Get the Smile You Have Always Wanted

If you are not happy with your smile, why not change it? According to a recent survey on almost half of American adults would like to improve of the appearance of their teeth and now, because of an amazing advances in dental science, they can. (1) New techniques were developed in only the last ten years, can do wonders for problem teeth, whether they are yellow, broken, gapped, missing or crooked or even if they are too little short, or full of ob­vious black fillings. (2) Today, cosmetic treatment is being the fastest-growing area in dentistry. (3) Unlike with a generation ago, people are keeping their teeth as they grow older and, no matter of their age, they are determined to stay fit, healthy and attractive. (4) Having good-looking teeth and an appeal­ing smile is a big part of it. If your teeth don't please to you, talk to your dentist about improving the way they did look. (5) Costs for these procedures are vary widely – from as low as several hundred to several thousand dollars – depending on from the condition of the teeth, how complicated and extensive the individual procedure is and other variables either. (6) Time was when only kids wore braces. But in today it is not unusual for adults to turn to orthodontia to have their teeth repositioned or straightened. (7) Options, especially very suited to people who are reluctant to walk around with a mouthful of metal, include "invisible" braces with brackets are made from clear acrylic, "removable" braces for repositioning of only one or two teeth, and "lingual" braces that are worn on the inside of the teeth. (8) Tooth-col­ored veneers or blonding can also to be used to raconteur crooked or crowded teeth. (9)

14. There are British and American terms on Health and Medical Care. Point out the American equivalents of the following Russian words and word combinations.

 

1. аптекарь   2. аптека   3. укол   4. болезнь   5. доктор   6. быть больным   7. заболеть   8. психиатрическая больница   9. ощущать боль в спине (в желудке) 10. заказать лекарство

1) pharmacist 2) chemist 1) chemist's 2) pharmacy 1) injection 2) shot 1) sickness 2) illness 1) general practitioner 2) physician 1) to be ill 2) to be sick 1) to get sick 2) to fall ill 1) psychiatristic hospital 2) mental hospital 1) to have a backache (a stomachache) 2) to have backache (stomachache) 1) to have the prescription prepared 2) to have a prescription made up

 

15. Fill in the blanks with prepositions and adverbs if necessary.

1. Who cured him ____ the disease?
2. I've been suffering ____ bad headaches lately.
3. Looks like he'll have to be operated ___ ___ appendicitis.
4. I met Bill ____ the pharmacy.
5. We took him _____ an emergency clinic that we knew wouldn't be very expensive.
6. Dental care is very much similar _____ regular health care.
7. In the US what a person does when he gets sick depends _____, whether he gets insurance.
8. If you provide care _____ an alzheimer's patient you can neverrelax.
9. Could your parents benefit _____ a healthier diet or eating habits?
10. The boy was shivering ___ cold.
11. There is nothing really the matter ___ me, I just feel __ __ sorts.
12. After Barbara had had some shots _____tonic, she felt quite cured ___all her ailments.
13. If you have lost or severely broken a tooth or two, you can have them replaced _____ crowns and bridges.
14. Cancer is hard to detect ____ its early stage.
15. He was treated _____ scarlet fever.
16. Assisted living is a special combination _____ housing and personalized care designed _____ respond _____ the needs _____ those who need help ____ activities of daily reading.
17. Could they use assistance _____ taking their medications _____ the proper amounts and ____ the proper times.
18. What are you complaining __?
19. Peter cut himself badly ____ the throat while shaving.
20. Ann needs a holiday. She has been ____ a lot of stress lately.

 

16. Translate into English.

1. Врач сделал все возможное, чтобы спасти пациента.
2. Кто вылечил вас от этой болезни?
3. Я записался на прием к доктору Смиту на два часа предварительно.
4. Пожалуйста, закажите по рецепту лекарство.
5. Доктор выписал мне рецепт, не осматривая меня.
6. Это был трудный случай, и доктор сомневался, что больной по­правится.
7. Мы почувствовали облегчение, услышав, что больной вне опас­ности.
8. Эта болезнь неизлечима. Но если вы будете постоянно совето­ваться с врачом и следовать его советам, вы сможете долго и плодотворно работать.
9. Она выглядела так, будто вот-вот упадет в обморок.
10. У тебя жар. Тебе бы лучше измерить температуру и принять таб­летку аспирина.
11. У меня все болит, мне больно глотать, у меня, наверное, грипп.
12. Принимайте это тонизирующее средство три раза в день по сто­ловой ложке.
13. Он жалуется, что у него болит позвоночник. Пора бы ему обра­титься к врачу.
14. У нее опухла щека и ужасно болит зуб.
15. Больного положили в больницу, так как за ним некому было ухаживать.
16. Если бы я сомневался, что доктор Мэнсон сможет вылечить ме­ня, я бы к нему никогда не обратился. После эффективного ле­чения я чувствую себя отлично.
17. Его лечат уже несколько лет.
18. Избегайте простуд! Для вас они опасны серьезными осложнениями.
19. Вы ходите в поликлинику или вызываете врача на дом?
20. Его прооперировали по поводу аппендицита, его скоро выпи­шут из больницы.

