Health and Well-being, Part 1

The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.

1. What are the benefits of regular exercise? How do different generations in your country view exercise and physical fitness?

2. What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you? How do you prioritize your physical and mental well-being?

3. Describe some of your favorite ways to stay active and maintain physical fitness? (Do you go to the gym? Do you jog or go for a walk in the park? Do you do yoga?)

4. What are some cultural practices in your country that are believed to be health-promoting? Are there some cultural practices in your country that are not good for people’s health?

5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your views on health and healthcare? What is your view on how the government should handle a public health crisis?

6. Can you share a story about a time when you overcame a physical or mental health challenge? (When and where did it happen? Were other people involved? What kind of challenge was it?)

7. What role do you think diet and nutrition play in maintaining overall health and well-being?

8. Do you or anyone in your family take any supplements, like vitamins? If yes: What supplements do you or they take? Do you think supplements really help people, or do they just have a placebo effect?

9. How often do you get a medical check-up? Some people pay a lot of money to do extensive tests every year to make sure they don’t have early signs of cancer or other preventable diseases. Have you ever done tests like these? How expensive are they to do in your country?

10. Do you completely trust doctors? Why or why not? When would you consider getting a second opinion?

11. Discuss the importance of sleep and rest in supporting physical and mental health. (How many hours per night do you sleep? What time do you go to bed and what time do you get up? Do you take naps during the day?)

12. What are your views on alternative medicine like acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal treatments? Can you give other examples of non-Western medicine in your country? Should alternative treatments be covered by health insurance? Are they covered by health insurance in your country?

13. What is the average life expectancy in your country? How are the elderly viewed and cared for in your culture?

14. How can parents best promote healthy habits in their children? Are there specific health challenges facing children today compared to previous generations?

15. Who is the healthiest person you know? What do they do to stay healthy? What do you think are the keys to living a long, healthy life?

16. Have you ever had surgery? How long did you have to stay in the hospital? How long did it take you to recover? Did your health insurance cover the costs, or did you have to pay out of your own pocket?

17. Share a story about a positive change you’ve made in your lifestyle to improve your health and well-being: When did you make this change? Was it difficult? Were other people involved? How much money did this change cost, or how much money did it save?

Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide: CONTENTS