Unit Five Taking Medications Lesson · PDF fileESL Health Unit Unit Five Taking Medications Lesson Three Alternative Medicine Reading and Writing Practice Intermediate Lesson Three:

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Unit FiveUnit FiveTaking MedicationsTaking Medications

Lesson ThreeLesson ThreeAlternative MedicineAlternative Medicine

Reading and Writing PracticeReading and Writing PracticeIntermediateIntermediate

Lesson Three: Alternative Medicine

Goals for this lesson:

Below are some of the goals of this lesson. Which ones are your goals too? Check (√) them.

Learn about different types of alternative medicines and practices. Discuss effective strategies for talking to your doctor about

alternative medicine.

Reading and Writing Practice Before You Read!

In this lesson, we will read about and discuss alternative medicines and

medical treatments. Before we read a story about Ching Yi’s experience

with Chinese herbal medicine, review the following definitions and answer

the questions with a partner.

Definitions

Alternative Medicine – Healthcare practices and approaches used instead of

conventional methods. For example, chiropractic care, acupuncture,

meditation, yoga, spiritual healing and Chinese herbal medicine (for

descriptions of these and other types of alternative medical treatments see

the Health Watch box below on page).

Conventional Medicine – Medicine and medical approaches practiced by

holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and

by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists,

psychologists, and registered nurses. Other terms for conventional medicine

include: western, mainstream, orthodox, and regular medicine; and

biomedicine. Some conventional medical practitioners are also practitioners

of alternative medicine.

Questions:ESL Health Unit/Intermediate, Unit Five: Taking Medication

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1. Have you or someone you known received any kind of alternative

medical treatment? If so describe.

2. Do you believe in the power of something other than medical science

(medications, operations, etc.) to heal the human body?

3. Are alternative medical treatments common in your culture or a

culture you are familiar with? If yes, please describe.

Reading Four - Alternative or Conventional?

Now read about Ching-Yi and her conflict with traditional Chinese medicine

and conventional medicine and answer the questions that follow with your

classmates and instructor.

My name is Ching-Yi and I am from Taiwan. About 6 months ago I

was diagnosed with cancer. My oncologist was very nice and spent a lot of

time talking to me about treatment. He said I would need to have surgery

and then begin chemotherapy. But when I told him I also wanted to talk to

my Chinese Doctor in Chinatown about possible herbal treatments, he

became upset. He told me that I could get sicker if I wasted my time with

these treatments. So I talked to my family doctor and he suggested I see

someone new, Dr. Laurence.

ESL Health Unit/Intermediate, Unit Five: Taking Medication

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I called Dr. Laurence first to see how she felt about traditional

Chinese medicine. She said it was fine as long as I continued my treatment

with her. I liked her even more after I went to visit her. She had done some

research and said that Chinese medicine can help reduce my nausea during

my chemotherapy treatment. She encouraged me to go, but she said that I

must report everything I take and do to her and that I need to check-in with

her before trying some new treatment or herb that might interfere with other

drugs. I feel worried and anxious about my cancer, but I am glad that I am

able to use both Western and Chinese medicine to help fight it.


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Health Watch: Alternative Medical Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Originating in China thousands of years ago,

this system is based on the theory that illness results from the improper flow

of the life force (qi) through the body. Various practices are used to preserve

and restore health, including herbal remedies, massage, meditation, and

acupuncture.

Acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted alternative medicine

techniques in the Western world. Licensed practitioners do not necessarily

have a medical degree, although some medical doctors, often pain

specialists, are trained and licensed to perform acupuncture. Acupuncture

involves stimulating specific points on the body, usually by inserting very

fine needles into the skin and underlying tissues. Sometimes, additional

stimulation is added with a very low voltage electrical current. The

procedure is not painful but may cause a tingling sensation. (A variation of

acupuncture, called acupressure, uses massage instead of needles.)

