Healthy way of life is popular with the old and the young. What do you need to do to keep healthy?

It is widely known that life expectancy is increasing. But the reason why the average figures are higher than they used to be, say, hundred years ago is not that all people live longer than before. One reason is that, due to medical research, many illnesses were eliminated; the second one is that fewer people die in wars. Generally, the life of modern man is endangered by many factors. One is the increasing pollution of the environment by in­dustry and transport; another one is sedentary lifestyle of people living in cities and towns, that is, the majority of the population of the planet. The third one is the quality of food we eat and water we drink which results in a lot of diseases. The fourth one is that living in big cities leads to epidemics, and even pandemics of many catchy illnesses. Unhealthy life results in the fact that many people are overweight.

The only possible way of preserving your health is, therefore, healthy way of life which includes keeping fit, balanced meals, and giving up unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and, of course, drugs.

Physical fitness is a general state of good physical health. For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. The fitness boom resulted in a rise in the numbers of people participat­ing in sports and sports activities. It is a well-known fact that even moderate physical activity can protect you from heart diseases and strokes, obesity and influenza. There are many ways of keeping fit. Firstly, you could visit health and fitness clubs. A lot of health and fitness clubs, public leisure centres, huge indoor water parks are very popular among people of all ages. Secondly, regular exercise is necessary. People of different ages can choose or design exercises that will fit them. Some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer weight training in a gym. Many people prefer walking or jogging which arc the cheapest and most accessible sports. Doing some sport or other on a regular basis is the best way of keeping fit. In Russia a number of spoils activities are popular among the old and the young: football, swimming, cycling, skiing, skating, fishing, hunting, roller-skating, etc. Mass running competitions gain popularity with Russians. City marathons have become sporting events reported on the radio, television and in the press.

A healthy diet is an important part of staying healthy, too. This diet contains reduced amounts of cholesterol, fat, sugar and salt. It helps pro­tect our body from a wide range of diseases; the most dangerous are heart diseases, liver diseases, and cancer.

To stay healthy one must, of course, abstain from smoking. Everybody knows smoking is hazardous for your health and can lead to fatal diseases like cancer. Smoking should undoubtedly be banned in all public places.

DIALOGUES

l.

— What are the most popular games in Britain today?

— Well, I suppose football and cricket.

— Are there any other outdoor games?

— Oh, there is tennis, golf, baseball and so on. Tennis is played all year round — on hard courts or grass courts in summer and on hard or covered courts in winter.

— What about horse racing?

— Oh, it's one of the most popular sports in Great Britain. Then there are, of course, walking races, running, swimming, boat races and boxing.

— I know that there are no winter sports in England. Is that

true?

— Well, you see, the English winter isn't very severe as a rule, and we don't often have the chance of skiing, skating or tobogganing, but winter is the great time for hunting.

— Is there any golf links near London?

— Oh, yes, a great amount. There are dozens of good golf links within an hour or so of London. You ought to join a golf club if you're keen on the game.

— I think I shall if I get the chance. What about indoor games?

— Well, there is table tennis, chess, billiards and so on. By the way, do you play chess?

— Well, I do, but I'm not a professional, just an ordinary amateur.

2.

— What kind of sports facilities have you got at schools in Russia, Mike?

— Well, in my school there is a large gym. There are also courts for badminton, basketball, football and tennis.

— I think sports facilities arc alike in our countries. In my school we also have courts for tennis, volleyball and indoor cricket. But in many schools in Britain you arc provided with accommodation for other indoor sports activities like archery, fencing, judo or boxing.

— I find boxing rude. Fencing is much more romantic.

— Well, boxing is a national sport in England though it is criticized by some people. And in some countries there is women's boxing.

— Yes, a team of women's boxing has been recently formed in Russia. But I don't think it's a good sport for women. It contradicts women's nature.

— I feel the same. And what do you think about that new craяу

— jet ski?

— Jet ski? What is it?

— They can be seen now on many beaches of Europe. They

are a kind of water motorbikes.

— Are they available for teenagers?

— Yes, you can begin jet ski at about fourteen years of age. I_n fact, teenagers have an advantage as they are smaller and lighter than adults and can go faster.

— Anyway, I would like to try it. I think it would be a fantastic experience!

3.

— Hello! How are you?

— Hi! I'm fine, thanks, and you?

— I'm fine too. Did you watch a basketball match yesterday? Who was a winner?

— Of course, the American team!

— Americans are really good at basketball! They are fond of sports, aren't they?

— Of course, they are. The most popular sports in America are football, basketball and baseball.

— Everybody knows that sport makes people more organized and better disciplined. Besides, it helps us stay in good shape and keep fit. I'm sure to be healthy we should go in for sports.

— But to be healthy we should first of all eat healthy food, for example, fruit and vegetables and dairy products.

— I completely agree with you, but today a majority of people eat fast food, which is fattening.

— You are right. More than that, a lot of people smoke and drink now.

— Well, I can't but agree that people should take care of their health. I mean they should sleep seven or eight hours, eat low-fat food, have breakfast, have regular meals and go in for sports. They mustn't smoke, drink and take drugs because bad habits shorten our lives.

— I completely agree with you.

— OK. Bye! -Bye!