Look after yourself
C Alice passed out during PE class. After the school nurse gave her some food and water, Alice felt better. Read their conversation and answer the questions.
Nurse: How are you feeling, Alice?
Alice: Much better now since I have eaten something and had some water. I don’t know what happened. I was running in PE class and then I just passed out.
Nurse: What did you have for lunch today?
Alice: Um ... I didn’t have lunch today. I’m on a diet.
Nurse: Not eating properly is very dangerous. You should always have three healthy meals a day. Your weight is normal for your age and height. Why do you want to lose weight?
Alice: I feel like my legs are too fat, and I don’t look good enough. I often see videos of dancers and actresses online. They look so beautiful, and their bodies seem perfect. I want to be like them.
Nurse: I understand how you feel, but this is not a healthy way to see yourself. Your body is like a phone battery—food and rest charge it up. If you miss a meal and still exercise, your body may “power off”. If you continue to do this, it can cause long-term problems. You may find it hard to focus, feel tired all the time and get sick easily.
Alice: Oh, I see. But ... I still want to be beautiful like the people I see online.
Nurse: Some social media content promotes unhealthy body images, and this can be very harmful. Many photos and videos online are carefully chosen or edited, so you shouldn’t compare yourself with what you see online. Instead, try to watch positive content, such as videos about fun hobbies, sport, healthy living and study tips.
Alice: You’re right. I should care more about my health and stop comparing myself with others.
Nurse: Come and talk to me if you’re worried about your health.
1 Why did Alice pass out during PE class?
2 Why does Alice want to lose weight?
3 What problems may Alice have if she continues not eating properly?
4 What is the nurse’s advice about using social media?
5 What does Alice learn from the nurse’s advice?