Ayurveda: Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India, originating

more than 4,000 years ago. It is based on the theory that illness results from

the imbalance of the body's life force, or prana. Ayurveda uses herbs,

massage, yoga, and internal cleansing to restore balance within the body and with nature.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy, which was developed in Germany in the late

1700s, is based on the principle that "like cures like". In other words, a

substance that in large doses causes illness is believed to cure the same

illness if given in small doses. The remedies used in homeopathy are

derived from naturally occurring substances, such as plant extracts and

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1. How did Ching-Yi’s first oncologist feel about Chinese herbal medicine?

Why do you think he feels this way?

2. How does Dr. Laurence feel about Chinese herbal medicine?

3. If you were diagnosed with a serious illness, would you seek help from

an alternative medicine practitioner? Do you think your doctor would

support you if you decided to receive some sort of alternative medical

treatment?

ESL Health UnitESL Health Unit



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Listening and Speaking PracticeListening and Speaking PracticeIntermediateIntermediate


Listening and Speaking Practice

Before You Listen!


Goals for this lesson:Below are some of the goals of this lesson. Which ones are your goals too? Check (√) them.



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Activity One:

Read through the following HealthWatch box and discuss the questions that

follow with your classmates and instructor.

Health Watch: Talking with Your Doctor About Alternative

Methods

Many patients are reluctant to discuss complementary or alternative methods

with their doctor. It’s true that many doctors may not know about the uses,

risks, and potential benefits of these treatments. However, this doesn’t have

to stop you. The following are several things you can do to communicate

effectively with your doctor.

Gather as much information as possible on your own. Look for

information from reputable, credible sources on the potential benefits

and risks of the treatment you are thinking about.

When you share this information with your doctor, do it in a non-

confrontational manner. Let him or her know that you are thinking

about an alternative or complementary treatment and that you want to

make sure it will not interfere with your regular medical treatment.

Make a list of questions and bring it along with any information you


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want to talk about. Ask your doctor to be a supportive partner in your

education and treatment process.

You might bring a friend or family member with you to the doctor’s

office to support you. He or she can also help you talk with your doctor

and relieve some of the stress of having to make decisions alone.

Listen to what the doctor has to say, and try to understand his or her

point of view. If the treatment you are thinking about will cause

problems with your medical treatment, discuss safer choices together.

Don’t delay or skip regular treatment. If you are thinking about stopping

or not taking conventional treatment, please discuss this decision with

your doctor.

If you are taking dietary supplements as part o f your treatment,

make a complete list of what you are taking and the amount. Many

supplements can interact in potentially harmful ways with other

medicines, so talk with your doctor and pharmacist about your

supplements. Report any changes to your health care team.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask about the risks and effects of

complementary or alternative methods. Never give herbal medicines to

children.


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Many insurance companies are starting to cover some of the more widely

accepted complementary methods of treatment. Many major insurers,

including Blue Cross and Medicare, cover one or more complementary

methods of treatment. The ones most often covered are acupuncture and

chiropractic therapy. Contact your insurance company to find out what, if

any, services are covered by your plan.

If possible, you might want to get a recommendation or referral from your

doctor for the complementary therapy you are thinking about. Many

insurance companies require that the method be shown to be reasonable and

medically necessary, and it may help later on to have your doctor’s

recommendation. Insurance companies usually will not cover methods that

have not been proven to be effective.

Adapted from information from the American Cancer Society

Questions:

1. If you are planning to talk to your doctor about seeking alternative

treatment for an illness or condition, what should you do to prepare?


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2. Why is it important to give your doctor complete information about the

kinds of alternative treatments you are using (herbal remedies,

acupuncture…)?

3. Does health insurance pay for alternative treatments?

Listening Three: Seeking Alternative Treatments

**Note to teacher: Do not pass out the written message in the box below. Record it onto a cassette (if possible with someone to play the second role in the dialogue) and have students listen to the recording. Play once or twice before they begin to listen for specific information.


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Now you will listen to conversation between Sylvie and her doctor. Sylvie is interested in seeking alternative medical treatment for her breast cancer. She is anxious to get her doctor’s opinion about these types of treatments. Listen to the advice Sylvie’s doctor gives her and then discuss the questions that follow with your classmates and teacher.

Doctor Edwards: Do you have any questions Sylvie?

