Medical Tourism, A New Business Trend

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

1. tourism [too r-iz-uh m] (n.) – the industry of providing people tours and services when they travel

Example: The current upward trend in tourism helped him decide to start a travel agency.

           

2. transitory [TRAN-si-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -zi-] (adj.) – temporary or lasting only for a short time

Example: Many travelers spend the night at cheap hotels because their stay is often transitory.

3. project [pruh-JEKT] (v.) – to guess or estimate on a future result based on the available data

Example: The boss asked his employee to project how much profit the new marketing strategy can generate.

4. attribute [uh-TRIB-yoot ] (v.) – to consider as the reason or cause of something

Example: Doctors attributed his dad’s poor health to lack of exercise.

5. immigrant [IM-i-gruh nt] (n.) – a person who comes to another country to live there permanently.

Example: Many immigrants visit their home country because they often miss their relatives.

Article
Read the text below.

While sightseeing may be a popular reason for travel, recent studies show that many Europeans nowadays go to other countries for medical purposes. This new trend is being called medical tourism. Medical tourism is becoming popular, with more people searching for less expensive medication and treatment in other countries. But aside from getting medical treatments, people also go sightseeing to take advantage of the costly trip. Professor Helmut Wachowiak of the International University of Applied Sciences in Germany said that although medical tourism is still a transitory industry, it is opening market opportunities for many countries. Wachowiak added that the medical tourism industry earned $40 to $60 billion and is projected to increase by 20% yearly. Germany is now one of the countries with the largest medical tourism industry. About 77,000 foreign patients received their medical treatment in Germany in 2010. Studies have attributed the increasing interest for medical tourism to several factors. One factor is the marketing of cheaper and faster medical care to tourists. Tourism agencies, who know of this fact, have been promoting various medical deals through the internet. Medical companies have also been referring patients to international clinics. One such company is the Medical Tourist Company in Britain, which refers about 100 patients yearly to hospitals in India. Lastly, many immigrants feel more comfortable seeking treatment in a familiar place where relatives can take care of them and where treatment is cheaper, so these immigrants choose to come back to their home countries for medical care.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Are you satisfied with the current medical services in your country? Why or why not?

         Do you think medical tourism could be a potential source of income for your country? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         Why do you think people like to visit your country?

         Can you name activities or places in your country that are popular with tourists? Please explain your answers.

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Higher Costs Prevent Graduates from Getting Postgraduate Education

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

1. social mobility [SOH-shuhl moh-BIL-i-tee] (n.) – the ability of people to move from one social class to another (e.g. from lower class to middle class)

Example: Higher education promotes social mobility and allows people to improve their lives.

2. postgraduate [pohst-GRAJ-oo-it, -eyt] (n.) – a person who studies a higher level after finishing college

Example: Postgraduates study even after college to become experts in their field.

3. deter [dih-TUR] (v.) – to stop a person from doing something

Example: Lack of interest in studying deterred Robin from getting high grades in math.

4. advantageous [ad-vuh n-TEY-juh s] (adj.) – helpful or useful

Example: Good educational background can be advantageous in getting a job.

5. deserving [dih-ZUR-ving] (adj.) – rightful or worthy of getting something

Example: Deserving students should get the quality education they need.

Article
Read the text below.

A study from Sutton Trust Charity has revealed that the rising costs of postgraduate courses may discourage poorer graduates in the UK from getting advanced education and may affect social mobility. According to the study, the number of postgraduates in the UK’s workforce has increased   from 4% in 1996 to 11% in recent years. However, this number may decrease because not all students can afford the higher costs of getting a postgraduate degree. Higher tuition fees in the college level may also deter people from finishing college. Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of Sutton Trust Charity, said that many graduates with more than £40,000 in student debts would not see the appeal of paying another £9,000 a year for postgraduate education. In other words, only graduates with enough resources can afford postgraduate courses. In the UK, college education is already a basic requirement in getting a high-paying job. However, employers nowadays often prefer people with postgraduate degrees. In addition, postgraduates could earn £5,000 more earnings each year than college graduates. While having a highly educated workforce is advantageous to the country, Sir Peter suggested that postgraduate courses should not be available only to wealthy people. He said that a postgraduate degree makes a country’s working population competitive in the global market. But college graduates who cannot afford additional education should still have equal access to good jobs just like wealthy postgraduates. The Sutton group recommends that the government and other organizations financially help deserving students who want to take up postgraduate courses.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Why do you think the number of postgraduate students is increasing?

         What are some advantages and disadvantages of getting higher education?

Discussion B

         Do you think having postgraduate education is always an advantage in finding a career? Why or why not?

         If you were an employer, would you prefer a postgraduate over a college graduate? Please explain your answer.

