Early Morning Sunshine and Weight Loss

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. assess [uh-SES]  (v) – to examine a person or situation carefully

Example: The doctor will assess my calorie intake.

2. prior to [PHRAY-er to] (prep.) – before a specific time

Example: I have to give my medical history prior to the consultation with the doctor.

3. regulate [REG-yuh-leyt] (v.) – to control or adjust something

Example: Drinking lots of water regulates the body’s metabolism.

4. outcome [OUT-kuhm]  (n.) –  result of an activity

Example: The outcome of the study is very significant.

5. essential [uh-SEN-shuh l] (adj.) – very important and necessary

Example: Regular exercise is essential to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Scientists discovered that getting exposed to early morning sunshine can be linked to having a lower body mass index (BMI). BMI assesses whether a person’s weight is normal, too high, or too low. A person with a BMI of 18-25 falls on the healthy category while a person between 25 and 30 is considered overweight. An obese person has between 30-35 BMI while an extremely obese individual has 35-40. Prior to this discovery, other studies have already claimed that sunlight helps regulate metabolism, hunger, and the sense of feeling full after a meal. But now, a recent study suggests that people have more reasons to stay outside and get more sunshine early in the morning. The study involved 26 males and 28 females. Researchers asked the participants to wear wrist monitors to determine their light exposure. For seven days, researchers tracked the sleeping patterns, food intake, and sun exposure of the participants. The outcome of the study shows that light exposure early in the morning lowers BMI compared to exposure later in the afternoon. This result remained true even when  the participants’ age, activity level, calorie intake, and sleep timing were taken into consideration. The study also found that the light level of 500 lux is perfect for weight loss. A lux is a unit to measure the brightness level. A 20-30 minute sunlight between 8 am until noon is also enough to have an effect in one’s BMI. Aside from contributing to weight loss, sunlight is also essential for the body’s rhythm and metabolism.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you expose yourself to more morning sunlight after reading the article? Why or why not?

         Do you know any other benefits of morning sunlight? Please explain.

Discussion B

         What do you think are the major factors related to a person’s weight?

         How can people avoid gaining too much weight?

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Is it Safe to Eat Food You Just Dropped? UK Studies Have Answers

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. verify [VER-uh-fahy] (v.) – to check or prove if something is true

Example: The scientists verified the results by conducting another experiment.

2. legitimacy [li-JIT-uh-muh-see] (n.) – something that can be defended with proof or evidence

Example: Experts question the legitimacy of his study.

3. concur [kuh n-KUR] (v.) – to have the same opinion or have an agreement with another

Example: Several professors concurred with the scientist’s claims.

4. scant [skant] (adj.) – having an amount that is not enough

Example: Scientists failed to prove their hypothesis because of scant evidence.

5. ail [eyl] (v.) – to cause sickness or suffering

Example: The kid is ailing after having diarrhea.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study from Aston University in England verified that it is still safe to eat food five seconds after it fell on the floor. Popularly known as the “five-second rule,” this common belief has long been a subject of argument among scientists. Researchers from Aston decided to end this debate with a conclusion that this particular belief is true. In 2007, Clemson University from the United States also tested the legitimacy of the “five-second rule”. Aston and Clemson used similar methods for the study, found the same results, but had opposite conclusions. Researchers from Clemson University argue that eating dropped food can never be safe. Both studies analyzed how fast bacteria contaminate food on the floor. Three different types of floor surfaces were used to assess bacteria’s reaction – tile, wood, and carpet. Aston researchers used E. coli [EE KOH-lahy] and Staphylococcus aureus [staf-uh-l uh-KOK-uh s AWR-ee-uh s] while Clemson used Salmonella [sal-muh-NEL-uh]. Aston tested various foods with dry and moist qualities while Clemson just used bologna [buh-LOH-nee] and bread. Results showed that the bacteria’s transfer rate was fast for both experiments. Both studies concurred that food on carpeted floor had lower bacteria transfer rate than tiled and wooden floor. However, Aston University particularly discovered that dry food gets fewer bacteria than the moist ones. According to Anthony Hilton, leader of the Aston study, the low transfer rate of bacteria to food supports the conventional five-second rule. The amount of bacteria transferred within five seconds is too scant to cause any harm. However, Paul Dawson [DAW-suh n], head of Clemson study, disagreed with Hilton’s belief. Dawson said the presence of bad bacteria in food is enough to ail someone.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Can you think of other medical myths like the one presented in the article?

         Why do you think some people believe in medical myths?

Discussion B

         How can people avoid food contamination?

         How do you keep food at home clean?

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Energy Drinks May be Harmful for Teenagers

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. susceptibility [suh-sep-tuh-BIL-i-tee] (n.) – the condition of being affected or influenced easily

Example: Having an unhealthy lifestyle increases a person’s susceptibility to disease.

2. intake [IN-teyk] (n.) – the act of taking in substances into the body

Example: High intake of sweets may lead to diabetes.

3. likely [LAHYK-lee] (adj.) – refers to something that is possible to happen

Example: Drunk driving is likely to cause car accidents.

4. prevalent [PREV-uh-luh nt] (adj.) – widely existing, common, or widespread

Example: Smoking and drinking are prevalent among teenagers nowadays.