Sylvie: Well…yes. My neighbor recommended that I tryacupuncture and herbal medicine to help me

recover from surgery and chemotherapy…what do you think?

Doctor Edwards: Um…I know that many cancer patients areexperimenting with these treatments but…

(Sylvie interrupts)

Sylvie: I know, I know…you’re probably going to say it’sa bad idea, but, I’ve done some research.

Look at this brochure I brought from the Holistic Medical Center. Look what it says here (she reads):

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be utilized before, during and after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. It is very effective in reducing the side effects of these treatments.

Sylvie: I went to talk to them and I met a Dr. Lin. He saidthat he could help me heal faster after

surgery. He said that he had treatments that could help me with nausea during chemotherapy and even give me a better chance to beat the cancer.

Doctor Edwards: Sylvie, listen, I’m not going to say it’s a bad idea. I happen to know Dr. Lin very well. I took an


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acupuncture certification course last year and he was my teacher.

Sylvie: Really? You do acupuncture?

Doctor Edwards: I’m learning about it. Look, I have no problemwith you seeking alternative treatment,

especially with Dr. Lin. The Holistic Medical Center has a wonderful reputation and I have had many patients who have gone there.

Sylvie: So you think I should do it?

Doctor Edwards: I won’t tell you what to do Sylvie. If you wouldlike to start complementing your care here

with acupuncture or herbal therapies, which is up to you, but I do have some ground rules. Please let me know what you are planning to do before you do it. If you decide to start an herbal remedy, I want to discuss this with you. After you see Dr. Lin I’ll need you to make a complete list of his recommendations, which therapies he suggests, what you are taking and the amount...

Sylvie: Why? Are some of the herbal remediesdangerous?

Doctor Edwards: Many supplements can interact in potentiallyharmful ways with other medicines, so we’ll

need to talk regularly and you need to be sure to tell us right away is you feel like you are having any unusual side effects.

Sylvie: Thanks doctor. I am so happy – and surprised thatyou are being so supportive about this.

Doctor Edwards: Actually, Sylvie - there are many complementarytreatment methods you can use safely. I’ve

got patients who are doing aromatherapy, biofeedback, massage therapy, meditation, tai chi,


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yoga…these are very useful to help control some of their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. But remember Sylvie; these treatments do not cure the cancer. Unfortunately, there are no silver

bullets.

Questions:

1. What reasons does Sylvie give for wanting to seek alternative treatments

at the Holistic Center?

2. Does Dr. Edwards think it is a good idea for Sylvie to use acupuncture

and herbal remedies to complement her conventional medical treatments?

What makes you think so?

3. What does Dr. Edwards mean when he says, “But remember Sylvie,

these treatments do not cure the cancer. Unfortunately, there are no silver

bullets.”


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Talk About It!

Before we begin, let’s review how to agree and disagree appropriately when

arguing your opinion in English.

Agreeing

In agreeing with a negative opinion in English, you may wish to qualify your

agreement with an expression of regret, etc.

That movie was terrible!

Yes, I am afraid it was.

I have to agree that it was.

I must say I thought it was too...

In other cases, you can be as enthusiastic as you like in emphasizing your

agreement.

*It was an interesting lesson, wasn’t it? – Yes, it was superb/absolutely

splendid!

*She is an amazing doctor. – Yes, definitely/quite/absolutely/I absolutely

agree/I couldn’t agree more/I quite agree/ I agree entirely.

*Alternative medicine isn’t for everybody. – Definitely not/It certainly isn’t/

You are absolutely right/ I agree completely/Exactly.


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You can show that you agree strongly with someone’s description of

something by repeating the adjective they have used and using "very" or

“extremely” in front of it. You can also use “indeed” after the adjective.

*It was very interesting, wasn’t it? – Very interesting indeed.

*The information on herbal medicine was helpful wasn’t it? – Oh, extremely

helpful.

Other ways of expressing agreement are:

*That’s just what I was thinking.

*You know, that’s exactly what I think.

*That’s a good point.

Qualified agreement

In discussion and argument, there is often a need to agree with one aspect of

a speaker’s view, and to disagree with another. Here are some of the

methods you might use to express this sort of qualified agreement:

*Certainly it’s true that …, but on the other hand…

*I can see that…. But surely…

*I am in total agreement with you about… but we also have to consider….

