【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. prolonged /prəˈlɔŋd/ (adj.) – happening or continuing for a long time
Example: Prolonged stress harms the body.
2. sedentary /ˈsɛdnˌtɛri/ (adj.) – involving little movement
Example: Office work is usually sedentary.
3. cardiovascular /ˌkɑrdioʊˈvæskyələr/ (adj.) – relating to or involving the heart
Example: Eating fruits help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
4. idle /ˈaɪdl/ (adj.) – not performing or not doing anything
Example: Some old people tend to be idle.
5. make a difference /meɪk
ə ˈdɪfərəns/ (idiom) – to change things for the better
Example: Regular exercise makes a big difference to a person’s health.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A new study, entitled “Sedentary Behavior and Mortality in Older Women,” revealed that prolonged sitting is not good for women.
Nutritional scientist Rebecca Seguin [si-GEEN] led the study, which was participated by 93,000 women aged 50 to 79. These women had high amounts of sedentary time, mainly spent on sitting and resting, excluding sleeping.
The study discovered that women who had more than 11 hours of sitting time in a day died earlier than their active peers. The risk is 12 percent higher than those who are more active—four hours or less of inactivity in a single day. Moreover, the first group of women is more prone to cardiovascular diseases, coronary diseases, and cancer.
According to Seguin, most people have the wrong idea that it is alright to spend a long time sitting as long as they are physically fit and spend some time to exercise. Seguin says this posts more danger.
Seguin explains that too much idle time makes it hard for women to regain physical strength and function. Although regular exercise can be a big help, women can benefit more from having everyday movement to maintain good health.
The researcher advises office workers to get up and move around the office frequently. For those who are already retired and have lots of idle time, they can go outside and take a walk. They can also get up between TV programs, computer work, and reading time.
According to Seguin, small movements like these can make a big difference.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· How do you feel about the findings of the study?
· What healthy habits do you want to practice in the next few months? How will these habits help you?
Discussion B
· Please describe the kind of lifestyle common in the place where you live.
· Would you say this is a healthy kind of lifestyle? Why or why not?