My childhood dog was called Biff. Biff was a handful. He was a loud, cocky shetland sheepdog who oozed bravado and bravery. Yet, underneath it all, he struggled with the dog version of impostor syndrome. Biff was a bag of masked insecurity. He was like the kid in school who says he has seen all the scary movies, but refuses to go to any sleepovers where scary movies are played; the kid who has “a girlfriend at another school”. It was that fragile side I especially loved about Biff during my teenage years. We shared an insecurity that neither of us had the cognitive skills to put into words. This was a friendship – one that lasted as he grew older, grumpier and more infirm.
He was an exceptionally licky dog, and loved nothing more than slurping his tongue over our jeans, shoes, socks and coats. Officially, this behaviour was something we attempted to quash – but, every few nights, I would tiptoe into the kitchen and allow him to lick my naked hands and wrists to his heart’s content. For me, the sensation was tickly and calming, and never once disgusting, even though those around me told me it was not a good idea, mainly because it was highly likely that, on any given day, Biff had stuck his snout into some poor fox’s rotting cadaver. I didn’t care. I washed my hands like a surgeon afterwards, obviously. But it was what Biff wanted.
I haven’t had a dog since Biff (I’m nearly 40), and my family and I are deciding whether it’s time to get our own dog. This feels like a very big decision. Part of the reason we want a dog is that we want to walk more. We want to be healthier. We want to be happier. But questions flutter anxiously in the pit of my stomach. Will having a pet really make us happier? Will we be healthier? Does having a pet always make us better people?
The good news, at face value, is this: if you are looking for proof that having a pet improves your general health, the evidence abounds. For instance, there is plenty about how a bout of pet-stroking can lower your heart rate (and the pet’s), easing your body into a less stressed condition. This seems to apply across the spectrum, from dogs and cats to snakes and goats. And there’s more. There’s evidence from Germany and Australia (sample size: 10,000) that pet-owners make fewer visits to the doctor and, from China, that pet-owners sleep more soundly than those who aren’t. Just last week, the American Heart Association reported that the survival prospects for people who have had heart attacks and strokes are better in dog-owners than in those who are not.
There are other bonuses to having pets, especially cats and dogs. Scientists suspect that by roaming the wild and bringing novel bacteria back into our houses, some pets may introduce our immune systems to pathogens we would not otherwise meet, allowing pet-owners (and particularly children) a chance to increase their resistance, while potentially reducing the chances of allergies in later life. A 2015 study investigating the fungal and bacterial communities of 1,200 homes in the US, for instance, found that the presence of dogs and cats led to more variety in 56 and 24 classes of bacterial species respectively. This may explain another study suggesting that exposure to dogs early in a baby’s life may make them 13% less likely to develop asthma.
You could also argue that pet ownership helps us to feel better about ourselves. A loving owner can give an animal a far better life than it otherwise would have had: always-friendly faces, constant compassion, cuddles and hands to lick late at night – not just to help pathogenic resistance but just because it makes both parties happier, warmer and more contented residents of planet Earth. That was what Biff and I had. Two species, both with equal rights to the same shared, loving home. Connection.
This stuff is hard to measure, but research has shown that dogs and cats see a spike in their levels of the “love molecule” oxytocin when interacting with their owners. If they feel so much affection for us, we must be doing something right.
So far so good: it really does seem there’s some truth to the claim that pets are good for us. But closer inspection reveals some problematic and murkier truths.
As many academics have pointed out, other factors contribute to our general health – income, for instance, which is inherently linked to pet ownership because pets cost money. Bluntly, the truth behind some of these studies may simply be that those with more money can, on the whole, afford the luxuries of good health and pet ownership. One large-scale study in California involving 5,200 families failed to find a relationship between owning a pet and overall health after correcting for income and the affluency of the local neighbourhood. Other studies have had similar results. And some even suggest pets are bad for us. One study of 21,000 people in Finland, for instance, suggested that pet owners are more, not less, likely to have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
If you really want to go there, there are some pretty alarming downsides to pet ownership. In England, for instance, between 6,000 and 7,000 people are admitted to hospital for dog bites each year. Tripping over pets is another potential danger – each year, this sends an estimated 87,000 people to hospitals in the US, particularly elderly people. And what of the parasites that pets bring into the house – the fleas, ticks and mites? And the potentially fatal diseases they can transmit to humans, from pathogens such as salmonella (from reptiles) and capnocytophaga that can be passed to humans in cat and dog saliva? For many people, the answer to whether pets are good for us is clearly no – although, to be fair, you are far more likely to be exposed to disease or violence by another human than by a dog, cat or pygmy hedgehog.