*Agreed, BUT if we accept… then it must also be true that…


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Corroboration

We can also agree, and add a further point to corroborate or confirm the

argument

*Yes, and in fact….

*Yes, and what is more…

*I agree, and in fact one might go so far as to say…

*Absolutely. Actually, I would go further, and say…

Disagreement

In English it is very important to be very polite when disagreeing with

someone – even someone you know quite well. Look at the responses to the

following statement about alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine is usually a waste of time.

-I am afraid I disagree with you: some alternative medical practices are

very effective, I think.

Or

- It can be, but sometimes it works very well.

Or

-Do you think so? Actually, I think it is very effective.

The commonest ways to express disagreement are as follows: ESL Health Unit/Intermediate, Unit Five: Taking Medication

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*I’m not sure I agree.

*Well, you have a point there, but…

*Perhaps, but I don’t think that…

*I see what you mean, but…

*I am afraid I can’t agree with you there...

Strong disagreement

If you know someone very well you can disagree more directly using

expressions like these:

*You can’t be serious! You’ve got to be kidding!

*Come off it!

*Don’t be silly!

*No, that’s not right.

*I disagree…

*No, you’re wrong…

Note: You should be very careful when using these expressions, in order to

avoid offending people.

Activity One:


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Note to teacher: write the following controversial statements regarding the topic of alternative medicine on the blackboard:

• Western doctors don’t care about their patients. They just care about money!

• Alternative medicine is a waste of time. Anyone who believes in that stuff is crazy.

• Big drug companies are really bad for society. They take all of our money and they don’t give anything back.

Each learner should be given the chance to express their opinion on the given statements giving reasons/examples why they agree or disagree with it. The activity should be carried out in a circle and learners should link their opinion to the preceding one.

Activity Two:

Work with a partner to role play each of the following situations (take turns

playing the different roles). As you do, be sure to use appropriate phrases

as you agree/disagree with each other.

Situation One:

Roles:ESL Health Unit/Intermediate, Unit Five: Taking Medication

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Doctor Martinez: You have been Marcia’s doctor for twelve years. You

have been treating her high blood pressure for six. Recently, Marcia told

you that she is going to stop taking her blood pressure medicine and start an

alternative therapy that includes herbal remedies, acupuncture and

therapeutic massage. You think that alternative medicine is a waste of time

and money. You are trying to convince Marcia not to do it.

Marcia: You do not like taking drugs. Your sister-in-law told you about a

therapy that she read about on the Internet. It is a combination of Chinese

herbal remedies and acupuncture guaranteed to lower high blood pressure.

You are convinced that this therapy will help you to feel better because you

will be able to stop taking your high blood pressure medications.

Situation:

Doctor Martinez: So…Marcia, how are you feeling? How is that new

medicine working that you are taking for high blood pressure?

Marcia: …

Play out the rest of the conversation…

Situation Two:

Roles:


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Ravi: You have been doing yoga for thirty years. You believe that yoga is

a wonderful way to exercise, and you also believe that it is extremely good

for your health because it gives you energy and helps your body fight

against disease. In your experience, you have seen many people who have

improved their health. These people have reduced pain and reduced the

symptoms of chronic diseases like high blood pressure through practicing

yoga.

Sam (Ravi’s co-worker): You recently saw a show about yoga on

television. You think people who practice yoga are crazy. You don’t

believe that standing in one place and stretching can help anyone’s health.

You believe the only way to treat poor health is by going to the doctor.

Situation:

Bob: Oh my god…I saw the funniest thing on television yesterday. It was

yoga class. The instructor was talking about how yoga can reduce stress,

help lower high blood pressure, and fight disease. Those people must be

crazy…

Ravi…Play out the rest of the conversation…

ESL Health UnitESL Health Unit


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Real PracticeReal PracticeIntermediateIntermediate


Real Practice!


Goals for this lesson:Below are some of the goals of this lesson. Which ones are your goals too? Check (√) them.