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Football Player Auctions Self-Designed Motorbike for Charity

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

1. auction [AWK-shuh n] (v.) – to sell an item or property to the customer who offers to pay the highest price

Example: The celebrity auctioned his car and sold it to a businessman with the highest offered price.

2. custom [KUHS-tuh m] (adj.) – made according to a person’s specific description

Example: The woman’s bag is special and unique because it has a custom design.

3. autographed [AW-tuh-graf, -grahf] (adj.) – having a person’s handwritten signature

Example: The football players gave autographed souvenirs to their fans.

4. on behalf of [on bih-HAF, -HAHF uhv] (idiom) – acting someone’s representative

Example: On behalf of the company, the president thanked the people for supporting the company’s products.

5. proceeds [PROH-seeds] (n.) – the amount of money raised from a fundraising activity

Example: The proceeds of the festival will go to patients with cancer.

Article 
Read the text below.

A diamond-covered motorbike designed by English football player Wayne Rooney was auctioned [AWK-shuhn] and sold for £43,000 (almost US$65,000). The auction was held at the Bonhams Auction of Sports Memorabilia in the UK and was organized for the benefit of KidsAid, a Danish [DEY-nish] children’s charity that helps sick young people. Lauge Jenson, a Danish motorbike manufacturer, asked Rooney to design a custom motorbike. Rooney, a successful striker in the team Manchester United, said he was excited to be a part of the project. The football player’s design includes an autographed “No. 10” football shirt fixed on the motorbike’s gas tank.  The motorbike is also equipped with a special shift rod with 21 black diamonds and a white diamond. The motorbike also features artwork of Rooney celebrating his remarkable goal in 2011, which was named the “Best Goal” during that season. This goal, Rooney said, was his inspiration for the motorbike’s design. Rooney said that designing the motorbike and donating the auction’s proceeds to Danish kids was also a way of thanking Danish fans on behalf of his team. The Lauge Jensen company was established only a few years ago. Aside from Rooney, another sports star who designed a motorbike for the company was the former women’s world number one tennis player, Dane Caroline Wozniacki.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

         Do you think other famous athletes should also help charities? Why or why not?

         Why do you think some athletes organize activities to help charities?

Discussion B

         How do you think the involvement of celebrities affects a company’s product?

         In your opinion, why do some people buy products that celebrities advertise?

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New Device Lets Users Send Sounds Using Smartphones

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

1. extensive [ik-STEN-siv] (adj.) – large in amount, degree or number

Example:  The computer science graduate has extensive knowledge on creating programs.

2. crowdfunding [kroud FUHND-ing] (n.) – a project’s financing method in which many individuals contribute money, usually through the Internet Example: Crowdfunding and people who contribute in it help  a lot of app developers turn their ideas into reality.

3. pledge [plej] (v.) – to promise or agree to give money

Example: The businessman pledged $5000 to the school library.

4. whimsical [HWIM-zi-kuh l, WIM-] (adj.) – unusual in an amusing, playful and not serious way

Example: I laughed at my brother’s whimsical text message.

5. bridge the gap [brij th uh gap] (idiom) – to connect two things that have little in common

Example: The non-profit organization hopes to bridge the gap between young people and the elderly through volunteer programs.

Article
Read the text below.

A Paris-based tech company, 23 de Enero, has introduced a new device for mobile gadgets that allows sending of sounds, which makes communication more fun and personal. TeleSound, the new speaker, connects to a person's smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth [BLOO-tooth] 4.0. The device uses an app with an extensive data bank of emoji icons, each with a corresponding sound. Users can send messages containing these emojis to each other. Upon receiving a message, the speaker will automatically play the sound of the emojis. The device, however, is not yet available on the market, as the makers are currently raising funds on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. Nonetheless, people can avail of the device by supporting the project. Users who pledge $34 or more can get their own TeleSound after the project has reached its $100,000 goal.  The makers decided to use Bluetooth 4.0 instead of Wi-Fi [WAHY-fahy] to make the device more affordable. Otherwise, TeleSound would cost more than $100. However, critics are questioning TeleSound's profitability, saying the device is fun and whimsical but hardly useful. In response, Olivier Mével, co-founder of 23 de Enero, said that TeleSound is more than just an amusing device. People share hugs, laughs and frowns in real life but today's digital methods of communication limits what people can actually do. According to Mével, TeleSound bridges this gap with very direct and emotional sounds, thereby making people feel more connected to friends and family.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Will you be interested in buying the TeleSound speaker? Why or why not?

         Do you think devices like TeleSound can really bridge the gap between actual and digital communication?

Discussion B

         Which is better: communicating face-to-face or over the internet? Why do you say so?

         Does digital communication strengthen or weaken relationships with friends and family? Please explain your answer.

