Unit 14 At a Clinic
1.Listen,read and practice in pairs.
Have you noticed that in every school there's a place for students auts,
wounds and some other minor problems to be treated?
Do you know what this place is called?It's called an infirmary.
LiMeng:Oh,on!Jeff,have you got any tissues?
Jeff:Yeah.Here,what hapened?
Gee,let me give you a hand.What did you do?
LiMeng:Nothing.I just wanted to cut this piece of paper.
The paper slipped and the scissors fell and cut my leg.
Jeff:I think you should go to the infimary to have your cut treated.
They've got a first-aid kit there.
LiMeng:There's no need.It's hardly bleeding now.
Jeff:I still think you should go.It would be too late if you got an infection.
LiMeng:OK then.The infirmary is on the first floor,right?
Jeff:Yeah.And the lady working there is called Mrs.Penn.
(LiMeng goes out of the classroom to the infirmary
and returns a few minutes later.)
Jeff:Got it treated?The band-aid should be good.
Did Mrs.Penn ask you any questions?
LiMeng:Yeah.Things like my name,class and how it happened.
She put those things down in a notebook.
Jeff:Did it hurt when she treated your cut?
LiMeng:Very little.It was over in a couple of seconds
Good thing,it wasn't serious.
Otherwise if I had to go to a hospital,I would have to pay a lot of money.
Jeff:Really?Haven't you got your medical insurance?
4.Listen,read and act.
Have you got medical insurance? What does it cover?
What do you have to pay for yourself?
LiMeng is asking his home-stay parent Mrs.Davis about his medical insurance.
Mrs.Davis:LiMeng,how come you've got a band-did on your leg?
Are you all right?What happened?
LiMeng:It's OK.Just a minor cut.I droppped my scissors this afternoon.
Thank,mum.Speaking of cuts,there's one thing I'd like to know,if I may ask.
Mrs.Davis:Sure.What is it?
LiMeng:A classmate asked me if I have medical insurance.I was doubtful.
I have no idea.So....
Mrs.Davis:I see.Of course you have.
The school sent materials about medical insurance to your parents
and I remember they chose Healthy Plus for your sister and yourself.
Both of you are young and healthy,so Healthy Plus is enough.
You must have seen those forms.
LiMeng:I remember filling out a lot of forms
and it was difficult to tell which was which.
Mrs.Davis:Don't worry.Both of you are insured.
Your parents have already paid the premium.
LiMeng:The premium?Is that the money for the insurance company?
Mrs.Davis:Good guess.Your parents pay a small premium to the company each month.
7.Listen,read and act.
Do you know how to give first aid when someone is wounded?
Know what's inside a first-aid kit?Want to get some training?
LiMeng:You know,Daniel,when I was in the school's infirmary,I saw a first-aid kit.
I wonder what's inside.
Daniel:We've got a small one in our bathroom.
Let me show you...here,see,bandages,dressings,slings,scissors and aome safety pins.
LiMeng:Very interesting stuff.Do you know how to give first aid?
Daniel:I've learned some,but I've hardly had any chance to do anything.
Nothing bad has happened.
Oh,I know.Suppose both of us fell from a bike,what would you do?
LiMeng:What would I do?Stand up first and then help you stand up.
Daniel:Wrong!
LiMeng:Wrong?Shouldn't I help you?
Daniel:It would be good if you could
But your first action should be check for danger to yourself.
You should check me only when you're sure you're OK.
LiMeng:That's strange!Isn't that selfish?
9.Listen,read and learn.
Do you have a family doctor?
If you have a cold,a headache,or an earache
and you don't have the time to see a doctor,
what would you do?
Would you rather wait until you have some free time
or leave your sickness unattended?
Both choices are not good.
What you need to do is to find a doctor for yourself or your family members.
Nowadays,family doctors are more and more popular.
When faced with a medical problem
many people feel frightened and unsure of whom to trust,
Family doctors can help with the wide range of health problems
that may affect any family member,
from babies to senior citizens.
They offer help with any illness,injury or health question.
Family soctors give most of their care in homes and offices,
but also sometimes work in hospitals.
While you are looking for a family doctor,
you should look for the doctor who understands,
respects and answers your questions;
who can help you and your family feel comfortablw to be open and honest;
who van be available for your problems on an ongoing basis.
Once you have a family doctor,
you will want to be able to talk openly and honestly
about any matter with your family doctor.
To do this,your doctor may need an understanding of your language and culture.
Good communication with your family doctor is very necessary.
During visits for medical problems,
your family doctor
can also help you make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent future problems.
As your family doctor and yourself get to know each other
a bond of trust develops.