Visiting the doctor

Visiting the doctor

The first time you visit a new doctor, you should talk about your medical history – the illnesses you have had, any operations you have had and so on. Your doctor might want to give you a check-up.

A check-up will include monitoring your blood pressure, as high blood pressure is serious and can lead to life-threatening conditions. Your doctor will probably also take your pulse to check that your heart rate is normal.

A doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your breathing – particularly if you have a heart or chest infection, or a condition such as asthma.

Of course, you can also visit the doctor for a huge range of other reasons. Children need to have their injections and if you are going abroad on holiday, you might also need to have injections against infectious diseases. In winter, you can also get a flu vaccine so that you won’t get the flu.

If you need medication, a doctor will write you a prescription. You can get your prescription filled at a chemist.

For more serious medical conditions, you can get a referral to a clinic or a hospital. You might need blood tests done, or you might need an X-ray, or you might need to see a specialist.

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English to show you care

English to show you care

Life is full of special occasions where the perfect words can make a world of a difference. Some situations are delicate where we search for words that can provide comfort and condolence. Others are celebrations where we want to express our congratulations to someone special. We’ve compiled some useful expressions to use in life’s special and serious situations.

Weddings

If two friends decide to tie the knot and get married, it is a joyous occasion indeed! Be sure to say “Congratulations!” to the bride and groom. Whether you’re at the wedding or writing a card, you can add, “I wish you the best of happiness in the years to come.”

Birthdays

Usually on this occasion a mere “Happy Birthday!” will suffice. It is also common to ask the birthday boy or girl if they have any special celebration plans: “Are you doing anything special to celebrate?” Remember that in Western cultures, you usually take your friend out on their birthday for dinner or fun – not the other way around. Also, avoid asking about age, as some people might consider it rude.

Birth of a child

If a new bundle of joy has come into this world, tell the proud parents, “Congratulations!” If you don’t already know the sex of the baby, follow up by asking, “Is it a boy or a girl?” If you’re shown a photo, be sure to say, “She’s adorable!”, “He’s so cute!” or “She takes after her mother!”

Illness

If you’re feeling sick, it’s always nice to hear a sincere, “How are you feeling?” Phrases such as “Take care of yourself”, “Get well soon!” or “I hope you feel better soon!” are also appropriate for minor illnesses. If the situation is more serious, you may want to say, “My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Bereavement

If someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one, they are certain to be experiencing a lot of heartache. In this delicate situation, telling them, “I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one (father/mother/brother, etc.)” is appropriate. You can add, “If there is anything I can do for you, let me know.”

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Money talks! Saving money in English

Money talks! Saving money in English

Did you know that English can help you save money? The English language is full of advice on how to save for a rainy day. So if you are tired of penny-pinching, read on to learn the meaning of these useful expressions!

Penny-pinching. This expression means to save money, or describes someone who is unwilling to spend money. For example, I have to do some penny-pinching this month if I want to buy that coat!

A penny saved is a penny earned. This means that not spending money is almost the same as earning it because it will still be in your pocket!

The best things in life are free. A similar saying is Money isn’t everything, in other words money can’t buy the most important things in life, like love or friendship or health.

Saving for a rainy day means putting away money for the future, or saving for an emergency.

Penny wise, pound foolish. This expression describes a person who is extremely careful about spending small amounts of money, but careless when it comes to larger sums.

A fool and his money are soon parted. This proverb reminds us that foolish people do not know how to hold on to their money!

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. This is a famous saying of Benjamin Franklin, meaning if you go to sleep early and wake up early you can get rich!

Money doesn’t grow on trees. This expression means that money is not easily obtained. Parents frequently tell their children this if they constantly want to buy things!

Money talks. This is a modern expression which means that money is powerful, or that money makes things happen.

In for a penny, in for a pound. This proverb has come to mean that if you start something you may as well finish it, even if you have to devote much more effort than you expected. The original meaning was that if the punishment is the same, people will commit the offence which brings the greatest profit.

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