Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. track
    • ex. Bea tracks her sleep to see if she gets enough rest.
  2. diabetes
    • ex. My grandfather has diabetes, so he cannot eat too much sugar.
  3. vision
    • ex. I wear glasses because my vision is not very good.
  4. misinterpret
    • ex. We misinterpreted the map, so we went to the wrong place.
  5. diagnose
    • ex. A doctor can diagnose a disease by asking questions and doing tests.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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New small devices are helping people track their blood sugar. These devices, called continuous glucose monitors, are as small as a coin and stick to your body. They show how much sugar is in your blood all day and night. Many people hope these devices will help them be healthier. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said these tools can help Americans “take control over their own health.”

These devices are very important for people with diabetes. This disease can cause serious problems like heart issues and even loss of vision. More than 38 million Americans have diabetes. But now, people without diabetes are also buying these devices because they are popular.

However, some doctors say these devices might not be helpful for everyone. Dr. Jody Dushay said there is not much proof that they work for healthy people. Healthy bodies can control blood sugar well. These devices might make people misinterpret normal changes in blood sugar as a problem. Also, it’s important to remember that these devices cannot diagnose or treat diseases. They are best for people with diabetes or those at risk for the disease.

 This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Glucose Monitors and Tracking Devices

  • The glucose monitors show how much sugar is in your blood all day and night. Do you think tracking health data daily is helpful? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • People without diabetes are also buying continuous glucose monitors because they are popular. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The article said that it’s important to know glucose monitors can’t diagnose or treat diseases. Why is it important to know what a health device can and cannot do? Discuss.

Taking Control of Our Health

  • What does “taking control of your health” mean to you? Discuss.
  • What do you think are some challenges people might face when trying to take control of their health? Discuss.
  • Do you think tracking health progress with apps or devices can truly help people take better control of their health? Why do you say so? Discuss.