Photo by © The Associated Press via
CBC
Vocabulary:
- pediatrician /pe-dee-uh-TRISH-uhn/
[noun] a doctor with special training in medical care for children
Parents should visit pediatricians immediately if their children are sick beyond three days.
- detect /dih-TEKT/
[verb] to discover something, usually using special equipment
You can easily detect one’s health by using apps in smartphones. Through these apps, people can lessen visiting clinics for minor illnesses.
- broad-spectrum /BRAWD-SPEK-truh m/
[adjective] having a wide range of uses
The best time to see the broad-spectrum light in New Zealand is during winter.
- diagnosis /dahy-uhg-NOH-sis/
[noun] a judgment about what a particular illness or problem is made after examining it
Most of the time, it is best to consult the doctor than giving yourself a diagnosis that was based on the information you read online.
- thermometer /ther-MOM-i-ter/
[noun] a device used for measuring temperature, especially of the air or in a person’s body
Thermometers are used to check one’s temperature and to decide if it’s time to visit a doctor.
Engineers and doctors from the University of Washington invented the first app that can sound out ear infection in children. With just a piece of paper cut, folded into a funnel and attached onto a smartphone, parents can easily detect fluid buildup behind the eardrum at home and can prevent frequent pediatrician visits. The app works by playing birdlike chirps and the phone’s microphone will then detect sound waves bouncing off the eardrum. It analyzes the broad-spectrum vibration from a healthy eardrum but if the reflected sound is altered, it means pus or uninfected fluid is present. It also sends a text message if fluid is present in the ear or any information that can be used for diagnosis.
Researchers tested the system using a smartphone on 98 children between the ages of 18 months and 17 years who were about to undergo surgery at Seattle’s Children Hospital. Half of the children’s ear had tubes implanted to know how much fluid is present and to compare its results with the app. It was found out that the smartphone approach is as good as or can also be better than the specialized acoustic testing devices. Dr. Randall Bly, one of the co-authors and ear specialist in the University of Washington, said that the app was like using a thermometer in deciding whether it is time to visit a doctor or not. The university has already filed for patent and is still seeking for approval from the Food and Drugs Administration to sell the app.
True or False:
- Engineers and doctors from the University of California invented the first app that can sound out ear infection in children.
- The app works by playing catlike meows and the phone’s microphone will then record the sound waves bouncing off the eardrum.
- Researchers tested the system using a smartphone on children between the ages of 18 months and 17 years.
- Smartphone app is better than the specialized acoustic testing devices.
- The university has not filed for patent yet and is still hoping for approval from the Food and Drugs Administration to sell the app.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think health apps in smartphones are dependable? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think it is good for an individual to diagnose one’s health through the information they get from health apps? Why or why not?
- What do you think are the benefits of checking your health at home with the use of a health app? Please explain your answer?
- Do you think regular clinic check-up is necessary? Why or why not?
- Is there a possibility that health apps can replace the traditional testing devices of doctors? Please explain your answer.
Express Your Opinion:
- “Your digital health tool is not your doctor. And it’s not a replacement for your doctor. Getting a firm medical diagnosis from a digital health tool is a huge red flag.” – Nitin Goyal
- “People who would like a useful app for their health condition should make sure that the app is reputable, has been updated and doesn’t have bugs.” – Nathan Cortez
- “The best digital health tools walk patients down a path, identify if they veer off, and give them information to stay on course.” – Nitin Goyal
※レッスン教材に関するアンケートのお願い
[noun] a doctor with special training in medical care for children
Parents should visit pediatricians immediately if their children are sick beyond three days.
[verb] to discover something, usually using special equipment
You can easily detect one’s health by using apps in smartphones. Through these apps, people can lessen visiting clinics for minor illnesses.
[adjective] having a wide range of uses
The best time to see the broad-spectrum light in New Zealand is during winter.
[noun] a judgment about what a particular illness or problem is made after examining it
Most of the time, it is best to consult the doctor than giving yourself a diagnosis that was based on the information you read online.
[noun] a device used for measuring temperature, especially of the air or in a person’s body
Thermometers are used to check one’s temperature and to decide if it’s time to visit a doctor.
Researchers tested the system using a smartphone on 98 children between the ages of 18 months and 17 years who were about to undergo surgery at Seattle’s Children Hospital. Half of the children’s ear had tubes implanted to know how much fluid is present and to compare its results with the app. It was found out that the smartphone approach is as good as or can also be better than the specialized acoustic testing devices. Dr. Randall Bly, one of the co-authors and ear specialist in the University of Washington, said that the app was like using a thermometer in deciding whether it is time to visit a doctor or not. The university has already filed for patent and is still seeking for approval from the Food and Drugs Administration to sell the app.