There are emotional downsides, too. One of the often forgotten aspects of pet ownership is having to care for animals into their old age, sometimes dealing with diseases that last months or years. Assuming you are a responsible pet owner, who takes this as seriously as you would caring for a human family member, this is a heavy emotional burden. A 2017 study involving 238 human participants found that pet owners with chronically ill pets had higher levels of stress and anxiety, coupled with a lower quality of life. And after death? My guess is that a family grieving for their recently dead cat is not going to appear in an advert for Pets at Home any time soon.
But there is probably no more damning indictment of the idea that pets always make us happier than the fact that so many of us get an animal, only to give them up weeks, months or years later. This is especially true for “designer” and “handbag” dogs: in the past seven years, the number of chihuahuas in RSPCA rescue centres has risen by 700%; dachshunds are up 600% and pomeranians up 440%. You need only scour dogsofinstagram for a few moments to see how often certain dog breeds are viewed as lifestyle accessories rather than living, breathing animals with greater needs than colour-coordinated doggy pop-socks and collar.
If we were able to put all these pros and cons into a melting pot and come up with a definitive answer to the question of whether or not pets are good for us, what would the answer be? The answer would be … complicated. Because humans and our circumstances are so universally mixed up and complex. The simple truth is that having a pet has good and bad sides, and it may not be for everyone. Which means we have a duty to think carefully before acquiring one. We need to imagine the good times we might have with a pet and to consider the bad times, too: the insecurity, the grumpiness in old age, the infirmity.
I think I have talked my way out of having a dog. If so, that’s OK. Loving animals doesn’t mean you have to have one. Ask not what a pet can do for you, but what you can do for a pet.
Some people think that pets help to reduce stress, whereas others do not agree.
In my opinion one way to minimize stress is to keep pets. First of all, one of the main causes of stress is focusing on something one does not want to deal with. For example, when a person sees a pet they change their focus from problems to something pleasant. Secondly, pets are always glad to see their owner. For instance, a cat gives a lot of positive emotions to its owner, entertaining them all the time. Positive emotions in their turn reduce stress. Moreover, one can also play with their pets and this activity is really stress relieving.
At the same time there are people who say that pets take a lot of time and bring a lot of troubles. If it is a dog, a person has to walk him or her regularly. If it is a cat, it will scratch its furniture and its fur will be everywhere. As for hamsters or rats, they smell.
I cannot agree with the opinion mentioned above for a particular reason. Pets might bring some problems, nevertheless, people usually do not mind dealing with them. A lot of people like to walk their dogs. Pet owners comb out the fur of their cats or dogs and make special thing for sharpening pets’ claws so that they could not screw their furniture.
In conclusion, I’d like to say that if we weigh all the facts that support pet stress reduce influence against those that say that pets cause stress, we’ll see the facts that support pets’ usefulness seriously outweigh troubles that they might bring
The
basic meaning of «pet» is an animal we keep for emotional rather
than economic reasons. A pet animal is kept as
a companion, and we all need companions to keep us feeling happy.
Many owners feel, their pets understand them, for animals
are quick to sense anger and sorrow. Often a cat or dog
can comfort us at times when human words don’t help. We feel
loved too by the way pets depend on us for a home, for food
and drink. Dogs especially look up to their owners, make
them feel important and needed. Another
baby to the mother, a sister or brother to an only child, a
grandchild to the elderly, but for all of us pets provides pleasure
and companionship. It has even been suggested that tiny pets should
be sent as companions to astronauts on spaceships, to help reduce the
stress and loneliness of space flights.
In
this Plastic Age, when most of us live in large cities, pets are
particularly important for children. Seeing an animal give birth
brings understanding of the naturalness of
childbirth.
Learning to care for a pet helps a child to grow up into a loving
adult who feels responsible towards those dependent on him.
They
should learn, too, that pets are good for us human beings.
Упражнение
1. Прочтите нижеследующий текст и ответьте
на вопросы a) what kind of pets English people have; b)
whether pets have a better life in Britain than in other countries.
(Why?)
English
people like animals very much. Pet dogs, cats, horses,
ducks, chickens, canaries and other friends of man have a much better
life in Britain than anywhere else. In Britain they have special dog
shops selling food, clothes and other things for dogs. There are dog
hair-dressing saloons and dog cemeteries. The English arrange dogs’
shows and organize dogs’ supper parties for winners of dogs’
competitions. They do all they can to make animals feel well in their
homes, and outside their homes too.
There
were photographs in English newspapers of a mother-duck and her young
family crossing slowly the road from Hyde Park lake to the waters of
Kensington Gardens. All traffic around was stopped to let Mamma Duck
and her little ones walk quietly from one park to another.
In
recent years the English began to show love for more «exotic»
animals such as crocodiles, elephants, tigers, cobras, camels.
