Real-Life English: How to Talk About Health

Have you ever wanted to talk about your health but didn’t know the right words in English?

Maybe you were at the doctor’s office or talking to a friend about being sick, and you didn’t know how to explain how you felt. This can be frustrating.

Health is an important part of life, so it’s helpful to know how to talk about it in English.

In this post, I’ll help you learn easy words and phrases for talking about health. I’ve been teaching English for over 10 years, and I know how useful this vocabulary is in real life.

Let’s get started!

1. Basic Health Words

Here are some simple health words that people use often:

Common Illnesses:

Cold – A virus that gives you a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
Flu – A stronger virus that causes fever, body pain, and tiredness.
Headache – Pain in your head.
Stomach ache – Pain in your stomach.
Allergy – When your body reacts badly to something like dust or food.
Back pain – Pain in your back.
Fever – When your body temperature is high.

Symptoms (Signs you’re sick):

Cough – A sound you make when your throat is irritated.
Runny nose – Mucus coming out of your nose.
Fatigue – Feeling very tired.
Nausea – Feeling like you might vomit (throw up).

Example Sentence:
“I have a cough and runny nose. I think I’m getting a cold.”

2. At the Doctor’s Office

When you visit a doctor, you will hear and use these words:

Useful Words:

Check-up – A regular visit to the doctor to check your health.
Prescription – Medicine the doctor gives you.
Diagnosis – The doctor’s name for your illness.
Referral – When your doctor sends you to another doctor.
Treatment plan – The steps to help you get better.

Common Questions from the Doctor:

“What’s the problem?”
“How long have you felt this way?”
“Do you have any allergies?”
“Did you hurt yourself?”
“What is your medical history?”

3. Healthy Living Words

Health is not only about being sick. It’s also about staying healthy!

Food and Diet Words:

Balanced diet – Eating different types of food in the right amount.
Vegetarian – A person who does not eat meat.
Vegan – A person who does not eat any animal products.
Carbohydrates – Foods like rice and bread that give energy.
Proteins – Foods like eggs, beans, and meat that build your body.
Vitamins and minerals – Nutrients that keep your body healthy.

Exercise Words:

Cardio – Exercises like running or walking that are good for your heart.
Strength training – Lifting weights to build muscles.
Stretching – Moving your body to stay flexible.
Endurance – The ability to do something for a long time.
Workout routine – A plan for your exercises.

Example Sentence:
“I’m eating healthy food and doing cardio exercises to stay fit.”

4. Mental Health

Mental health is how you feel inside. It’s important too.

Mental Health Words:

Stress – Feeling pressure from work or life.
Anxiety – Feeling nervous or worried.
Depression – Feeling sad for a long time.
Therapy – Talking to a professional about your feelings.
Counselor/Therapist – A person who helps you feel better emotionally.

Example Sentences:

“I feel stressed because of work.”
“I go to therapy to manage my anxiety.”
“It’s important to take care of your mental health.”

5. Everyday Health Expressions

These are some common phrases people use when talking about health:

Under the weather – Not feeling well.
Example: “I’m feeling under the weather today.”
Feeling better – Getting healthy again.
Example: “I had the flu, but I’m feeling better now.”
Catch a cold – Become sick with a cold.
Example: “I think I caught a cold from someone at work.”
Take it easy – Rest and don’t do much.
Example: “You should take it easy and rest for a day.”

6. Tips to Learn Health Words

Here are a few ways to remember and use health vocabulary:

Watch and listen: Watch videos or listen to podcasts about health. You’ll learn how words are used in real life.
Speak often: Talk with friends about health topics. Practice makes perfect.
Keep a notebook: Write down new health words and make your own sentences.
Learn in small steps: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on one topic at a time.

Final Thoughts

Health is a big part of life. If you learn these simple words and phrases, you can talk about it with more confidence.

Whether you’re telling a doctor about your pain or talking with a friend about your diet, these words will help.

Keep practicing, use them in conversations, and write them in your notebook. You’ll get better and more confident day by day.

Take care of your health, and happy learning!