U.S. Hospitals Asked to Stop Free Baby Formula Samples

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. advocacy (n.) [ad-vuh-kuh-see] – activities done in support of a cause or a goal

Example: Martin Luther King Jr. started an advocacy to protect the rights of African Americans.

2. infant formula (n.) [in-fuhnt][fawr-myuh-luh] – an alternative to mother’s milk

Example: Some mothers who cannot breastfeed use infant formula to feed their babies.

3. sample (n.) [sam-puhl, sahm-] – a free item given by companies for customers to try or test

Example: Customers were given samples of the newest food product to test its flavor.

4. send the wrong message (idiom) [send][thuh][rawng, rong][mes-ij] – to mislead someone with one’s words or actions

Example: Hospitals with poor service send the wrong message to the public.

5. exclusively (adv.) [ik-skloo-siv, -ziv] – without any other being included, involved or used

Example:  Most babies who were exclusivelybreastfed had not tasted infant formula.

Article
Read the text below.

Consumer and health advocacy groups have asked more than 2,600 US hospitals to stop giving free infant formula samples to mothers who have just given birth. Top infant formula companies like Abbot, Mead, and Nestle, have also been asked to stop distributing these samples. According to a report, about 66% of hospitals in the US still give away infant formula in company-sponsored sample bags, along with other baby products and pamphlets. Advocacy groups, such as Public Citizen, are worried that hospitals may be sending the wrong message. They say mothers might mistakenly think that hospitals promote the use of infant formula.  The free formula might also encourage mothers to give up breastfeeding before even asking help from health professionals. Government data show that only 14% of babies under six months old are exclusively breastfed.  However, US health officials wish to increase the number to 26% by 2020, because of the many health benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been known to help protect babies against diseases and to reduce babies’ chances of developing obesity. It is also much cheaper than buying infant formula, which could cost up to $2,800 a year. However, some hospitals and formula makers defend their practice. International Formula Council’s executive vice president, Mardi Mountford, says women who have difficulties with breastfeeding want to know more about their options. Furthermore, the American Hospital Association says that although breastfeeding is indeed the best choice, hospitals have a duty to support mothers who choose not to breastfeed by offering more information and resources.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Should women have the option not to breastfeed their babies? Please explain your answer.

·         What other benefits of breastfeeding can you think of?

Discussion B

·         How can health information be misused by companies?

·         What can a person do to make sure he/she gets correct health information?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

US Government to Regulate Digital Devices in Cars

Unlocking Word Meanings 

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. distract (v.) [dih-strakt] – to cause someone to turn away his attention from something and direct it to another

Example:  He could not study well because he got distracted by the loud music next door.

2. regulate (v.) [reg-yuh-leyt] - to bring under control

Example: The doctor advised her to regulate the amount of salt in her food.

3. equip (v.)  [ih-kwip] – to provide with things that are needed for a specific purpose

Example: Mountain climbers are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure their safety.

4. activate (v.) [ak-tuh-veyt] – to make something act or start working

Example: Most appliances today are activated by just a push of a button on the remote control.

5. evolve (v.) [ih-volv] – to develop slowly into another state or condition

Example: Her hobby has evolved into a good business.  

Article
Read the text below.

To prevent more car accidents from happening, the US government plans to create regulations on the use of new car technology.  At present, ten US states ban the use of hand-held cellphones and 35 states ban texting while driving, resulting in a 50% drop in road accidents in some states.  However, in 2011 alone, more than 3,000 people in the US were killed in distracted-driving accidents. Experts say many deaths on the road have been caused by driving distractions such as texting, Internet browsing, and looking down to check one’s mobile phone. But even if drivers use their phones less, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) worries that new built-in car technology may cause additional distractions. Most new cars are equipped with built-in digital devices that can connect to the Internet and smartphones. Such devices allow drivers to access Facebook, find addresses, and use mobile apps even without holding their phones. Car manufacturers say that driving is also much safer now because these built-in features are on the car’s dashboard. Yet NHTSA fears the communication features may continue to endanger drivers who often activate the devices while driving. The agency has started holding public talks on how new car technology can be controlled to avoid further distractions and accidents. However, car technology is evolving so fast that NHSTA is finding it difficult to create policies to limit each new technology’s use. Many years may pass before the regulations on some car technologies will actually become official, and by that time many other new technologies might already be in use.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you agree that drivers must not be allowed to use devices while driving?  Why?

·         Is technology putting people’s lives at risk? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Does the government have the right to regulate the way people use technology?  Why? Why not?

How can you help spread awareness on the dangers of distracted driving?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Additional Tax May Help People Eat Healthily

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. annual (adj.) [an-yoo-uhl]  – happening every year; yearly

Example: Christmas is an annual festival in many countries.

2. impose (v.)  [im-pohz] – to set or establish something as a requirement

Example: People must pay more tax on junk food after the government imposed the new rule. 

3. cholesterol (n.) [kuh-les-tuh-rohl, -rawl] – a whitish substance found in certain foods such as animal meat and eggs.

Example: She doesn’t like to eat cakes and ice cream because they have high cholesterol content.

4. receptive (adj.) [ri-sep-tiv] – agreeable or willing to listen to an idea

Example: The writer was receptive to the feedback about his book.

5. skeptical (adj.) [skep-ti-kuhl] – having doubt or uncertainty of something

Example: The student reviewed his notes because he was skeptical of his answers.

Article
Read the text below.

