Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. doping (adj.) [doh-ping] – relates to the use of illegal drugs to improve athletic performance
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. doping (adj.) [doh-ping] – relates to the use of illegal drugs to improve athletic performance
Example: Reports say the athlete
won the tournament because he used a doping
substance.
2. sensation (n.) [sen-sey-shuhn] – a physical sense or feeling
Example: He felt a painful sensation in his legs after running the
marathon.
3. abuse (n.) [uh-byoos] – the improper, incorrect or overuse of something
Example: Some medicines are
regulated by the authorities to prevent drug abuse.
4. dose (n.) [dohs] – a specified amount of medicine that a person needs to take
Example: He takes a dose of his medicine after every meal.
5. prescription (n.) [pri-skrip-shuhn] – a written order from a doctor that contains instructions of what medicine to
take and how to take it
Example: The doctor gave the
patient a prescription after the
check-up.
Article
Read the text below.
Dr. Hans Geyer, the
deputy director of the World Anti-Doping Laboratory in Cologne, Germany says
painkillers can be considered as doping
substances that help athletes improve performance.
Geyer says painkillers
meet all the requirements of a doping substance since it can turn off pain sensations, which are natural
protective mechanisms of the body. The reduced pain helps athletes continue hard
training and perform better.
Geyer has observed
doping control forms and urine samples for a decade and has learned that many
athletes use painkillers in and out of competition. He has also said that the abuse of this kind of medication is very widespread.
According to a handball
player whom Geyer spoke to, fifty percent of the champions in a handball
competition took the painkiller called “diclofenac.” Andreas Erm, a bronze
medalist in the 2003 World Athletics Championship in Paris, also received
several doses of painkillers
during the 50-km walking marathon.
Dr. Geyer said there
is nothing wrong with taking painkillers during a competition, but he is
worried about the heavy use of these medications even during training.
While painkillers can
boost athletic performance, they also leave damaging effects on body tissues
and bones.
Regulating athletes’
use of painkillers would be impossible. Unlike illegal doping substances,
painkillers are readily available on the market.
In addition, some
painkillers which are available only through prescription can still be given upon an athlete’s special
request.
Therefore, Geyer
believes medical professionals have the responsibility to discuss with athletes
how painkillers can cause long-term negative effects on the body.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do you think athletes really need doping
substances such as painkillers in order to perform very well? Why or why not?
·
Would you consider taking painkillers in sports
a form of cheating? Why or why not?
Discussion B
·
Do you think athletes will still use doping
substances even if they become aware of the health risks? Why or why not?
·
How do you think athletes can be encouraged to prioritize
their health and well-being?