You will not be surprised, we
think, when we tell you that London Airport has a special animal
«hotel». Every year thousands of animals arrive at London
Airport. Some stay the night there; others stay several weeks. In one
month, the «hotel» looked after 47,000 creatures: birds,
insects, fish, elephants, monkeys and other animals.
There are about 4 million
dogs, 6 million cats, 8 million caged birds and lots of other animals
in Britain.
The
English people believe that they are the only nation on the earth
that is really kind to its animals.
Упражнение
2. Откройте
скобки, используя соответствующую
форму глагола.
1.
If you (decide) to buy a pet, you should find out as much as
possible about the pet you (choose).
2.
Cats (be) easy to look after
and (seem) to be independent, but also (need) the company
of people.
3.
If your cat (find) someone, who (care) for it more than you do it
(change) owners!
4.
A small puppy may (look) like a suitable pet, but don’t forget
that it (grow) up.
5.
You may (be) very happy with a very large
dog that (be) too big for its kennel and which (like) to sleep
on your bed!
6.
Unless you (train) it, it may (attack) people or
(bark) loudly day and night.
7.
Nobody (love) a disobedient pet.
Perhaps, this (be) why so many people (keep) birds or fish
as pets.
Whatever
you (decide) in the end, think carefully before you
(make) a decision?
Задание
67. Прочитайте следующий диалог и
перескажите его:
Задание №6429.
Чтение. ЕГЭ по английскому
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1 — 8 и текстами A — G. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
2. Use Alternative Medicine
3. Staying in Shape is Important
4. Threat to Your Eyesight
5. Turn a Bad Habit into a Good Idea
6. Fat People Are at Risk
7. Prevention Is Better Than Cure
8. Choose Proper Nutrition
A. There are numerous problems associated with obesity. It is not just a cosmetic problem but also a health hazard. Doctors generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to have health problems. This is because obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions. People who are overweight can gain significant health benefits from losing weight.
B. Hey, couch potato! Don’t feel guilty indulging in serials or reality shows — use the commercials as an excuse to burn calories. There is probably an average of 15 minutes of commercials in an hour-long program. If you exercised through each commercial break during just two hours of TV, you’d already have met the recommended amount of daily exercise necessary to reduce health risks.
C. Regular checkups are a valuable tool in maintaining good health. Taking proper care of your health at the right time can help avoid a lot of problems in the future. The main aim of a checkup is to detect illness at an early stage. It’s good to find out that you have a health problem before it is too late so appropriate tests should be done at the right time.
D. Do you mainly exercise for a few weeks in January before you forget your New Year’s resolution, and then again when you realise your summer holiday is around the corner? You’d not be alone, but keeping fit is something you should do all year round. You might not be particularly bothered about your appearance or your weight, but keeping fit is as much about what’s on the inside as it is what’s on the outside.
E. Pain is our body’s means to indicate that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. Pain for a short time can be taken care of by a painkiller but if the soreness is lingering for too long, then it requires proper medical expertise. Sometimes life menacing problems have back pain and joint pain as symptoms and can, if neglected, do permanent damage.
F. Think about your car — the higher the grade of the fuel you put in it, the better it runs. Your body works the same way. If you eat healthy foods, you’ll be healthier and feel better. Eating well is easy if you’re aware of what foods are best for you. But don’t worry! Eating healthy food doesn’t mean eliminating every single thing you love from your diet.
G. Do you spend more than 3 hours a day working or maybe playing on a computer? If so, you are at a higher risk than casual computer users. Researchers warn that watching a computer screen for six or more hours a day might be linked to a progressive eye disease. This does not mean, however, that people who work on a computer for less than 3 hours a day will not suffer eye complications due to computer use.
Решение:
Заголовок 6 (Fat People Are at Risk. — Толстые люди в группе риска) соответствует содержанию текста A: «There are numerous problems associated with obesity (obesity — ожирение).»
Заголовок 5 (Turn a Bad Habit into a Good Idea. — Превратите дурную привычку в хорошую идею) соответствует содержанию текста B: «… use the commercials as an excuse to burn calories.»
Заголовок 7 (Prevention Is Better Than Cure. — Профилактика лучше лечения) соответствует содержанию текста C: «Regular checkups are a valuable tool in maintaining good health.»
Заголовок 3 (Staying in Shape is Important. — Оставаться в форме важно) соответствует содержанию текста D: «… keeping fit is something you should do all year round.»
Заголовок 1 (Don’t Ignore Warning Signs. — Не игнорируйте предупреждающие знаки) соответствует содержанию текста E: «… if the soreness (soreness — болезненность) is lingering for too long, then it requires proper medical expertise.»
Заголовок 8 (Choose Proper Nutrition. — Выберите правильное питание) соответствует содержанию текста F: «If you eat healthy foods, you’ll be healthier and feel better.»