 

17. Translate into English. Use the expressions:

 

1. болезнь кишечника 2. «Я ни о чем не жалею» из песни Эдит Пиаф 3. после шести месяцев ухудшения здоровья 4. самоотверженное искусство врачей

bowel disease Edith Piaf’s sentiment Je ne regrette rien   after six months of deteriorating health the dedicated skill of the doctors

 

БЕЛ МУНИ: Я НЕ СОБИРАЮСЬ СТАРЕТЬ

Год назад приятельница спросила меня, на сколько лет я себя ощу­щаю. «На тридцать», – не колеблясь ответила я. Во мне жила вечно мо­лодая, игривая бунтарка. Потом, в один суматошный день, я поймала свое отражение в зеркале в магазине. «Что это за старая карга выряди­лась в мое платье?» – с ужасом подумала я.

Стареть никогда не входило в мои планы. Мое поколение, продукт послевоенного всплеска рождаемости, было последним, которое в дет­стве не одуревало от телевизора и помнит, как полки в библиотеках ло­мились от книг, а не видеокассет. Как-то приятельница сказала мне: «Мы наслаждались жизнью. Мы задавали вопросы и находили ответы. Мы на самом деле правили миром».

Из детей мы превратились в тинейджеров в начале 60-х, как раз вовремя, чтобы пережить революцию стиля, политики и поведения. Я поехала на концерт «Ролинг Стоунз» автостопом.

Но в 1968, едва мне стукнуло 21, я вышла замуж за Джонатана и в 27 родила своего первенца, Дэниэла. Моя дочь Китти родилась с ред­кой болезнью кишечника, что повлекло за собой 16 лет лечения и опе­раций. Были у нас и другие семейные проблемы. 50-й год своей жизни я встретила, изворачиваясь особенно яростно и с мыслью: Все идет не так, как мне хотелось.

Когда мне было 30 лет, я восторгалась фразой «Я ни о чем не жа­лею» из песни Эдит Пиаф и воображала, что в более зрелом возрасте буду выкрикивать ее миру. Теперь я о многом жалею. Но признаться, что у тебя нет ответов, – первый шаг к тому, чтобы задуматься: а те ли вопросы ты задавала?

28 августа прошлого года, после шести месяцев ухудшения здоро­вья, Китти перенесла восьмичасовую операцию. Долгие недели до опе­рации я словно плутала во тьме, уверенная, что она не выживет. Ран­ним утром 29 августа в отделении интенсивной терапии она открыла глаза, протянула ко мне исколотую руку и сказала: «Мамочка, я не умер­ла – и я поправлюсь».

Я смогла лишь выговорить «Да», но подумала: пусть на понимание того, что ничто больше не имеет значения, у меня ушло 50 лет, я без­мерно рада, что наконец прозрела.

Там, в больнице, мне довелось наблюдать беззаветную любовь ро­дителей всех возрастов, цветов кожи и социальных слоев, участливое понимание и компетентность медсестер, самоотверженное искусство врачей. Разве можно не восхищаться миром, в котором живут такие лю­ди? Я получила ответ еще на один вопрос. Мысли и поступки людей ничто, если они не пропитаны любовью.

Солнечные лучи заполняют кухню, мне исполняется 50, и я подни­маю бокал за то, что что-то изменилось, а что-то осталось неизменным.

За семью и друзей, без которых я не смогла бы жить. За мужа, с кото­рым мы почти 29 лет вместе и чьи шуточки я люблю. За то, что наш сын помолвлен с девушкой, прекрасной во всех отношениях, и я могу наконец признать, что больше всего на свете хочу стать бабушкой. За тот день, когда Китти наконец покинет больницу навсегда. Ничто боль­ше не имеет значения.

Не то чтобы мне больше не хочется на праздник – просто теперь он у меня дома. Снова 30? Нет, я не хочу мои 30 лет теперь, когда огонь горит у меня внутри.

