Health Vocabulary
Vocabulary for discussing public health, healthcare systems, wellbeing, and medical issues.
8 Band 7+ words · pronunciation, examples & collocations
prevalence
nounThe fact or condition of being widespread; the proportion of a population affected by a particular condition.
Band 7+ example
“The prevalence of obesity in developed nations has reached epidemic proportions, placing immense strain on healthcare systems.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The prevalence of diabetes is very much in the country.
The prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly over the past two decades.
sedentary
adjectiveCharacterised by much sitting and little physical activity.
Band 7+ example
“A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
People are very sedentary because they sit too much.
The shift towards sedentary occupations has contributed to rising rates of chronic illness.
epidemic
noun/adjectiveA widespread occurrence of an infectious disease or condition in a community at a particular time.
Band 7+ example
“The obesity epidemic has prompted governments to introduce sugar taxes and mandatory nutritional labelling.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
There is an epidemic of people getting fat.
The epidemic of non-communicable diseases demands a coordinated public health response.
preventive
adjectiveDesigned to stop something undesirable, such as illness, from occurring.
Band 7+ example
“Investing in preventive healthcare measures is considerably more cost-effective than treating diseases after onset.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
We should do preventive to stop diseases.
Preventive measures such as vaccination programmes have dramatically reduced childhood mortality.
life expectancy
nounThe average period that a person may expect to live.
Band 7+ example
“Advances in medical science have contributed to a significant increase in life expectancy across the globe.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The life expectancy of people is getting more.
Life expectancy has risen steadily due to improvements in sanitation and healthcare.
mental health
nounA person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Band 7+ example
“Workplace mental health initiatives are essential for reducing absenteeism and improving employee productivity.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Mental health is a big problem for many people.
Mental health disorders account for a substantial proportion of the global disease burden.
chronic
adjectivePersisting for a long time or constantly recurring, often used to describe diseases.
Band 7+ example
“The management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension requires sustained investment in primary care.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
He has a chronic disease since long time.
Chronic diseases now represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
well-being
nounThe state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Band 7+ example
“Governments should prioritise the well-being of citizens alongside economic growth when formulating policy.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The well-being of people is very important for society.
Holistic approaches to well-being encompass physical, psychological, and social dimensions.
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