Заголовок 4 (Threat to Your Eyesight. — Угроза вашему зрению) соответствует содержанию текста G: «… might be linked to a progressive eye disease.»
Показать ответ
Источник: ЕГЭ-2018, английский язык: 30 тренировочных вариантов для подготовки к ЕГЭ. Е. С. Музланова
Сообщить об ошибке
Тест с похожими заданиями
13002. Установите соответствие между заголовками 1-8 и текстами A-G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1) Staying in Shape is Important
2) Threat to Your Eyesight
3) Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
4) Use Alternative Medicine
5) Fat People Are at Risk
6) Turn a Bad Habit into a Good Idea
7) Choose Proper Nutrition
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
A. There are numerous problems associated with obesity. It is not just a cosmetic problem but also a health hazard. Doctors generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to have health problems. This is because obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions. People who are overweight can gain significant health benefits from losing weight.
B. Hey, couch potato! Don’t feel guilty indulging in serials or reality shows — use the commercials as an excuse to burn calories. There is probably an average of 15 minutes of commercials in an hour-long program. If you exercised through each commercial break during just two hours of TV, you’d already have met the recommended amount of daily exercise necessary to reduce health risks.
C. Regular checkups are a valuable tool in maintaining good health. Taking proper care of your health at the right time can help avoid a lot of problems in the future. The main aim of a checkup is to detect illness at an early stage. It’s good to find out that you have a health problem before it is too late so appropriate tests should be done at the right time.
D. Do you mainly exercise for a few weeks in January before you forget your New Year’s resolution, and then again when you realise your summer holiday is around the corner? You’d not be alone, but keeping fit is something you should do all year round. You might not be particularly bothered about your appearance or your weight, but keeping fit is as much about what’s on the inside as it is what’s on the outside.
E. Pain is our body’s means to indicate that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. Pain for a short time can be taken care of by a painkiller but if the soreness is lingering for too long, then it requires proper medical expertise. Sometimes life menacing problems have back pain and joint pain as symptoms and can, if neglected, do permanent damage.
F. Think about your car — the higher the grade of the fuel you put in it, the better it runs. Your body works the same way. If you eat healthy foods, you’ll be healthier and feel better. Eating well is easy if you’re aware of what foods are best for you. But don’t worry! Eating healthy food doesn’t mean eliminating every single thing you love from your diet.
G. Do you spend more than 3 hours a day working or maybe playing on a computer? If so, you are at a higher risk than casual computer users. Researchers warn that watching a computer screen for six or more hours a day might be linked to a progressive eye disease. This does not mean, however, that people who work on a computer for less than 3 hours a day will not suffer eye complications due to computer use.
Like the human population, obesity in pets is becoming an ever-bigger problem. Unfortunately there are numerous problems directly associated with pet obesity. This article will discuss some of the dangers associated with this condition.
Like the human population, obesity in pets is becoming an ever-bigger problem. Unfortunately there are numerous problems directly associated with pet obesity. This article will discuss some of the dangers associated with this condition.
Arthritis
One of the biggest dangers of pet obesity is arthritis. All of the excess weight will put unnecessary strain on your dogs joints, muscles, and bones. This can easily damage the tissue and lead to arthritis. The condition is painful in dogs just like it is in humans.
Diabetes
Another possible side effect of obesity in pets is diabetes mellitus. Thanks to the increase in the number of tissues, the pancreas will need to secrete more insulin. If it is unable to meet the demand, diabetes may develop.
Stamina
Pets that are overweight will also experience decreased stamina. It takes a lot more energy to carry all of the excess weight around. The respiratory system and heart will have to work that much harder. Therefore, your pet will likely have less energy.
Hypertension
Pet obesity can also lead to hypertension. In overweight pets, the heart is required to supply blood to extra tissues. The increased workload can easily cause high blood pressure, or hypertension. A more serious condition known as congestive heart failure can also develop.
Reproduction
It is common for pets that are obese to have trouble with reproduction. Females will likely experience problems while trying to give birth. They may be unable to do so naturally, which would require having a C-section.
Surgery
Some pets have to have surgery at some point in their lives for one reason or another. Anesthesia is particularly risky in overweight pets. Two common risks include poor blood circulation as well as cardiac arrest.
Breathing
Pet obesity can also cause the lungs to function improperly. Fat in the chest can prevent the lungs from expanding fully. Since they cannot expand fully, they will not be able to fully supply oxygen to all of the tissues that need it. This can lead to breathing problems.