Dialogs

Read the dialogs. Practice them.

1.

A. I have a sore throat.

B. How bad is it?

A. Pretty bad. It's a burning feeling.

B. How long have you felt this way?

A. For a few days. I've been sick since Monday morning.

2.

A. I've got a stomachache.

B. Is it a sharp pain or a dull ache?

A. It's more like a dull ache.

B. When did you first notice this pain?

A. It didn't bother me until Sunday afternoon.

3.

A. There are so many vitamins. Which one should I take?

B. Take these Daily Multiple Vitamins. They got everything you need.

A. What about these Super Vitamins?

B. I don't think you need those. They are just a waste of money.

4.

A. Hello?

B. Carmen? Is that you? Are you OK?

A. Uh-uh, I caught a terrible cold.

B. You too? Well, I have news for you. We're in the same boat. Ahchoo!

A. Bless you.

B. Thanks.

A. Why don't you come over and keep me company? I haven't talked to anyone all day long.

B. I'd like to, but I can't stop sneezing. Ahchoo! And I have a sore throat. I just want to go to bed.

A. I know what you mean. Do you have a fever?

B. I don't know for sure but I think so. I was going to take my tem­perature, but I dropped the thermometer and it broke.

A.: It sounds like you should just... ahchoo! Excuse me. You should just take two aspirins and go to bed. Chances are you'll feel better in the morning.

В.: I hope so. And I hope you'll get over your cold soon. Are you going to school tomorrow?

A.: I don't think so. I'm in really bad shape. I may have to be absent for a few more days.

В.: Listen to us! We feel sorry for ourselves today, don't we?

5.

A. Dr. Norman's office.

B. Hi, this is Bob Franklin. I'm a patient of Dr. Norman.

A. Oh, yes, Mr. Franklin.

B. I'm calling to make an appointment with the doctor. It's not an emergency. I just need a recent physical in order to get enrolled in a new insurance plan at school.

A. I see. Well, the doctor has several openings on June third.

B. Hmnn. Anything sooner than that? I have to turn in the applica­tion on the first.

A. Yes. He has May twenty-ninth at two o'clock or May thirtieth at four-thirty.

В. Oh, good. I'll take the twenty-ninth at two o'clock.

A. All right. I have you down. Since it's for a physical, you will need to come in a week before the appointment to get a blood work-up.

В. Oh.

A. You can do that without an appointment. Just come into the of­fice before May twenty-second, and the nurse will take care of you. That way, the doctor will have the results of the tests when he sees you.

В. Okay.

6.

A. I hate to go to the doctor.

В. Yeah, but you're running a high fever. It's 103° F.

A. I know. But if I go she's going to take blood and ask me to give her a specimen. Then she'll tell me to take two aspirins and call her in the morning. And it will probably cost me 50 bucks.

В. Well, I'm going to make an appointment anyway. You need a throat culture.

A. You're probably right. My throat really hurts. I've had the runs for two days, and I threw up twice this morning. Go ahead.

В. You know, Don, you really have let yourself get run down. You should take better care of yourself.

7.

A. What seems to be the problem?

B. I feel lousy. I've got a fever, and I break out in a cold sweat three or four times a day. I can't keep food down either.

A. I see. Have you passed out?

B. No. Sometimes I feel like I am going to faint, but I don't.

A. Take a deep breath and hold it. I see from your chart that your a blood pressure is 170 over 90. That's a bit high.

B. I take good care of myself. I watch my diet, and I exercise regularly.

A. How long has this illness been going on?

B. Two or three days.

A. Any trouble moving your bowels?

B. No. In fact, I have the runs.

A. Well, diarrhea and fever; as well as a sore throat lead me to conclude that you have a bad case of the flu. It will take another three or four days to run its course. Fill this prescription; it will control the diarrhea and help you to feel better. You should be in the pink in three or four days.

8.

A. Here's a prescription for your allergy. This antihistamine will help your sneezing and itching eyes.

B. How often should I take it?

A. Take one tablet every four hours. The directions will be on the label.

B. I'm still taking the other medicine you gave me. Is it safe keep taking it with this new medicine?

A. Yes, it's safe.

B. Thank you, doctor. I'll go to the drugstore as soon as possible.

9.

A. What do you recommend for an upset stomach?

B. There are a number of antacids you could use.

A. Which one is the best?

B. I can't really say which is the best but Malena has worked well for me.

A. Malena? Where do you keep it?

B. On the bottom shelf in front of the cash register.

Conversation Practice

1. Practice the dialogs using the given substitutes.

1.

