidly due to the global COVID‑19 pandemic, which required social distancing and limited physical contact.
d. How is the telehealth programme important during a pandemic?
During a pandemic, telehealth plays a vital role by enabling people to receive medical care from home, reducing the need for hospital visits and lowering the risk of infection for both patients and healthcare workers.
e. Why are the patients in remote areas not getting adequate health services?
People living in remote areas are not getting sufficient healthcare services due to inadequate (lack of) monitoring and follow-up.
f. Mention the top three challenges of telehealth services.
The top three challenges of telehealth services are lack of infrastructure, insufficient hardware, and the right technology for each specialty.
or
The main challenges of telehealth services include poor infrastructure, limited hardware resources, and the lack of suitable technology for different medical specialties.
D. How might rural communities feel about telehealth services? How could this be improved? Talk to your friends.
Rural communities may feel positive about telehealth services because they allow people to consult doctors without traveling long distances. This can save time and money and make healthcare more accessible. However, some people may feel concerned about poor internet connections, lack of devices, or limited technical knowledge.
Telehealth services could be improved by providing better internet access in rural areas, supplying necessary equipment, offering training on how to use telehealth platforms, and increasing the availability of healthcare professionals online. This would help more people receive quality healthcare services from their homes.
Pronunciation
Pronounce the following words with the help of your teacher or a dictionary.
Grade 9 Health and Hygiene
Speaking
A. Read and act out the following conversation.
Shanti : Ah, this is just ridiculous!
Selina : Sneha again?
Shanti : Yeah, Sneha. She just keeps asking for money. What do you think I should do?
Selina : Well, if I were you, I’d ask her not to beg.
Shanti : I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Selina : Umm.., I’m not sure then. Perhaps you should try talking to Sneha about it.
Shanti : Well, I’ve tried that. But she did not show any interest.
Selina : How about talking to her parents?
Shanti : Really? I’m not too sure about that. It might work, I suppose.
B. How does the woman advise the girl?
Now, work in pairs and take turns to explain your situation and give suggestions.
a. A: tired/ not sleep | B: | have a hot drink |
b. A: cold/ no heating | B: | put a sweater on |
c. A: friend’s birthday/ no money | B: | pick a bunch of flowers |
d. A: hurt my leg | B: | go to see a doctor |
e. A: not feeling well | B: | take a rest for a while. |
Pair Work: Situations and Suggestions
a.
A: I’m tired because I didn’t sleep well last night.
B: If I were you, I’d have a hot drink.
b.
A: I’m feeling cold because there is no heating.
B: You should put a sweater on.
c.
A: It’s my friend’s birthday, but I don’t have any money for a gift.
B: How about picking a bunch of flowers?
d.
A: I have hurt my leg.
B: You should go and see a doctor.
e.
A: I’m not feeling well.
B: If I were you, I’d take a rest for a while.