Podcast del mes anterior:

You’re going to listen to a government information broadcast from 1947 about healthy living. Before you listen we’ll focus on some vocabulary. Listen to some words in Spanish and try to say the English translation before I do. Then, repeat the word to practise pronunciation.

1. dolor de cabeza – headache, headache
2. esqueleto – skeleton, skeleton
3. hueso – bone, bone
4. músculo – muscle, muscle
5. piel – skin, skin
6. articulación – joint, joint
7. respirar - to breath, to breath
8. pulmones – lungs, lungs

Now do the same with the following words.

1. humo – smoke, smoke
2. suciedad – dirt, dirt
3. tomar el sol – sunbathe, sunbathe
4. sombra – shade, shade
5. ajustado/a – tight, tight
6. cintura – waist, waist
7. quedar bien – fit, fit

Prediction

Before you listen, think about the following questions.

1. When you’re working at a desk it is healthier to

     a) lean forward (*) To lean = inclinarse
     b) lean back
     c) sit up straight

2. The skeleton is covered by

     a) muscles and skin.
     b) bones and joints
     c) skin and lungs

3. Your lungs work better when they are breathing

     a) dirt
     b) fresh air
     c) smoke

4. It’s important that children’s shoes and clothes are not too

     a) fit
     b) comfortable
     c) tight

5. Before you go to bed, you’ll sleep better if you

     a) do the washing up
     b) relax for at least half and hour
     c) close all the windows

Now listen and check your predictions. Use the pause button on your audio player to stop the listening if you need to.

Transcription

Here is an office worker who has never heard of the first rule for health. He doesn’t know that bad posture can actually make him ill.
And he’s usually to be found slumped over his desk, like this.
Headache? Hmm…a bit of a backache, too. And terribly tired!
Well, try sitting up straight. See how much better you feel. Remember, sit tall!
Now, come along, let’s see you stand up. No no, you know better than that! Suppose we have a look at what goes on inside when you stand like that.
The skeleton is a framework of bone which protects the vital organs of the body.
It is strong, to give support. And jointed, to allow for movement.
It’s covered by muscles and skin.
Bad posture not only puts a strain on bone and muscle. It constricts breathing and digestion, too.
Standing up straight gives the body a chance to get on with its work without undue strain, and allows the lungs to take in the maximum amount of air. And the digestive organs to do their work properly.
Keep your muscles in good trim by daily exercise and fresh air and it’ll soon become a habit. You’ll get no exercise queuing for a bus. And precious little fresh air inside it. So, instead of going to work by bus or train, get what exercise and fresh air you can during your working day by walking or cycling.
The air in our big cities is full of smoke. Which means air full of dirt and sky without sun for the people of the city. So, make a point of getting fresh air and exercise during the weekend. You’ll be using the muscles that have been neglected during the week, and you’ll be able to take your mind off work by getting out into the open country.
Your body won’t be used to so much sun and air, so start off cautiously. It’s actually better to combine sunbathing with exercise. But, if you must bake, see that you get a bit of shade. And take it in small doses at first. Unless you want a headache, protect your eyes from the strong light.
We can’t get clothes like this nowadays, but some modern clothes still have their faults such as tight sleeves and armholes. Not enough room for back or shoulders. And pinched waists. This is especially important for growing children. Make sure their clothes really fit.
Shoes are important, too. See that they fit properly. See that they’re comfortable, and that they give the right support. A well-fitting shoe should fit snugly around the heel. It should be wide enough in front for the bones of the foot and toes without squeezing them.
Tight socks can do just as much damage as tight shoes. Children’s feet grow, but socks don’t. Let’s make the sock a bit bigger. That’s much better. Clothes should be loose-fitting and comfortable to give complete freedom of movement. Choose your clothes according to the weather. Remember too, after any exercise the body cools down rapidly, so put on a sweater or coat.
During sleep the brain and body are relaxed. But supposing you can’t sleep?
Well, let’s see what you have to do during the day. There’s breakfast to get ready. When you’ve got father off to work, and the children off to school, there’s washing up to do. Then housework, ironing, cooking, another meal; more washing up. In the afternoon there’s the shopping to do, and the tea to get ready. After putting the children to bed, there’s father’s meal to prepare; and washing up. And when that’s done, there’s always plenty of mending.
Now, suppose you put that work away and relax for at least half an hour before bed time. That’s right. You can’t possible expect to sleep well if you work and worry right up to the time you go to bed.
You won’t sleep healthily if the windows are shut.
Have a hot water bottle of you need it. In fact, make yourself thoroughly comfortable.
And finally, try not to worry about things you can’t change.
Goodnight.
Sleep well

Did you check your predictions?

1. When you’re working at a desk it is healthier to sit up straight.
2. The skeleton is covered by muscles and skin.
3. Your lungs work better when they are breathing fresh air.
4. It’s important that children’s shoes and clothes are not too tight.
5. Before you go to bed, you’ll sleep better if you relax for at least half and hour.