A. I am calling to make an appointment with the doctor. Could the doctor see me before 10:00 tomorrow?(1)

B. I'm afraid not. The doctor won't have any openings until Friday. (2)

A. Could I possibly make it early on Friday? (3)

B. Yes, he is free at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. (4)

 

1

fit me in tomorrow before noon

see me early on Monday

be able to see me at 4:45 today

2

won't have any openings until noon, unless there's a cancellation

doesn't have any openings until Wednesday

won't be available until tomorrow

3

at 12:30 tomorrow

early on Wednesday

before lunch

tomorrow

4

just a second, let me check

sorry, but he is busy then too

yes, the doctor will have an opening at 10:30

 

2.

A. Can you recommend something for a stuffy nose? (1)

B. AFRO nasal spray (2) is pretty good.

1

a persistent cough

 itchy skin

upset stomach

earache

2

Mickaid sugar drops

Moleskin ointment

Movlux mixture

Lancar eardrops

 

3.

A. What seems to be the problem?

B. I feel lousy. (1) I've got a fever and I can't stop sneezing. (2)

A. How long have you felt this way? (3)

B. About 2 days.

 

1

be in bad shape

feel sick

feel awful

feel out of sorts

2

a sore throat and my chest hurts

red itchy spots on my chest

the chills and a real bad cough

a temperature and a sharp pain in my left side

3

have you had it

have you got that rash

have you been like this

have you been in pain

 

4.

A. Here's a prescription for your allergy. (1) This antihistamine (2) will help your sneezing and itching eyes. (3)

B. How often should I take it?

A. Take one tablet every four hours. (4) The directions will be on the label.

 

1

your tonsillitis

your backache

your cold

2

mixture

cream

antibiotic

3

your sore throat

your pulled muscles and bruises

your running nose and bring down the fever

4

take a tablespoonful four times a day

rub it in twice a day

take one tablet three times a day

2. Complete the following dialogs.

1.

A. I hate to go to the dentist.

B. ____________________

A. I know. But if I go he'll give me a shot, start cleaning the cavities and filling the tooth and he'll probably say I need to have my tooth extracted. It'll hurt.

B. ____________________

2.

A. What's the matter with you, Mr. Walker?

B. ____________________

A. Have you vomited?

B. ____________________

A. You seem to be generally run-down. You'd better stay in bed for some days. Keep to a diet of vegetables and fruit. Get this pre­scription filled and take a tablet three times a day.

B. ____________________

3.

A. ____________________

B. I'd like to make an appointment with the doctor.

A. ____________________

B. My name is John Robinson.

A. ____________________

B. Well, I work during the day. Does the doctor have some openings in the evening?

A. ____________________

B. Two weeks? I can't wait that long.

A. ____________________

B. Thank you. That sounds fine.

4.

A. ____________________

B. I fell off my bike. I can't move my leg very well.

A. ____________________

B. Yes, it really hurts.

A. ____________________

B. No. The pain is very sharp.

A. ____________________

3. Read the dialogs below and say which patient has which problem.

 

headaches bronchitis

appendicitis a pulled muscle

back trouble tonsillitis

hay fever

 

1.

D.: Where does it hurt?

P.: Just here, doctor.

D.: Mm. And is that all the time?

P.: No. Only when I walk, or when I'm going downstairs. Sometimes when I carry things.

D.: When you carry things. Big things?

P.: Yes.

D.: I see. Now I want you to stand up...

 

2.

D.: How often do you get them?

P.: Oh, three or four times a week.

D.: Three or four times a week. I see. Are they very bad?

P.: Oh, yes. They stop me driving. Sometimes I can hardly see, you know.

D.: Yes. Do you often get cold?

 

3.

P.: It's a really bad cough. It's really bad.

D.: Does it hurt when you talk?

P.: If I talk a lot, yes.

D.: I see. Well, I'll just have a look at your chest. Do you drink?

 

4.

P.: It's a really bad pain, doctor. Right here.

D.: Which side?

P.: Left side.

D.: How long has this been going on? When did it start?

P.: This morning, doctor. I thought perhaps it was indigestion, but it's too bad for that.

D.: I see. Now just lie down here. That's right. Now where exactly does it hurt? Is it here?

P.: Ooh! Yes!

 

5.

D.: Good morning, Mr. Palmer. What's the problem?

P.: Well, I've got a sore throat, actually.

D.: I see. How long have you had it?

P.: Oh, about two days. It's really very painful. It's difficult to swallow.

