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VEGETERIAN DIET:
By studying the role diet might have in the prevention of cancer, recent studies have also noted that a vegetarian, or meatless, diet can help improve a person's overall health. A true vegetarian diet consists of a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses—edible seeds from legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils. A modified vegetarian diet, known as lacto-ovo vegetarian, may include dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet excludes any food with animal origins, including butter, eggs, and honey.
When properly planned, a true vegetarian diet can provide a person with all essential nutrients, protein, and carbohydrates. In one study, researchers at Oxford University noted that overall, a vegetarian diet is lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber than other diets. The study noted that people who followed a vegetarian diet were generally found to have lower cholesterol and lower BMI (a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height) and to be at a lower risk for certain types of heart disease. From the evidence presented, researchers suggested that the adoption of a vegetarian diet could prevent more than 30,000 deaths a year that are attributed to heart disease.
Other available information indicates that vegetarians live, on average, seven years longer than meat eaters do. Throughout the world, breast, colon, and prostate cancers are more common among people who have a high-fat, high-meat, low-fiber diet. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Coop has said that diet is a factor in 70 percent of all people who die from disease in the United States. On the whole, vegetarians are less likely to be afflicted with chronic diseases than those who make meat a centerpiece of their diet.
What is the meaning of the word "pulses" as it appears in the first paragraph?
- A. The regular throbbing of the arteries caused by successive contractions of the heart
- B. The general attitude of the public or a specific population toward health concerns
- C. The edible seeds produced by legumes such as peas, beans, or lentils
- D. Any type of food with animal origins such as butter, honey, or eggs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of the passage, "pulses" refers to the edible seeds produced by legumes.
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SLEEP:
When most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German stuWhen most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German study, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well.
As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. "There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology," said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. "For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory."
Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, "A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health."dy, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well. As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. “There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology,†said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. “For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory.†Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, “A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health.â€
Sleeping apparently helps with everything EXCEPT ___________.
- A. Fatigue
- B. Memory
- C. Learning
- D. Appetite
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Based on the provided extract, sleeping helps with fatigue, memory, and learning. The passage mentions how a nap can refresh the brain, improve the ability to learn and remember, and enhance memory. However, the extract does not mention anything about sleeping helping with appetite. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are supported by the content of the passage, emphasizing the positive effects of sleep on fatigue, memory, and learning.
THE CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is always busy monitoring health issues and sending out regular warnings to make sure people know of any impending threats. One of the most recent warnings, however, caught Americans by surprise. The CDC announced that one of today's most under-recognized public health problems is sleep loss. It is estimated that between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from this problem. Adequate sleep is essential to good mental and physical health. If you do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, you run an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, depression, cigarette smoking, and excessive drinking. Those are not minor health issues!
To find out how many Americans are not getting enough sleep, the CDC surveyed almost 20,000 adults in four states. Ten percent of the people studied reported not getting enough sleep every single day of the previous month, and 38 percent reported not getting enough in seven or more days in the previous month. How much sleep is enough sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7 to 9 hours each night, whereas children under 12 need 9 to 11 hours and teenagers need between 8½ and 9½ hours.
Unfortunately, instead of sleeping, many people stay up late at night to surf the Internet or watch television. Along with the health risks that chronic sleep loss can bring, experts also believe it is responsible for thousands of people who die on the road each year from accidents caused by sleepy drivers. There is no doubt that spending less time with eyes closed can make your days longer, your health worse, and your driving riskier.
What does the word "surf" mean as used in the fourth paragraph?
- A. Spend time swimming in the ocean
- B. Look at different websites
- C. Watch late-night television
- D. Complete online assignments
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of the passage, "surf" means to look at different websites.
PHOTOTHERAPY:
Phototherapy, commonly referred to as light therapy, has been an established form of medicine for more than a century. In recent years it has become closely associated with seasonal affective disorder, of which it is an effective and well-known treatment, but it is also used to treat a broad range of medical issues including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
The most common form of light therapy involves a patient sitting in front of a medically designed light box for a prescribed amount of time every morning. The light is positioned at an exact distance from the patient's eyes so that it strikes both the skin and the retina. The light box mimics the effects of natural sunlight, but the UV rays are filtered to ensure there is no damage to the patient's skin or eyes. Phototherapy is thought to be a safe method of reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin, reducing inflammatory responses, and affecting the chemicals in the brain associated with mood.
