Understanding Medicines and Refusing Temptation

§Text Passage

1Summary 重點摘要

Medicines cure illness when used as the doctor directs and the label says, but harm the body when misused. Cigarettes, alcohol and drugs all damage health; when tempted, say no firmly, walk away, and tell an adult.

2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary

3Step by step Steps

1. Step 1: Tell prescription medicines from over-the-counter onesMedicines fall into two groups: prescription medicines, which a doctor gives according to the illness, and over-the-counter medicines, which can be bought at a pharmacy. For example, the antibiotics a doctor prescribes for flu must finish the whole course, because stopping halfway may leave germs behind; cough syrup bought at a pharmacy is over-the-counter, and the label must be read first. Telling the two groups apart helps us use medicines safely. One key fact: antibiotics work only on bacteria and have no effect on viruses, and most colds are viral — so never ask a doctor for antibiotics, and never take another person's leftover medicine.
2. Step 2: Follow the label and instructionsWe must take medicines exactly as the label and healthcare workers say, without changing the dose or the times. For example, if the label says three times a day, five millilitres each time, measure with the cup provided; never take a double dose at once to save time, because too much medicine can poison the body and too little cannot cure the illness. Keeping medicines where children cannot reach them is just as important. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight unless the label says to refrigerate; never take expired medicine and never flush it down the toilet — hand it in at a pharmacy or a drug take-back point.
3. Step 3: Never use other people's medicinesEveryone's illness and body are different, so other people's medicines may not suit us, and we must never use or share medicines carelessly. For example, big brother's eye drops may not suit little sister's eye problem; sharing them can delay treatment or even harm the eyes. Even for the same illness, doctors may give different doses for different ages and weights, so always ask a professional before taking any medicine. Learn about drug allergies too: some people are severely allergic to penicillin, breaking out in rashes or even struggling to breathe, so always tell the doctor your allergy history at every visit to stay safe.
4. Step 4: Know the harm of smoking and drinkingSmoking and alcohol harm a growing body especially badly, so we must clearly understand their dangers. For example, one cigarette releases thousands of chemicals, dozens of them able to cause cancer; alcohol slows judgement, and riding a bike or crossing a road after drinking is very dangerous. Smoking and drinking at a young age also affect the growth of the brain and body, so we must stay firmly away from them. Second-hand smoke harms too: non-smokers in the smoke breathe in nicotine, tar and other poisons, and children suffer most — which is why smoking is long since banned in indoor public places and workplaces.
5. Step 5: Refuse drugs firmlyDrugs seriously damage health and can make people lose control, so they must never be tried under any circumstances. For example, if someone offers colourful sweets that supposedly make people excited, say No, I do not want it at once, turn and leave, and tell your parents or teacher. Refuse in a firm voice; never feel embarrassed, because protecting yourself always comes first. Refusal has three steps: say a firm no, give a short reason such as drugs harm health, then suggest another activity or walk away; afterwards be sure to tell an adult you trust.
6. Step 6: Choose healthy ways to relieve stressStress is a normal part of life, and we should relieve it in healthy ways — never by smoking or drinking. For example, feeling stressed before a test? Go running in the park, listen to music, or talk with your family — far healthier than smoking or drinking. Exercise helps the body make happiness chemicals, and talking to someone lets the worries out, so the mood naturally lightens. Another practical way is time management: split revision into short blocks with ten-minute breaks so pressure cannot pile up; stop using screens an hour before bed — sleep well and the mood steadies itself.
7. Step 7: Learn about medicines from reliable sourcesLearn about medicines from reliable sources so that wrong information cannot mislead us. For example, to learn how to use a medicine, ask the pharmacist at the pharmacy or visit the Department of Health website; never believe advertising of unknown origin. Be extra careful of ads claiming a medicine works for everything or works instantly, and ask a doctor or pharmacist whenever in doubt. Slimming or height-gain pills from unknown online sellers are especially dangerous — ingredients and doses are never guaranteed; remember that registered medicines carry a uniform registration number, checkable on the Department of Health website before buying.

4Diagrams Diagrams

5Worked example Example

6Common mistakes Mistakes

7Quick check Quick check

8Recap Recap

• Use medicines as the doctor directs and the label says; never change the dose yourself.
• Never take another person's medicine; medicines are not for sharing.
• Nicotine in cigarettes is addictive and tar damages the lungs; alcohol harms the liver and judgement.
• Drugs badly damage body and mind, and possessing or trafficking them is a serious crime.
• Three steps against temptation: say no firmly, leave at once, and tell an adult.