Module 14: Health Words
Introduction:
In this module, you will learn vocabulary related to health and medical situations, as well as how to talk about symptoms and seek medical help. You will also practice basic conversation incorporating the Australian healthcare system and services. Understanding and discussing health is important for daily life, addressing medical concerns, and navigating healthcare services.
Vocabulary related to Health and Medical Situations:
1. Symptoms: headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, pain, swelling
2. Medical professionals: doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, specialist, therapist, surgeon
3. Medical facilities: hospital, clinic, pharmacy, dental office, emergency room, laboratory
4. Treatments and medications: prescription, over-the-counter, antibiotic, painkiller, vaccine, injection, surgery, therapy, first aid
Talking about Symptoms and Seeking Medical Help:
1. To describe your symptoms, use “I have” or “I’m experiencing” followed by the appropriate noun or adjective. For example, “I have a fever” or “I’m experiencing dizziness.”
2. To ask for help or advice, use “What should I do?” or “Can you help me?” followed by a description of your symptoms. For example, “What should I do if I have a persistent cough?” or “Can you help me? I have a terrible headache.”
3. To discuss medical appointments or tests, use “I need” or “I have” followed by a description of the required action. For example, “I need to make an appointment with a doctor” or “I have to get a blood test.”
Basic Conversation Practice Incorporating Australian Healthcare System and Services:
The Australian healthcare system includes a mix of public and private services. Medicare, the public healthcare system, provides access to free or subsidized healthcare for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Private health insurance is also available for additional coverage and access to private hospitals or specialists.
Practice discussing health and medical situations with the following conversation prompts:
1. “How do I find a local doctor or clinic in Australia?”
2. “What should I do if I need to see a specialist for a specific medical condition?”
3. “How do I access prescription medications in Australia?”
4. “What are the steps to take in case of a medical emergency?”
5. “Can you explain the differences between public and private healthcare in Australia?”
Conclusion:
In this module, you have learned vocabulary related to health and medical situations, as well as how to talk about symptoms and seek medical help. You have also practiced basic conversation incorporating the Australian healthcare system and services. This knowledge is important for daily life, addressing medical concerns, and navigating healthcare services.