 

6.

P.: It's every spring about the same time, doctor. Stuffed-up nose, my eyes itch, and I feel sort of sneezing the whole time.

D.: Does it happen when you're inside or outside?

P.: When I'm in the street.

 

7.

P.: I get this pain when I bend my knee, doctor. Just here.

D.: I see. Take your trousers off.

 

4. Role-play the following situations.

1. You have a bad cold. Your friend and you are discussing your sick­ness and what you should do about it.
2. You are an exchange student in the US. One day you get sick and have to go to the doctor. Ask one of the family where you are staying how it can be arranged.
3. You are calling the doctor's office to make an appointment with him or her.
4. You are at the doctor's office. The doctor listens to your complaints, examines you, and recommends the medicines that should be taken.
5. You have an appointment with a dentist. He examines your teeth and finds two bad teeth: one is too far-gone and needs to be taken out, the other can be filled.
6. You are an exchange student in Great Britain. Ask your advisor / friend how you can make use of the British National Health Service.
7. You're an American exchange student at a Russian University. You've got a cold. You have had a bad cough for two weeks. The Russian doctor says you may have pneumonia and insists on your going to hospital. You refuse saying that the conditions in Russian hospitals are bad.

Communicative Activities

1. Name the symptoms of a cold, flu, an allergy. How are they the same? How are they different?

2. How much do you know about colds? Circle T if statement is true, circle F if the statement is false.

1. To avoid colds, stay inside as much as possible during cold weather. T / F
2. When you sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with your hand. T / F
3. Chicken soup helps you feel better when you have a cold. T / F
4. It's better to sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue away. T / F
5. Cold weather causes colds. T / F

 

3. Do you know how to deal with common ailments and injuries? Read the following suggestions and say whether you find them helpful. Why or why not?

1. "You have a sharp pain in your abdomen, don't you? Put a heating pad on the painful area."
2. "Are you worried about your insomnia? Well, have a cup of hot milk before going to bed. And don't watch TV too long in the evening."
3. "Oh, poor thing! Burnt your finger? Let me put some olive oil on the burn. It'll ease the pain."
4. "Your cold will go away if you take some aspirin."
5. "You'll stop sneezing and coughing if you take a warm bath."
6. "Your sore throat will feel better if you have a lot of hot tea."

4. Complete the following sentences. When you have finished, compare them with other students' answers.

1. In my country, one of the ways people avoid catching colds is to _________________
2. In my country, people think the best way to get over a cold is to _________________
3. The last time I caught a cold was _________________
4. The AIDS virus is not spread by _________________
5. Children should not be exposed to _________________
6. To ease the pain caused by a backache, I _________________
7. A dog can infect you if _________________
8. You can get food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken. One of the symptoms of food poisoning is _________________
9. I hope that one day there will be a cure for _________________

5. Think what home remedies are used in Russia for different health problems. What do people do for... a fever / a cough / diarrhea / burns / a toothache / a back pain / a cold / a sore throat

 

6. How often do people in Russia have a dental checkup? How about you? Have you ever had a toothache? Have you ever had a tooth filled / extracted / x-rayed? Did you ever wear braces? Do you remember your latest visit to the dentist? Share your experience with your fellow students.

7. Imagine you have to inform American exchange students about Russian National Health Service. Come out with a short presentation to cover the following issues.

1. What does an insurance policy in Russia cover (doctor services, laboratory work, room and board in the hospital, etc.)?

1. Where do people get / buy their insurance policies?
2. How much should one pay for the insurance policy?
3. How can one pick up a doctor? Is it easy to make an appointment with a doctor?
4. Do doctors make house calls?
5. Is ambulance service free?

 

8. Read the labels.

a) Talk to the person who has a headache. Suggest that he take this medicine.

MAGIC ASPIRIN

ADULT DOSE:	1 or 2 tablets with water every 4 hours, as necessary, up to 12 tablets a day.
CHILD DOSE:	half the adult dosage. For children under 2 years of age, consult your physician.
WARNING:	Keep this and all medicines out of children's reach. In case of accidental overdose, contact a physician at once.
EXP DATE 8 / 00

 

A. I have a headache. What should I take for it?

B. ________________________

A. How much should I take?

B. ________________________

A. How often can I take them?

B. ________________________

A. Sounds OK. What should I be careful of?

B. ________________________

A. Is the aspirin still good?

B. ________________________

A. Thanks for the advice.

b) Your friend has a burned finger. Suggest using this medicine. Tell how to use it. Tell him about any warnings.