One of the most recent technologies to be associated with phototherapy is the phototherapy blanket. In the late 1960s it was discovered that phototherapy can be used to treat jaundice in newborn babies. Neonatal jaundice, a yellowing of the skin in newborn infants due to excess bilirubin levels in the blood, is usually harmless but can cause brain damage if left untreated. Newborns are given a phototherapy blanket, a small pad with flexible LED light panels sewn into the fabric, to sleep with until their livers are able to process the excess bilirubin.
The many benefits of phototherapy make it a valuable resource for addressing a variety of ailments. Emerging innovations in LED and photo technologies ensure that many more practical applications will be developed for this particular form of treatment in the years to come.
Which of the following statements is a fact?
- A. Nurses should watch for jaundice in newborns.
- B. Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.
- C. Phototherapy blankets are a valuable invention.
- D. Avoid neonatal units that lack phototherapy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.' This statement is a fact supported by the passage. Neonatal jaundice, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage due to excess bilirubin levels in the blood. Choice A is not a fact but a general guideline for nurses. Choice C is an opinion as it describes phototherapy blankets as valuable without citing a specific fact. Choice D is not a fact but a recommendation, advising to avoid neonatal units lacking phototherapy.
SPANKING:
Put a dozen parents together in a room, and you will most likely have a dozen different theories of parenting. One of the most debated issues in raising kids is how to discipline them, especially when it comes to the question of to spank or not to spank. Some moms and dads are sure that it is an integral part of showing their kids what is right and wrong. Others are equally sure that spanking is a cruel act of violence against kids. Which is it?
According to a new study reported at the American Psychological Association Summit Conference on Violence and Abuse in Relationships, spanking or other forms of corporal punishment apparently increase the risk of future sexual problems such as violent or coercive sex with partners. "The more children are spanked, the more aggressive they are and the more likely they are to engage in delinquent or at-risk behaviors," says Elizabeth Gershoff from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. "Kids may learn that sometimes there's pain and fear involved in loving relationships."
Naturally, there are those who disagree as well. Some scientists believe that spanking two- to six-year-old children can be very helpful as long as parents are not angry or out of control emotionally. Human development researcher Robert Larzelere adds that parents simply must be able to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate use. Although opinion on spanking remains divided, research continues on this contentious issue. In the meantime, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use other methods of discipline.
What does the word 'integral' mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage?
- A. Central
- B. Initial
- C. Trifling
- D. Irrelevant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, 'integral' means 'central' or essential. The passage discusses the debate around spanking as a method of discipline. Some parents consider it an integral part of teaching right and wrong, highlighting its central importance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Central.'
Choice B, 'Initial,' is incorrect as the word 'integral' does not refer to something being at the beginning of a process or sequence. Choice C, 'Trifling,' is incorrect as 'integral' implies significance and importance, opposite to being trivial. Choice D, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the passage clearly states that some parents view spanking as essential, making it relevant and not irrelevant.
EATING DISORDERS:
It is hard to imagine how the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia could be any worse than they already are, but somehow people have found a way. Known unofficially as drunkorexia, this condition is a blend of self-imposed starvation or binging and purging mixed with alcohol abuse. Anorexics may use alcohol either to soothe their conscience for eating something they feel they should not, or as their only sustenance. Bulimics binge on alcohol for emotional reasons and then purge by vomiting it back up.
Our current culture's obsession with thinness, coupled with widespread acceptance of drug and alcohol abuse, have made this combination particularly attractive. Dr. Doug Bunnell, former president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said, "Binge drinking is almost cool and hip, and losing weight and being thin is a cultural imperative for young women in America. Mixing both is not surprising, and it has reached a tipping point in terms of public awareness."
Some experts are beginning to explore the possible psychological and neurological links between eating disorders and substance abuse. Does eating or binging somehow trigger the same pleasure centers as drugs or alcohol? Another avenue being explored is what to do if a person has both conditions. Treatment for addiction is abstinence, but no one can abstain completely from food. As Dr. Kevin Wandler, vice president for medical services at an eating disorders center, phrases it, "Eating normally would be an effective behavior, but it's easier to give up alcohol and drugs because you never need them again. If your drug is food, that's a challenge."
What is the meaning of the word 'abstain' as used in the last paragraph?
- A. Dishonor
- B. Go without
- C. Connect to
- D. Liberate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of the passage, 'abstain' means to refrain from or go without. The passage discusses the challenges of treating individuals with both eating disorders and substance abuse issues. It mentions that while treatment for addiction involves abstinence, it is not possible to completely abstain from food. This highlights the meaning of 'abstain' as 'go without' in this context. The other choices are incorrect: 'Dishonor' does not relate to abstain, 'Connect to' is not synonymous with abstain, and 'Liberate' does not align with the context of the passage.