Mike Rayner, the director of a health promotion research group in Oxford University, proposes adding a fat tax to unhealthy foods in the UK. Rayner says that one out of four British adults is obese, and this is the reason why billions of pounds are spent on health services annually. He proposes a 12 pence fat tax on sodas, arguing that the number of deaths every year may be reduced if people would choose to drink healthier beverages. The additional tax can then be used to increase funds for healthcare, Rayner adds. He also cites how Denmark has imposed a fat tax on foods rich in saturated fat, such as butter and oil. These fatty foods are high in cholesterol and are likely cause health problems. According to him, putting tax on all unhealthy foods, similar to how tax has been added to cigarettes and alcohol, would help address issues related to people’s wellbeing. Rayner’s proposal has been presented to two members of the British parliament to see how receptive politicians would be to the idea. Liberal Democrat minister Steve Webb said the idea is interesting, although it may not prove enough reason to raise taxes. He adds that the results of the fat tax in Denmark and other countries should be studied carefully to see if the tax really works. Meanwhile, Angela Eagle, a labor party member, is skeptical about the tax. She says that educating people about the dangers of unhealthy food and controlling the content of salt in food seem more practical and important.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Is additional tax on unhealthy food an effective way to help people eat healthy? Why or why not?

·         Will the fat tax be useful in your country? What will be its disadvantages?

Discussion B

·         Is eating low fat foods the only way to have a healthy lifestyle? Why or why not?

What other ways can help people eat healthily?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

UN Peace Monitors Watch Over Syrian War

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. monitor (n.) [mon-i-ter] – someone who checks or observes something

Example: Time monitors make sure the workers follow the schedule.

2. ceasefire (n.) [sees-fahyuhr] – an agreement to stop fighting temporarily

Example:  Both forces agreed to a ceasefire so they can talk about a peaceful end to the war.

3. mediator (n.) [mee-dee-ey-ter] – one who helps settle conflict between two parties

Example: Teachers must serve as mediators when there are fights between their students.

4. ambush (v.) [am-boosh] – to attack by surprise or without any warning

Example:  Guards prevent the enemy from ambushing the camp.

5. verify (v.) [ver-uh-fahy] – to prove a claim to be true and correct using an evidence

Example: Applicants must present their IDs to verify their identities.

Article
Read the text below.

Last month, United Nations peace monitors arrived in Syria amid civil war and violence that continue in the country despite the government’s promise of a ceasefire. International mediator Kofi Annan had asked the government for a ceasefire as part of a six-point peace plan for Syria. The plan aims to stop violence in the country caused by fighting between government and rebel armies. U.N. peace monitors have been assigned to check if the ceasefire is being followed as well as to begin peacekeeping activities. However, on April 15, bombings started by government troops were reported in the city of Homs, while the first group of peace monitors was entering the country. The same day, government-controlled TV reported that rebel terrorists had ambushed government soldiers in the province of Idlib. The Syrian government has so far said all killings are due to “terrorist groups” that wish to take down President Bashar al-Assad from power. But whether the government is telling the truth cannot be verified because international journalists have been denied access to the country. According to Syrian government TV, the ceasefire from the government’s side has led to more terrorist activity. The report said the government will have to fight back to protect Syrian people. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned that the government must still commit to its promise of ceasefire. Around 300 peace monitors will be entering the country to continue the U.N.’s support to end the Syrian conflict. The U.N. estimates that government forces have already killed more than 9,000 people since the violence began last year.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Is war the best solution to end terrorism? Please explain your answer.

·         Can you think of a way how terrorism can be ended in countries like Syria?

Discussion B

·         Why is the United Nations organization important?

·         Should other countries be involved in the conflict happening within one nation? Why or why not?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

UK’s 2012 Budget May Break Apart More Families

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. bear the brunt [of] (v./idiom) [bair][thuh][bruhnt]  – to receive the larger part of something unpleasant

Example: Employees bear the brunt when their company goes bankrupt.

2. balloon (v.) [buh-loon] – to suddenly grow bigger

Example: The number of unemployed people in Spain has balloonedto 5.64 million.

3. deficit (n.) [def-uh-sit] – an amount that is less than what is needed

Example: The city cannot complete the project due to a deficitin its 2011 income.

4. succeed (v.) [suhk-seed] – to come next in an order or a series

Example: According to tradition, Crown Prince Naruhito will succeedEmperor Akihito.

5. chancellor (n.) [chan-suh-ler, -sler, chahn-] - a government official or minister (usually used in Europe)

Example: Plans for the new budget must be approved by the Chancellorof Finance.

Article
Read the text below.

Families may have to bear the brunt of new tax rules adopted by the UK Treasury. To decrease the UK’s ballooning deficit, the government has made major changes in its 2012 budget—including changes in taxes and benefits for families with children. One budget change is the cancellation of the universal Child Benefit in which every family with one child receives £20.30 each week and an additional £13.40 for every succeeding child.  Now, a household with a parent earning more than £60,000 a year will completely lose the benefit.  The Treasury has also raised the tax from 5% to 7% on homes worth £2 million and up.   Furthermore, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that because of budget changes, the average incomes of households with children would drop by about £1,250 a year. The Family and Parenting Institute (FPI), a charity that protects family well-being, predicts that these additional taxes and reduced benefits will cause deep worry and money troubles among couples, and may ultimately result in divorce. Data from the Center for National Statistics show that divorces already increased by almost 5% in 2010 in England and Wales.  As such, the FPI has asked Chancellor George Osborne, head of financial and economic matters, to create rules that will help protect rather than break families.    But according to a Treasury spokesperson, the government has tried to make changes that would be fair to all. She said that families in the future will face even greater difficulty paying back the country’s debts if money-saving changes are not done sooner.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you believe that raising taxes can help solve a country’s economic problems? Please explain your answer.

·         Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to pay the national debt?  Why?

Discussion B

·         Does the government have the right to demand its people to give more taxes?  Why?

·         What goods or services do you think should be taxed more heavily, and which should not be taxed at all? Explain your answer.

この記事が気に入りましたか？