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Neighbors in Finland Share Leftover Food to Reduce Waste

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


1. trim down [trim-doun] (phrasal v.) – to reduce or to decrease

Example:  Gymnasts trim down their food intake in preparation for a tournament.

2. pantry [PAN-tree] (n.) – a room where food and other kitchen utensils are stored

Example: The family went grocery shopping to store more food in the pantry.

3. brainchild [BREYN chahyld] (n.) – an original idea or concept of a person or a group

Example: The campaign to reduce pollution in the city was the brainchild of an environmental organization.

4. forward-thinking [FAWR-werd THING-king] (adj.) – thinking or planning about the future

Example: Critics say that the project to reduce food waste is forward-thinking for considering the future effects of food wastage to the environment.

5. utilize [YOOT-l-ahyz] (v.) – to put into use

Example: People in the office utilize the same pantry for keeping food.

Article 
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Food wastage has become a global environmental problem. But some residents in Finland have thought of a way to trim down the amount of wasted food–by sharing leftovers with each other. The project started four months ago in an apartment complex in a neighborhood in Helsinki. The residents store their leftovers and extra goods in a pantry kept at 6 C throughout the year. Residents write their apartment number, the food they have left or taken and their comments on a clipboard hanging on the pantry door. They must also list down a cooked dish’s ingredients. The system helps people know who left bad food in case someone gets sick. A Facebook page with a list of available food is also updated regularly. This idea is the brainchild of Heikki Savonen, who thought of the anti-waste project two years ago. Savonen consulted MTT Agrifood Research, a food sustainability research center. Soon after, Savonen launched the idea on the Internet and contacted residents of the neighborhood. MTT Agrifood Research said the project was forward-thinking. According to a researcher from the center, the project will reduce the 130,000 tons of food waste in Finland yearly. However, this project still needs improvement. Since the project started, not all residents have utilized the pantry. Only a dozen people regularly leave comments on the clipboard. Jukka Peltonen, a resident who utilizes the pantry, expects that more people will participate in the project during the summer season. He hopes the project will not only reduce food wastage, but will also establish community ties among residents.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

         Do you think this project can be done in your own community? Why or why not?

         What do you think are the disadvantages of this project? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         Aside from causing environmental problems, why is it bad to waste food?

         How can you help prevent food wastage?

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China Admits Presence of ‘Cancer Villages’

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

1. risk [risk] (n.) – a threat or a chance that something may happen

Example: People who live in dirty places have a high risk of getting sick.

2. (to) catch one’s eye [too-kach-wuhns-ahy] (idiom) – to get someone’s interest or attention Example: The unclean residence caught the health inspector’s eyes.

3. toxic [TOK-sik] (adj.) – poisonous or harmful to one’s health

Example: Toxic chemicals make water dangerous for people.

4. estimate [ES-tuh-meyt] (v.) – to guess the amount of something

Example:  Researchers estimated the amount of needed data based on previous studies.

5. mortality [mawr-TAL-i-tee] (n.) – number of deaths in a specific population

Example:  Pollution caused high mortality in the country. 

Article
Read the text below.

The Chinese environment ministry has finally recognized that ‘cancer villages’ exist in the country. ‘Cancer villages’ refer to polluted areas with high number of cancer cases or with a high risk of getting the disease. Reports regarding ‘cancer villages’ started in 1998, but the term caught the public’s eye only when a Chinese writer presented a map of ‘cancer villages’ three years ago. However, ‘cancer villages’ still has no scientific meaning to date. Media and authorities have revealed that 241 ‘cancer villages’ exist in China, but figures from other unofficial sources estimated about 459 villages, said US-based researcher Lee Liu. These villages are near rivers, where industrial facilities are also located. The ministry also admitted the country’s use of toxic industrial chemicals banned in developed nations resulted to water and air pollution. Wang Canfa, an environmental lawyer in Beijing, said that the government also confessed that pollution has caused most of the cancer cases in China. Liu also added that dirty water is the biggest reason why people got cancer. For the past thirty years, the cases of cancer deaths in China have increased by 80%, making cancer the country’s number one cause of mortality in China. In fact, around 2.7 million Chinese die from the disease annually. Pollution in China produced thick smog in January this year, which lasted for several days. This smog caused many people to be hospitalized and some flights to be cancelled. Because of this worsening situation, people have started to complain and ask for immediate measures to lessen pollution. Protests and criticisms against China’s industrial pollution have forced officials to agree on closing down some industrial plants.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         How can we solve the problem of pollution?

         Should the government prioritize pollution among the country's other problems? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         How do you think the kind of environment we live in affects our health?

         What do you think is an ideal environment to live in? Please explain your answer.

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