4.25. A) Work with a partner and describe a usual visit to a doctor in a

Russian clinic.

b) Read the text and compare the Russian procedure with the one in

the USA? What would strike a Russian as the most unusual thing to do

while visiting an American doctor?

c) How are medications sold in the USA? Compare it with the situation

In Russia?

When you visit a doctor or clinic, the procedures may be unfamiliar to you. In the United States, doctors and other healthcare professionals value efficiency and thoroughness, often more than expressing personal concern. You may first be asked to provide information about yourself and your ability to pay for the services. You may meet with a nurse or physician’s assistant, who will probably take your temperature, blood pressure, weight, and other measurements; she or he will probably ask you many questions about the reason for your visit. In some cases, the nurse or physician’s assistant will conduct the examination and provide treatment.

If so, it is because your condition is a common one, the treatment routine, and the practitioner is fully trained to provide the appropriate care. Nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals will expect you to explain your symptoms and conditions objectively, even if you are uncomfortable or intimidated. Always give complete and detailed information. If you have questions about your condition, treatment, or medical options, ask the doctor or the nurse. They expect and value your interest and questions. It is common in the United States for patients to ask about the medical procedures, options, treatments, and cost of care, and to express preferences about which treatment and medications are prescribed.

Different countries have different laws about which medications may be sold without a doctor’s prescription. In the U.S., medications available without a prescription at pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retailers are called “over-the-counter” medications.

4.26. Work in a small group. Think of the idea of ‘being healthy’. What does it mean? The questions below will help you define this notion.

1. Are you a member of a health spa/ gym?

2. Do think that you need to lose weight? (Are you overweight?)

3. Is your diet healthy? What does it consist of?

4. Do you catch a cold more than once a year?

5. Do you have any bad habit (like drinking or smoking)?

6. Do you ever get headaches? Do you know anyone who suffers from migraine headaches?

7. Do you ever read magazines or news articles about health? If yes, what subject(s) do you find the most interesting?

8. Do you exercise? What kind of exercise do you do? How often do you exercise?

9. Do you go for regular medical check-ups? How often do you go to the doctor’s?

10. Do you go to the dentist’s twice a year?

11. Do you have a lot of stress? What is the usual cause of your stress? How do you reduce stress in your life?

12. Do you have any allergies?

13. Do you have any scars? How did you get them? Hoe do you feel about them?

14. Do you take medicine when you are sick?

15. Do you take vitamins or mineral supplements?

16. Do you think pets are good for a person’s health?

17. Do you think that the tobacco companies should be held reasonably responsible for a person’s addiction to nicotine?

18. Do you usually get enough sleep? Do you take any sleeping pills?

19. Have you ever been hospitalized? (Have you ever been in the hospital?)