 

DREAM CREAM

For temporary relief of minor skin irritations, itching and rashes due to minor burns, insect bites, poison ivy, soaps.

DIRECTIONS:	For adults and children 2 years of age and older – apply to affected area not more than 3 –4 times daily.
WARNING:	For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If condition worsens or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, discontinue use of this product and call physician. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

 

c) Answer the following questions. Underline the correct answer.

e.g. Which medicine might help a headache?

1. Magic Aspirin
2. Dream Cream
3. Nasal Spray

1. What is the largest amount of Magic Aspirin an adult should take in a day?

1. 2 tablets
2. 4 tablets
3. 12 tablets

2. What is the largest amount of Magic Aspirin a child should take in a day?

1. 2 tablets
2. 4 tablets
3. 12 tablets

3. Should you talk to your doctor before you give Magic Aspirin to a baby?

1. yes
2. no

4. What is the last date that Magic Aspirin is effective?

1. December 12, 1995
2. August, 2003
3. not given on label

5. How many tablets of Magic Aspirin can an adult take in eight hours?

1. 4 tablets
2. 6 tablets
3. 8 tablets

6. Will Dream Cream help if you have a sore throat?

1. yes
2. no

7. Should you use Dream Cream on a baby who has diaper rash?

1. yes
2. no

8. Should you put Dream Cream on your lips?

1. yes
2. no

9. How many times a day can you use Dream Cream?

1. 4
2. 7
3. 12

10. Is it dangerous to swallow Dream Cream?

1. yes
2. no

9. Read the stories from American newspapers dealing with AIDS issues.

The number of US new AIDS cases unexpectedly more than doubled last year under a broader definition of the disease and boosted by a sharp increase in the number of infections among heterosexuals.

The federal Centers for Disease Control had projected 1993 AIDS cas­es would jump 75 percent in the first year of the new definition. It actually increased by 111 percent, from 49,016 in 1992 to 103,500 in 1993, the agen­cy reported Thursday.

Last year, the CDC expanded its definition to include those infected with HIV who also have a severely suppressed immune system, tuberculo­sis, recurrent pneumonia or invasive cervical cancer.

Most of the AIDS cases under the new definition were reported in the first three months of the year. The surge had dropped off by the end of 1993, and the CDC expects the number of 1994 cases to drop below last year's figure.

The groups most affected by the expanded definition were women, blacks, heterosexual intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs.

The increase was greater among women (151 percent) than among men (105 percent), and greater among blacks and Hispanics than whites.

The largest increases reported were among teens and young adults, most­ly from heterosexual transmission.

The slight benefits of taking AZT, the commonly used AIDS medicine, are often canceled by the drug's side effects, a study concludes.

The report casts even more doubt on the routine use of this drug, which is often given to people who are HIV-positive, but not yet sick.

Studies last year showed that contrary to widespread belief, this use of AZT does not help people live longer, even though it delays the start of AIDS symptoms.

The study concludes that Americans are getting infected with HIV at younger ages.

Dr. Philip Rosenberg and others from the National Cancer Institute calculated that the average age of infection was 30 in the early 1980s. But this age dropped to 25 during the period from 1987 to 1991.

They also estimated that 50,000 to 61,000 new AIDS infections are oc­curring annually.

 

a) Discuss the following questions.

1. Do you know AIDS statistics in your country? Is AIDS a serious problem in Russia?

2. Do you believe that only high-risk groups are susceptible to the dis­ease? Or is it a growing threat to everyone?

3. Are AIDS patient discriminated against in Russia? If so, in what ways? How would you react if someone you knew were AIDS-infected? Would you be afraid to continue to have contact with him / her?

 

b) Role-play the following situations in small groups. You are discussing how best to solve the situation with the spread of AIDS in Russia.

1. You are a leading researcher from the National Aids Center. You know the AIDS statistics and insist that the government allocate more financial resources to find cure for AIDS.

2. You are a journalist. You believe that the spread of AIDS can be prevented by a wide-range educational campaign in mass media and high schools. Come up with some ideas.

3. You are the public school principal. You consider AIDS a moral is­sue, not a medical one. You think the government should take strict measures to keep high-risk groups under control. It can help protect teenagers from being infected with AIDS.

4. You are a high school student. You think that the alarming AIDS data are aimed at brainwashing the public. You don't think you are threatened with AIDS as you do not belong to any high-risk group.

10. Read the article "Should I Add Fish to My Diet?" and say what the abbreviation EFAs means.