There are many dangers associated with pet obesity. Arthritis can develop as well as diabetes mellitus. Overweight pets may also develop hypertension or have trouble breathing. If your pet needs surgery
, anesthesia may pose a significantly higher risk. Females may also have trouble giving birth naturally and may require a C-section. It is best for you prevent obesity by providing a proper diet and plenty of exercise. Keep your pet fit and trim for a long healthy life.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
If you want your pet to have the healthiest and longest lives possible, call Lake Oswego Vet Vet Clinic at http://www.murrayhillvethospital.com/. They also offer pet boarding, show standard grooming services, convenient on-line pharmacy, and pet adoption program.
The health problems associated with obesity are numerous. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. It’s a health hazard. Someone who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as is a normal-weight person. Obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions, including:
· Heart disease and stroke.
· High blood pressure.
· Diabetes.
· Cancer.
· Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
· Osteoarthritis.
· Gout.
· Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for a short episodes during sleep) and asthma.
Doctors agree that the more overweight a person is, the more likely he or she is to have health problems. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for chronic disease compared to normal-weight individuals People who are overweight or obese and can gain significant health benefits from losing weight. A person is considered obese if he or she weighs at least 20% more than the maximum healthy weight for his or her height. Those at greatest risks for overweight/obesity related conditions include:
Recommended Related to Cholesterol Management
Understanding Cholesterol Problems: Prevention
As with many other health problems, prevention is the best medicine. You can help prevent high cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease by: Keeping your weight in check Eating no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day Getting no more than 20%-35% of your daily calories from fat Exercising 3 to 4 times a week (vigorously if you can, but moderate exercise is better than none at all) Quitting smoking Tracking your progress. Have your blood cholesterol level tested…
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· Family history of certain chronic diseases. People with close relatives who have had heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop these problems if they are obese.
· Pre-existing medical conditions. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or high blood sugar levels are all warning signs of some obesity-associated diseases.
· “Apple” shape. People whose weight is concentrated around their stomachs may be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or cancer than people of the same weight who are “pear-shaped” (they carry their weight in their hips and buttocks).
Fortunately, even a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds can bring significant health improvements, such as lowering one’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How Is Obesity Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke?
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability for people in the U.S. Overweight people are more likely to have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, than people who are not overweight. Very high blood levels of cholesterol can also increase risk of heart disease and often are linked to being overweight.
The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. If you are overweight, reducing your weight by 5%-10% is proven to decrease your chance of developing heart disease.
How Is Obesity Linked to Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes reduces your body’s ability to control blood sugar. It is a major cause of early death, heart disease, stroke, and blindness. Overweight people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to normal-weight people. Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be attributed to being overweight or obese. You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising more. If you have type 2 diabetes, losing weight and becoming more physically active can help control your blood sugar levels. Increasing your physical activity may also allow you to reduce the amount of diabetes medication you need.
How Is Obesity and Cancer Linked?
Several types of cancer are associated with being overweight. Being obese increases the risk of dying from cancer. Cancers of the colon, breast (postmenopausal), endometrium (the lining of the uterus), kidney, and esophagus are associated with obesity. Some studies have also reported links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas.
How Is Obesity Related to Gallbladder Disease?
Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common if you are overweight. Your risk of disease increases as your weight increases. It is not clear how being overweight may cause gallbladder disease.
Ironically, weight loss itself, particularly rapid weight loss or loss of a large amount of weight, can actually increase your chances of developing gallstones. Modest, slow weight loss of about 1 pound a week is less likely to cause gallstones.
How Does Obesity Affect Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that most often affects the knee, hip, and back. Carrying extra pounds places extra pressure on these joints and wear away the cartilage (tissue that cushions the joints) that normally protects them.
Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
How Is Obesity Linked to Gout?
Gout is a disease that affects the joints that is caused by excess levels of a substance called uric acid in the blood. The excess uric acid can form crystals that deposit in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people and the risk of developing the disorder increases with higher body weights.
Over the short term, sudden weight changes may lead to an attack of gout. If you have a history of gout, check with your doctor for the best way to lose weight.
How Is Obesity Linked to Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious breathing condition that is associated with being overweight. Sleep apnea can cause a person to snore heavily and to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Sleep apnea may cause daytime sleepiness and increase risk for heart disease and stroke. The risk for sleep apnea increases as body weight increases. Weight loss often improves sleep apnea.
Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. It can occur unintentionally due to an underlying disease or can arise from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state.
Unintentional weight loss
Unintentional weight loss occurs in many diseases and conditions, including some very serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and a variety of other diseases.
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Poor management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), leads to an excessive amount of glucose and an insufficient amount of insulin in the bloodstream. This triggers the release of triglycerides from adipose (fat) tissue and catabolism (breakdown) of amino acids in muscle tissue. This results in a loss of both fat and lean mass, leading to a significant reduction in total body weight. Untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus can produce weight loss. In addition to weight loss due to a reduction in fat and lean mass, fluid loss can be triggered by illnesses such as diabetes, certain medications, lack of fluid intake or other factors. Fluid loss in addition to reduction in fat and lean mass exacerbates the risk for cachexia.[1]
Infections such as HIV may alter metabolism, leading to weight loss.[2]
Hormonal disruptions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), may also exhibit as weight loss.[3]
One cutoff value of where unintentional weight loss is of significant concern is where there’s a weight loss of more than 5% in the past month, or at least 10% during the last 6 months.[4]
Causes of unintentional weight loss
Starvation, a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period.
Cancer, a very common and sometimes fatal cause of unexplained (idiopathic) weight loss. About one-third of unintentional weight loss cases are secondary to malignancy. Cancers to suspect in patients with unexplained weight loss include gastrointestinal, prostate, hepatobillary (hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer), ovarian, hematologic or lung malignancies.
AIDS can cause weight loss and should be suspected in high-risk individuals presenting with weight loss.
Gastrointestinal disorders are another common cause of unexplained weight loss – in fact they are the most common non-cancerous cause of idiopathic weight loss. Possible gastrointestinal etiologies of unexplained weight loss are celiac disease, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease (crohns disease and ulcerative colitis), pancreatitis, gastritis, diarrhea and many other GI conditions can cause weight loss.
Infection. Some infectious diseases can cause weight loss. These include fungal illness, endocarditis, many parasitic diseases, AIDS, and some other sub-acute or occult infections may cause weight loss.
Renal disease. Patients who have uremia often have poor or absent appetite, emesis and nausea. This can cause weight loss.
Cardiac disease. Cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure, may cause unexplained weight loss.
Pulmonary disease.
Connective tissue disease
Neurologic disease, including dementia[5]
In some people, certain medications may cause weight loss as a side effect.
Stress can cause weight loss. However recent research (Jastebott, Potenza et al. 2010) shows a correlation between obesity and high levels of stress.[6]
Intentional weight loss
This section needs additional citations for verification. (August 2011)
Intentional weight loss refers to the loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness and health, and/or to change appearance.
Therapeutic weight loss, in individuals who are overweight or obese, can decrease the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes,[7]heart disease,[8] high blood pressure,[8]osteoarthritis,[9] and certain types of cancer.[8] While being overweight had been thought[8] to be linked to stroke there is no strong evidence to support that link.[10]
Attention to diet in particular can be beneficial in reducing the impact of diabetes and other health risks of an overweight or obese individual.
Weight loss occurs when an individual is in a state of negative thermodynamic flux: when the body is exerting more energy (i.e. in work and metabolism) than it is consuming (i.e. from food or other nutritional supplements), it will use stored reserves from fat or muscle, gradually leading to weight loss.
It is not uncommon for some people who are currently at their ideal body weight to seek additional weight loss in order to improve athletic performance, and/or meet required weight classification for participation in a sport. However, others may be driven by achieving a more attractive body image. Notably, being underweight is associated with health risks such as difficulty fighting off infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, trouble regulating body temperature and even increased risk of death.[11]
There are many diet plans and recipes that can be helpful for weight loss. While some are classified as unhealthy and potentially harmful to one’s general health, others are recommended by specialists. Diet plans are generally designed according to the recommended caloric intake but it is important to note that the most successful diets are those that simultaneously promote physical activity.[citation needed] There are many dietary programs that claim to be efficient in helping overweight individuals to lose weight with no effort. However, the long-term efficacy of these plans is questionable.[citation needed]
Intentional weight loss is, in most cases, achieved with the help of diets since dietary restriction is generally more manageable than making a significant change in one’s lifestyle (although weight loss is generally associated with some degree of change in lifestyle habits) or beginning to practice a sport.[citation needed] In that regard, a wide variety of dietary strategies have been designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking to lose excess weight. Calorie-restriction strategies are one of the most common dietary plans. Notably, daily calorie consumption for dietary purposes vary depending on a number of factors including, age, gender, weight loss goals, and many more. For instance, nutritionists suggest that a minimum of 1,200 daily calories should be consumed by women in order to maintain health. The daily calorie consumption by men, on the other hand, could approach 1,500.[12] It is important to note that these recommendations primarily target relatively healthy individuals who seek weight loss for a better body tonus. However, individuals whose obesity places them at an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions, may follow a stricter diet, but only under the close monitoring of a physician and/or specialist. In some cases, obese individuals may need to restrict their daily calorie intake to 800 or even 500.[12] According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), healthy individuals seeking to maintain their weight should consume 2,000 calories per day.[13]
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 Executive Summary, which was released on January 31, 2011, those that achieve and manage a healthy weight do so most successfully by being continuously vigilant in taking in only the amount of calories that meet their needs and with physical activity.
