环球英语 — 376：Our Body’s Warning Signs

　　Voice 1
Thank you for joining us for today’s Spotlight¹. I’m Liz Waid.
Voice 2
And I’m Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
For many people, visiting a medical doctor may be difficult. It may cost too much money. Or, it may mean a long and difficult trip. Sometimes, there are few medical workers in an area. But a visit to a medical doctor may also be the difference between good health and disability, or even death. Seeing a doctor early can prevent more serious health problems later. So when should a person get medical help? How does a person know when to go to a doctor?
Voice 2
Our bodies are complex systems. When something is wrong, our bodies tell us through special warning signs. Today’s Spotlight is on these signs. These signs tell us that we may be at risk. Some signs tell us to simply slow down and give our bodies a rest. But other signs tell us that we should seek help from a doctor.
Voice 1
Have you ever heard the saying, “Listen to your body?” This saying does not mean that we should actually listen to the sounds coming from our bodies. Instead it means that we should know our bodies. We should recognize when there are changes.
Voice 2
Imagine that you are on your way to work. Suddenly there is a burning, painful feeling in your chest. What would you do?
Voice 1
Chest pain is not normal. It is your body’s way of telling you something. This pain could mean different things. It could mean that you ate a meal that had hot spice in it, to add taste. The hot spices could be causing the pain. Or, the pain may tell you that you are having a heart attack. This is very serious - heart attacks kill many people. If you feel pain in your chest you should always see a doctor.
Voice 2
But sadly, many people ignore warning signs like chest pain. They do not see a doctor. They act like nothing is wrong. And many people suffer horrible effects when they choose not to see a doctor. But why would people ignore their body signs?
Voice 1
Well, experts believe that there are a few different reasons that people ignore their bodies’ warning signs. The first reason is fear. Many people are afraid to go to the doctor. They fear that something serious may be wrong with them. But a doctor’s job is to help. He or she can help find a solution to physical pain and sickness. And finding² a solution can make a person less afraid too.
Voice 2
The next reason people do not listen to their bodies is embarrassment³, or shame. Imagine going to the doctor with chest pain. And, the doctor tells you that the pain is simply from the hot food you ate the night before. You may feel ashamed. You may feel like you have wasted the doctor’s time. Many people avoid seeing the doctor because of these feelings.
Voice 1
But, people do not have to feel shame about going to the doctor. Doctors like it when people answer their bodies’ warning signs. Chest pain is serious. Doctors want to know about it, even if it is just caused by food.
Voice 2
Finally, people ignore their bodies’ signs because they do not know about the signs. Many people do not recognize when their body is trying to tell them something. So, they do not seek the help of a doctor.
Voice 1
One doctor from the Stanford University Medical Centre in California suggests that everyone learn the body’s top ten warning signs. It is true that there are more than just ten signs, but knowing the top ten is a good start. So get something to write with - and think about the people in your life. Think about ways to share these signs with the people around you.
Voice 2
Unexplained weight loss. Losing kilograms without trying is not normal. If you lose five percent of your body’s weight over a month, or ten percent over a year, see a doctor.
Voice 1
A lasting⁴ fever. Having a fever of thirty-eight degrees celcius or higher for more than a week is a sign. See your doctor.
Voice 2
Shortness of Breath. Is it hard to breathe when you are sitting or lying down? This is not normal. Explain this sign to a doctor.
Voice 1
Bowel⁵ changes. Going to the toilet more or less than what is normal for you could mean something is wrong. Recognize this change as a sign. See your doctor.
Voice 2
A new headache or a severe headache. Do not ignore a new pain in your head. Also, recognize if the pain is the “worst pain you have ever felt.” When there is a change, a visit to the doctor is a good idea.
Voice 1
Sudden loss of vision⁶, speaking or movement control. Changes in the way you see, speak or move are warning signs. Even if the change only lasts for a few seconds, it is still a sign. Please see a doctor.
Voice 2
Strange bright lights in your eyes. If you see bright lights coming in and out of your eyes your body is giving you a sign. Go see a doctor.
Voice 1
Feeling full after eating very little. A full feeling in your stomach after eating very little food is not normal. Always feeling sick after eating is also not normal. These are signs. Ask a doctor about them.
Voice 2
Hot, red or swollen⁷ joints⁸. Joints are places in your body where bones meet and connect. Your wrists, your knees, your shoulders, and your ankles are all joints. They should never feel hot, look red, or look bigger than normal. If they do, this is a warning sign. Listen to your body, see a doctor.
Voice 1
Mental Changes. Sudden changes in your behaviour or in the way you think may be a warning sign. Often, you may not recognize these changes yourself. But, a friend or a family member may recognize them. Listen to your loved ones and visit the doctor.
Voice 2
Our bodies are a special gift from God. And so are the warning signs. Listening to these warning signs is one step towards better health.
Voice 3
“Lord, I praise you because I am fearfully⁹ and wonderfully made; your works¹⁰ are wonderful, I know that full well.”
 

1 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

2 finding   

n.发现，发现物；调查的结果

参考例句：

• The finding makes some sense.该发现具有一定的意义。
• That's an encouraging finding.这是一个鼓舞人心的发现。

3 embarrassment   

n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫

参考例句：

• She could have died away with embarrassment.她窘迫得要死。
• Coughing at a concert can be a real embarrassment.在音乐会上咳嗽真会使人难堪。

4 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。

5 bowel   

n.肠(尤指人肠)；内部，深处

参考例句：

• Irritable bowel syndrome seems to affect more women than men.女性比男性更易患肠易激综合征。
• Have you had a bowel movement today?你今天有排便吗？

6 vision   

n.视觉，先见之明，光景，视力，眼力，幻想，影像；vt.幻想

参考例句：

• The wall cuts across our line of vision.那面墙挡住了我们的视线。
• Much reading has impaired his vision.大量读书损害了他的视力。

7 swollen   

adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀

参考例句：

• Her legs had got swollen from standing up all day.因为整天站着，她的双腿已经肿了。
• A mosquito had bitten her and her arm had swollen up.蚊子叮了她，她的手臂肿起来了。

8 joints   

接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语）

参考例句：

• Expansion joints of various kinds are fitted on gas mains. 各种各样的伸缩接头被安装在煤气的总管道上了。
• Expansion joints of various kinds are fitted on steam pipes. 各种各样的伸缩接头被安装在蒸气管道上了。

9 fearfully   

adv.可怕地；害怕地；非常；极为

参考例句：

• He is fearfully busy. 他非常忙。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The boys looked at each other fearfully. 男孩子们害怕地相互看着。 来自《简明英汉词典》

10 works   

n.作品，著作；工厂，活动部件，机件

参考例句：

• We expect writers to produce more and better works.我们期望作家们写出更多更好的作品。
• The novel is regarded as one of the classic works.这篇小说被公认为是最优秀的作品之一。