Advanced Beginning ESL Health Units

Click the  for a content overview of the unit.

Unit One – The Doctor’s Office                           

The main focus of this unit is to make learners feel more comfortable communicating at the doctor’s office.  In this unit your learner will learn about using voicemail when making an appointment, describing symptoms to the doctor, and filling out health history forms.

Unit Two – The Hospital                                      

The main focus of this unit is to make learners feel more confident communicating during a medical emergency.  This unit will help your learner to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, understand a doctor’s pre-operative instructions, express concerns and preferences in a hospital, and understand their rights as a patient.

Unit Three – Managing Illness                           

This main focus of this unit is to provide information about diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.  Activities in this unit will help learners understand their risk for developing these health problems and how to reduce their risk factors.  This unit includes short narratives which detail the experience of other immigrant elders who have dealt with these issues and suggestions for managing these health problems. 

Unit Four – Healthy Aging                                  

The main focus of this unit is maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, exercise, and managing stress.  In this unit you’ll find a food pyramid for elders, tips for staying active, information about minimizing common sources of stress, and stories from immigrant elders who have found creative ways for keeping healthy.

Unit Five – Taking Medications