Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- prolonged / prəˈlɔŋd / (adj.) – continuing for a long time
Example:Prolonged pain from his injuries kept him in the hospital for a week.
- flare-up / ˈflɛərˌʌp / (n.) – a sudden return or increase of something, such as an illness or a problem
Example:He had a flare-up of allergies after accidentally eating chocolates that had peanuts in them.
- cardiovascular / ˌkɑr di oʊˈvæs kyə lər / (adj.) – relating to the heart and blood vessels
Example:A healthy diet and an exercise routine can help improve one’s cardiovascular health.
- prop / prɒp / (v.) – to support something by placing it against something else or by putting something under it
Example:After a long day at work, he propped his leg on a pillow to rest.
- ratify / ˈræt əˌfaɪ / (v.) – (in governments or organizations) to officially approve a written agreement, law, or decision by signing it
Example:A climate change policy was ratified by the leaders of several countries.
Article
Read the text below.
As a citizen of both France and America, Margaux Lantelme has noticed a difference in how store cashiers work in the two countries: in France, they do their jobs sitting down. In the U.S., where Lantelme works a register at REI, cashiers typically spend eight hours a day on their feet.
For Lantelme, a former kayaking instructor, prolonged standing can trigger flare-ups of chronic pain that limit her mobility. She requested a chair to use during her shift and got one. But after a change in management, she had to fill out paperwork to keep the chair, which required multiple doctor visits and insurance co-payments over a period of months. She’s still waiting for final approval.
“Not having access to a chair without approval from a doctor, which costs money and time and energy, is really ridiculous,” Lantelme said. “I personally think that people should be able to have access to seating at work anytime they need it.”
Standing for long periods can lead to low back pain, fatigue, muscle pain and leg swelling, and it can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and pregnancy complications, according to a review conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Researchers there concluded that movement, whether walking or shifting from a standing to a seated or leaning position, appeared to be the best way of reducing those health hazards.
Being on one’s feet for an extended time can also lead to chronic venous insufficiency, a disease in which damaged veins impact blood circulation, according to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), which represents operating room nurses.
The association recommends trying “fatigue-reducing techniques such as alternate propping one foot on a footstool, the use of anti-fatigue mats, using a sit-stand stool and wearing supportive footwear,” said Lisa Spruce, senior director of evidence-based perioperative practices at AORN.
In 1964, the International Labour Organization, a U.N. agency, adopted workplace standards requiring employers to furnish sufficient and suitable seats, as well as reasonable opportunities for workers to use them. More than 50 countries ratified the agreement, but the U.S. was not one of them.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Some companies in the U.S. ask workers for a doctor’s note for small requests like chairs or extra breaks. Should physically demanding jobs require such proof for these requests? Why or why not? What problems could this cause for workers? How could companies handle these requests more fairly? Discuss.
- In your opinion, how can companies take care of workers’ health without making the process too hard? Should there be different rules for physically demanding jobs, like delivery jobs or factory work? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Have you ever had to stand for a long time at school, work, or an event? How did you feel, and what did you do to stay comfortable? Discuss.
- Would you rather sit for long hours or stand for long hours? Which one do you think is harder, and why? If you were in charge of the event or job, what small changes would you make to help people feel more comfortable? Discuss.