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Are you currently complementing your health care with alternative

treatments – or are you thinking about doing so? If yes, here is a checklist

of questions to ask about selecting a practitioner for alternative or

complementary treatments:

Questions to ask when selecting a practitioner:

Ask what training or other qualifications the practitioner has. Ask

about her education, additional training, licenses, and certifications. If

you contacted a professional organization, see if the practitioner's

qualifications meet the standards for training and licensing for that

profession.

Ask if it is possible to have a brief consultation in person or by phone

with the practitioner. This will give you a chance to speak with the

practitioner directly. The consultation may or may not involve a

charge.

Ask if there are diseases/health conditions in which the practitioner

specializes and how frequently he treats patients with problems

similar to yours.

Ask if the practitioner believes the therapy can effectively address

your complaint and if there is any scientific research supporting the

treatment's use for your condition.

Ask how many patients the practitioner typically sees in a day, and

how much time she spends with each patient.


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Ask whether there is a brochure or Web site to tell you more about the

practice.

Ask about charges and payment options. How much do treatments

cost? If you have insurance, does the practitioner accept your

insurance or participate in your insurer's network? Even with

insurance, you may be responsible for a percentage of the cost.

Ask about the hours appointments are offered. How long is the wait

for an appointment? Consider whether this will be convenient for your

schedule.

Ask about office location. If you are concerned, ask about public

transportation and parking. If you need a building with an elevator or

a wheelchair ramp, ask about them.

Ask what will be involved in the first visit or assessment.

Once you have gathered the information, assess the answers and determine

which practitioner was best able to respond to your questions and best suits

your needs.

Questions to ask at your first visit:


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The first visit is very important. Come prepared to answer questions about

your health history, such as surgeries, injuries, and major illnesses, as well

as prescriptions, vitamins, and other supplements you take. Not only will the

practitioner wish to gather information from you, but you will want to ask

questions, too. Write down ahead of time the questions you want to ask, or

take a family member or friend with you to help you remember the questions

and answers.

What benefits can I expect from this therapy?

What are the risks associated with this therapy?

Do the benefits outweigh the risks for my disease or condition?

What side effects can be expected?

Will the therapy interfere with any of my daily activities?

How long will I need to undergo treatment? How often will my

progress or plan of treatment be assessed?

Will I need to buy any equipment or supplies?

Could the therapy interact with conventional treatments?

Are there any conditions for which this treatment should not be used?

How do I know if the practitioner I have selected is right for me?


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After your first visit with a practitioner, evaluate the visit. Ask yourself:

Was the practitioner easy to talk to? Did the practitioner make me

feel comfortable?

Was I comfortable asking questions? Did the practitioner appear

willing to answer them, and were they answered to my

satisfaction?

Was the practitioner open to how both the alternative therapy and

conventional medicine might work together for my benefit?

Did the practitioner get to know me and ask me about my

condition?

Did the practitioner seem knowledgeable about my specific health

condition?

Does the treatment recommended seem reasonable and acceptable

to me?

Was the practitioner clear about the time and costs associated with

treatment?


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A Thematic Unit for Intermediate Level ESL Teachers

Intermediate Level, Unit Five: Taking MedicationsLesson Three: Alternative Medicine

Checklist for Learning

Vocabulary Log:

In the space below, write down all of the new words you learned during this lesson that you want to remember. Try to separate your list of words into nouns (person, place or thing), adjectives (describing words) and verbs (action words). For extra practice use them in sentences of your own.

New words I learned during this lesson:

Nouns:

Adjectives:

Verbs:

What can you do?

Below are some of the language goals you worked on during this lesson. Check (√) what you learned from this lesson. Add more ideas if you wish.

I learned to… Know the warning signs of poor nutritional health and what you can do to

improve your diet. Understand the difference between count and non-count nouns Be able to use the phrases “used to”, “be used to” and “get used to” to

compare the past to the present. ___________________________________________________________


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Documents

Unit Five Taking Medications Lesson · PDF fileESL Health Unit Unit Five Taking Medications Lesson Three Alternative Medicine Reading and Writing Practice Intermediate Lesson Three: