Introduction
Every year on 7th April, people around the world celebrate World Health Day.
This special day is organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about global health issues. But did you know that learning about World Health Day can also help you improve your English?
In this article, you will learn about the importance of this day, discover useful health-related vocabulary and explore common phrases used to talk about health in English.
What Is World Health Day?
World Health Day was established in 1948 when the WHO was founded. Since then, it has been celebrated every year on 7th April to highlight important health concerns and encourage people to take action.
Each year, there is a different theme focusing on a specific health issue, such as mental health, universal health coverage and climate change. Governments, organisations and individuals use this day to promote awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Themes of World Health Day
Each year, the WHO selects a theme that reflects a major health concern.
Here are some examples of past themes:
- 2023 – “Health for All” (focused on ensuring healthcare is accessible to everyone)
- 2022 – “Our Planet, Our Health” (highlighted the link between the environment and human health)
- 2021 – “Building a Fairer, Healthier World” (focused on reducing health inequalities worldwide)
These themes encourage discussions about health issues and inspire people to take action to improve their well-being.
Useful English Vocabulary Related to Health
When talking about health in English, you may come across many important words.
Here are some useful terms along with their meanings:
- Well-being – A state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.
- Example: Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for your well-being.
- Disease prevention – Actions taken to stop diseases before they happen.
- Example: Washing your hands regularly is an important part of disease prevention.
- Public health – The health of the general population, often improved through government policies.
- Example: Vaccination programmes help improve public health.
- Hygiene – Practices that help maintain cleanliness and prevent disease.
- Example: Good hygiene includes washing your hands and brushing your teeth regularly.
- Vaccination – Receiving an injection that protects against a disease.
- Example: Many children receive vaccinations to protect them from illnesses like measles and polio.
British vs. American English Differences:
- Healthcare (UK) vs. Health care (US) – In the UK, “healthcare” is usually written as one word, while in the US, “health care” is more common.
- Surgery (UK) vs. Doctor’s office (US) – In the UK, “surgery” can mean a place where a GP (General Practitioner) works, but in the US, “surgery” only refers to an operation.
Talking About Health in English
When speaking about health, it’s useful to know common phrases and expressions.
Here are some that you may hear in daily conversations:
Common phrases:
- “I’m feeling under the weather.” (I feel slightly ill.)
- “You should get some rest.” (Advice for someone who is tired or unwell.)
- “Take care of yourself.” (A friendly way to remind someone to stay healthy.)
- “I hope you get well soon.” (A polite way to wish someone a quick recovery.)
Asking about someone’s health politely:
- “How are you feeling today?”
- “Are you feeling any better?”
- “Is everything alright? You don’t look well.”
Giving advice:
- “You should drink plenty of water.”
- “It’s important to eat a balanced diet.”
- “Make sure to get enough sleep every night.”
How You Can Take Part in World Health Day
Even small actions can make a big difference in promoting good health.
Here are some ways you can take part in World Health Day:
- Learn about the theme – Read articles and watch videos to understand the key health issues being discussed this year.
- Share information – Talk to friends and family about health awareness or post on social media.
- Make healthier choices – Exercise regularly, eat nutritious food and get enough sleep.
- Join local or online events – Many organisations host talks, workshops and activities related to World Health Day.
- Practise your English – Read articles, watch health-related videos and have conversations about health topics in English.
Free Word Search Puzzle
To celebrate World Health Day, there is a free word search puzzle for you to download and enjoy.
This list of health-related words can be found in the puzzle:
Allergy
Antibiotic
Anxiety
Asthma
Bacteria
Cardiovascular
Cholesterol
Contagious
Diagnosis
Disease
Disorder
Epidemic
Fitness
Flu
Hygiene
Immunity
Infection
Inflammation
Injury
Insomnia
Malnutrition
Medicine
Nutrition
Obesity
Pandemic
Prescription
Prevention
Stress
Surgery
Symptom
Vaccination
If you right-click and select “Save image as …” (or whatever your specific browser says), you can save it locally and print it out in A4 portrait format.
Here is a link to the answers if you want to download that as well.
For more information about how to solve word search puzzles, please read this article, where all will be explained.
If you’re a fan of word search books, did you check out the ones we have here?
Conclusion
World Health Day is an important reminder that health is a global concern. By learning about this special day, you not only become more aware of health issues, but you also improve your English vocabulary and communication skills.
Why not challenge yourself to use some of the new words and phrases from this article in a conversation today?
Let’s work together towards a healthier and more informed world!