Low-calorie regimen diets are also referred to as balanced percentage diets. Due to their minimal detrimental effects, these types of diets are most commonly recommended by nutritionists. In addition to restricting calorie intake, a balanced diet also regulates macronutrient consumption. Therefore, from the total number of allotted daily calories, 55% should come from carbohydrates, 15% from protein, and 30% from fats with no more than 10% of total fat coming from saturated forms.[14] For instance, a 1,200 calorie diet would consist of no more than 660 calories from carbohydrates, 180 from protein, and 360 from fat. Although counting calories seems difficult altogether, the long term benefits of calorie restriction are many. After reaching the desired body weight, the amount of calories consumed per day may be increased gradually, without exceeding 2,000 net (i.e. derived by subtracting calories burned by physical activity from calories consumed). Combined with increased physical activity, low-calorie diets are thought to be most effective long term, unlike crash diets which can achieve short term results, at best. Physical activity could greatly enhance the efficiency of a diet. The healthiest weight loss regimen, therefore, is one that consists of a balanced diet and moderate physical activity.
The golden rule in weight loss is to avoid foods that are high in sugars,[citation needed] which contribute to increased body mass and are detrimental to the overall health. Further, weight gain has been associated with excessive alcohol consumption.[citation needed]Depression, stress or boredom may also contribute to weight increase,[citation needed] and in these cases, individuals are advised to seek medical help. A 2010 study found that dieters who got a full night’s sleep more than doubled the amount of fat loss compared to sleep-deprived dieters.[15][16]
Therapeutic weight loss techniques
See also: Management of obesity, Bariatrics, and Virtual gastric band
The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical activity, generally in the form of exercise. Physicians will usually recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of processed foods[17] and caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.[18]
An increase in fiber intake is also recommended for regulating bowel movements.
Other methods of weight loss include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume. Application of such medications, however, should only be performed under the strict supervision of a physician and/or specialist.
Finally, surgery (i.e. bariatric surgery) may be used in more severe cases to artificially reduce the size of the stomach, thus limiting the intake of food energy.
Dietary supplements, though widely used, are not considered a healthy option for weight loss. Even though a wide array of these products is available to the public, very few are effective long term.
Bariatric surgery is usually considered a last resort in treating severe obesity and it consists of two main procedures: gastric bypass and gastric banding.
Virtual gastric band uses hypnosis to make the brain think the stomach is smaller than it really is and hence lower the amount of food ingested. This brings as a consequence weight reduction. This method is complemented with psychological treatment for anxiety management and with hypnopedia. In 1996 a study revealed that hypnosis reinforced with cognitive-behavioral therapy was more effective than just CBT for weight reduction.[19]
Crash dieting
A crash diet refers to willful nutritional restriction (except water) for more than 12 waking hours. The desired result is to have the body burn fat for energy with the goal of losing a significant amount of weight in a short time. There is a possibility of muscle loss, depending on the approach used.[clarification needed] Crash dieting can be dangerous to health and this method of weight loss is not recommended by medical doctors.[20]
Crash dieting is not the same as intermittent fasting, in which the individual periodically abstains from food (e.g., every other day).
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,[21] “If the diet or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are no foods or pills that magically burn fat. No super foods will alter your genetic code. No products will miraculously melt fat while you watch TV or sleep. Some ingredients in supplements and herbal products can be dangerous and even deadly for some people” (2011). To feel healthier and live longer, the focus needs to be on making lifestyle changes to how a person eats.
There is a substantial market for products which promise to make weight loss easier, quicker, cheaper, more reliable, or less painful. These include books, DVDs, CDs, cremes, lotions, pills, rings and earrings, body wraps, body belts and other materials, not to mention fitness centers, personal coaches, weight loss groups, and food products and supplements. US residents in 1992 spent an estimated $30 billion a year on all types of diet programs and products, including diet foods and drinks.[22]
Between $33 billion and $55 billion is spent annually on weight loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals, with weight loss centers garnering between 6 percent and 12 percent of total annual expenditure. About 70 percent of Americans’ dieting attempts are of a self-help nature. Although often short-lived, these diet fads are a positive trend for this sector as Americans ultimately turn to professionals to help them meet their weight loss goals.[23
1) Установите соответствие между заголовками 1 — 8 и текстами A — G. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1. Pets can teach
2. Different pets, different characters
3. Where to get a pet
4. Having fun together
5. Friends in need
6. Reading dog stories
7. A global problem and its solution
8. A long-term treatment
A. It has become clear that stress affects our mental and physical health and, sadly, our world has become more stressful than ever. We live in the environment that can easily wear us out. Luckily, there are certain methods to reduce stress and have control. One of the best is to own a pet. Pets require attention and dedication, but those are small prices to pay for the amount of benefits they bring into our lives.