5. outweigh [out-WEY] (v.) – to be more valuable or important than the other

Example: The disadvantages of drinking sodas outweigh its advantages

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study revealed that consuming energy drinks is associated with poor mental health and susceptibility to substance use. Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University conducted the research. They conducted a survey among 8,210 public high school students in Canada. Nowadays, the top consumers of energy drinks are teenagers. In fact, results of the survey revealed that 62 percent of the students who participated consume energy drink at least once last year. Advertising and marketing strategies magnify the benefits of the drink instead of the harmful side effects. Sunday Azagba, lead author of the study, notes that instant energy, better mood, and physical alertness make the drink very appealing. However, the health risks of the drink outweigh its benefits. Energy drinks contain high amount of caffeine that is dangerous to health, especially for teenagers. Too much intake of high boosting energy drinks is connected with nervousness, increased heart rate, sleep problems and even depression. In addition, drinkers are more likely to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. It is also associated with violent and adventure-seeking behaviors that are prevalent among teenagers. In order to avoid the negative effects of energy drinks, Azagba suggests that the teenagers’ access to drinks should be limited. Also, public awareness about the dangers of the drinks should be promoted and the caffeine content of the drink should be minimized. While these measures may not entirely solve this problem, Azagba believes that taking these steps can help lessen the health risks linked to energy drinks.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         With the results of the study, do you think energy drinks should be banned? Why or why not?

         What other drinks do you think should be avoided by teenagers? Explain your answer.

Discussion B

         In your country, what types of drinks are popular among teenagers?

         What are your favorite drinks? Why do you like these drinks?

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FDA Proposing Food Label Changes

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. food label [food LEY-buh l] (n. phrase) – a panel that contains information about the nutrient content of a food or drink product  

Example: The food label says that 26 grams of chips have 147 calories.

2. overlook [oh-ver-LOOK] (v.) – to not notice a detail or fact

Example: The manufacturer overlooked a spelling error in the product’s label.

3. alternative [awl-TUR-nuh-tiv] (adj.) – a second option or a replacement for something

Example:  An alternative plan is ready in case the first one fails.

4. comply [kuh m-PLAHY] (v.) – to follow an order or to cooperate

Example: The companies complied with the new tax laws.

5. health-conscious [helth-KON-shuh s] (adj.) – gives high importance to health

Example: My health-conscious friend loves eating vegetables.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has proposed a change in the “Nutrition Facts” label of food and drink products in the U.S.  This proposal is part of Let’s Move! initiative, a project headed by the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady and the FDA hopes that the proposed changes in the food label will help people easily know and understand the nutrient content of the products they intend to buy. One of the key changes in the label is the larger and bolder font of the product’s calorie content. This change would help make the calorie count more noticeable, as most consumers often overlook the number in the label. Instead of providing the ideal serving size, the new label will also include the amount that people actually consume. In addition, the new label will have the amount of added sugars, which will help customers distinguish the amount of natural and additive sugars in products. The FDA also proposed an alternative label that groups the nutrients into three categories—‘Quick Facts,’ ‘Avoid Too Much,’ and ‘Get Enough.’ For 90 days, the FDA will analyze comments about the proposal. The agency expects to have a final rule after a year. Once the policy is finalized and approved, manufacturers will be given at least two years to comply with it. Former FDA commissioner David Kessler said that the improvement on the label will really benefit the public as more people are becoming health-conscious. And while some people tend to ignore the label, the number of people reading it has now increased, a recent study revealed.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of the proposed change?

         Why do you think some people tend to ignore the Nutrition Facts label?

Discussion B

         Do you consider yourself a health-conscious person? Why or why not?

         How can people be encouraged to eat more healthy food?

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Controversial Injection Can Turn Body Fat Liquid

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. urinate [YOO R-uh-neyt] (v.) – to excrete or discharge urine from the body

Example: He urinates a lot because he drinks lots of water.

2. liquefy [LIK-wuh-fahy] (v.) – to turn into or become liquid

Example: Much of the ice has liquefied because of too much heat.

3. side effect [sahyd ih-FEKT] (n. phrase) – an undesirable or unpleasant effect after a drug or treatment is taken

Example: The drug’s side effects are dizziness and vomiting.

4. contour [KON-too r] (v.) – to mold or shape into something desired

Example: Some people undergo surgical treatments to contour their body into a slimmer figure.

5. bloodstream [BLUHD-streem] (n.) – the flow of blood through a person or animal’s circulatory system

Example: The drug entered the bloodstream and quickly spread throughout the body.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Experts have recently invented an injection that can liquefy body fat, making it possible for people to urinate it. Known as Aqualyx, this new treatment is a water solution injected into the areas of the body with excess fat. The formula, which contains plant polymers, liquefies the fat cells. The dissolved fat cells are then eliminated from the body in the form of urine. The makers of this formula say that it completely destroys the fat cells, ensuring that they would not grow back. At £250 ($330) per session, the treatment is claimed to be an effective and affordable alternative to liposuction [LIP-uh-suhk-shuh n, LAHY-puh‐]. The formula can be injected into several areas of the body, including the thighs [thahys], stomach, knees, buttocks, chin, neck, and back. According to Mills Medical Service, Aqualyx is the only registered fat removal injection on the market. It has no side effects except for a little bruising and swelling of the injected area for 48 hours. However, the makers stressed that the formula is not for weight loss. It is mainly used to contour the body and slim down the fatty areas. They also added that healthy diet and exercise are necessary to help prevent the growth of too much fat. On another note, Dr. Arun Ghosh of Spire Hospital in Liverpool warns people about this treatment. He explained that it is dangerous to re-absorb fatty acids into the bloodstream because if it dissolves into salt, it would increase cholesterol levels too high. Another medical doctor also discourages using any injections to remove fat until more research and trials are done. Patients are encouraged to undergo full consultation before using the injection.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         If given the chance, would you try this formula? Why or why not?

         In your opinion, how will this formula sell in your country?

Discussion B

         Why do you think some people spend money to look better?

         Do you approve of cosmetic surgery? Please explain your answer.

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