B. Pets provide support because they are always available to listen (without any judgment) or rub up against your hand, which can help you relax after a hectic day. They can help you see the situation differently and let out some steam. Moreover, when you are feeling under the weather, there is nothing like a sweet pair of eyes that immediately get your mind off thoughts that are making you sad and depressed.
C. Companionship with a loving pet is a real source of entertainment. Pets are constantly giving off love and gratitude, and they are happy to be in your presence. You can be yourself around pets. You can dance silly or talk silly, and they will not criticize you. In fact, they will love the silliness and get silly themselves. Cats and dogs are fantastic companions to sit down and watch TV at night.
D. Studies have shown that communicating with a pet boosts the immune system, improves heart health, reduces physical pain, and improves mental health as well. One man with tuberculosis says that the cat he received after his diagnosis kept him going for 21 years with little pain and very few physical issues. He talked to his cat which helped him walk through his troubles. That proves the power of true love that animals have.
E. Pets are living creatures that have habits and personalities. They can surprise you. Dogs, cats, and birds are probably most known for having distinct personalities. However, one snake owner says that her snake had his own unique personality. He got excited when she came into the room, and she would often put him in the bathtub where he would do all sorts of funny tricks while splashing around.
F. No matter what type of pet you get, it will require you to take care of it. Being responsible for another living being can help you be more responsible in the rest of your life too. This is especially true for kids who are learning the value of good habits. However, adults can benefit from the consistent responsibility as well. Responsible pet owners are kind to pets and remember they are their pets’ world.
G. With millions of cats and dogs killed in shelters in the United States every year, adopting a pet instead of buying one saves at least one animal’s life. Adoption saves not only the animal you adopt, but also the new animal the shelter can take in. Adopting from a shelter helps both ends of the problem: fewer animals will be bred, and more animals can go to a good home.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
2) Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A — F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1 — 7. Одна из частей в списке 1—7 лишняя.
Archaeology done under water
Nautical archaeology is the science of finding, collecting, preserving, and studying human objects that have become lost or buried under water. It is a fairly modern field of study since it depends on having the technology to be able to remain underwater for some time to do real work. Whether it is conducted in freshwater or in the sea, ___ (A), nautical archaeology is another way of learning more about the human past.
Although some use the words nautical archaeology to mean a specialized branch of underwater archaeology, ___ (B), most consider the term to mean the same as the words underwater archaeology or marine archaeology. All of these interchangeable terms mean simply ___ (C).
Once real trade began, it is safe to say ___ (D) was probably transported over water at some point in time. By studying submerged objects, we can learn more about past human cultures. In fact, studying ancient artifacts is the only way to learn anything about human societies ___ (E). Being able to examine the actual objects made and used by ancient people not only adds to the written records they left behind, but allows us to get much closer to the reality of what life was like when they lived. Also, if we pay close attention to how the objects were made and used, we begin to get a more realistic picture of ___ (F).
1. what those people were really like
2. and what was discovered underwater
3. that nearly every object made by humans
4. and whether it finds sunken ships or old cities
5. that existed long before the invention of writing
6. that it is the study of archaeology done underwater
7. which is concerned only with ships and the history of seafaring
| A | B | C | D | E | F |
3) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
What kind of a phone does the author want her children to have first?
1) An old-type phone.
2) A modern phone.
3) Something like her parents’ phone.
4) Something like her “old” phone.
4) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
Which of the following statements reflects the author’s views?
1) Parents shouldn’t allow their children to play games on iPads.
2) Children are more attached to technology than adults.
3) Children now prefer their gadgets to outdoor games.
4) It’s hard to imagine the modern life without mobile devices.
5) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
What does the author remember about her childhood?
1) She didn’t like to play outside.
2) She enjoyed PlayStation more than Lego.
3) She went for a walk outside whenever her parents told her.
4) She preferred to ignore her parents when she played.
6) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
Teacher Kinney is worried about children’s
1) communicative skills.
2) computer skills.
3) parents’ attitudes.
4) writing skills.
7) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
“This” in paragraph 8 (This, however, is not an excuse ) refers to
1) addiction to technology.
2) computer language.
3) importance of computers.
4) literacy skills.
Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
What does the author imply by asking “How young is too young”?
1) Leap Band is inappropriate for young children.
2) Technology may enter children’s life too early.
3) Leap Band products suit any child.
4) Wristwatch-like products are for older children.
9) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
How, according to the author, will the parents solve the technological dilemma?
1) In favour of communication skills.
2) In favour of both the computer and communication skills.
3) They will try to refrain from making the decision.
4) In favour of the computer skills.