[IELTS Vocabulary] Health

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resources scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Balanced diet	Noun phrase	Diet that includes a variety of foods in appropriate proportions	A balanced diet is essential for overall health.
Exercise	Noun/Verb	Physical activity for health and fitness	Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hydration	Noun	Maintenance of adequate fluid levels in the body	Hydration is crucial for proper bodily functions.
Nutrient-rich	Adjective	Foods containing a high level of nutrients	Dark leafy greens are nutrient-rich and beneficial for health.
Physical activity	Noun phrase	Bodily movement for health and well-being	Incorporating physical activity into daily life promotes health.
Sleep hygiene	Noun phrase	Practices that promote healthy sleep habits	Good sleep hygiene includes a regular sleep schedule.
Stress management	Noun phrase	Techniques for coping with stress	Meditation and exercise are effective stress management techniques.

2. Healthcare Systems and Access to Medical Services

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Affordable healthcare	Noun phrase	Healthcare that is reasonably priced and accessible	Access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental right.
Health insurance	Noun phrase	Coverage for medical expenses	Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit.
Primary care	Noun phrase	Basic healthcare services provided by family doctors	Primary care physicians play a crucial role in preventive health.
Specialist	Noun	Healthcare professional with expertise in a specific area	Patients may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
Telemedicine	Noun	Remote healthcare services provided through technology	Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors online.
Universal healthcare	Noun phrase	Healthcare system that provides coverage to all citizens	Some countries have implemented universal healthcare systems.

3. Mental Health Awareness

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Coping mechanisms	Noun phrase	Strategies for dealing with stress and adversity	Engaging in hobbies can be a healthy coping mechanism.
Mental health stigma	Noun phrase	Negative attitudes and beliefs surrounding mental health	Breaking the mental health stigma is essential for promoting well-being.
Self-care	Noun	Activities undertaken to maintain mental and physical health	Practicing self-care can improve overall well-being.
Therapy	Noun	Treatment for mental health issues	Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety.
Well-being	Noun	State of being comfortable, healthy, and happy	Prioritizing well-being is crucial for overall quality of life.

Idioms for Speaking

These are idioms and phrases that use topic-related figures of speech. They can also be used in different contexts.

Idiom	Definition	Example
A clean bill of health	A report or assurance that someone is in good health.	“After the medical check-up, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health.”
A picture of health	A person who looks extremely healthy.	“Despite his age, the marathon runner is still a picture of health.”
Break a sweat	To engage in physical activity or exercise that causes sweating.	“It’s important to break a sweat regularly to maintain cardiovascular health.”
Catch one’s breath	To take a moment to rest and breathe after physical exertion.	“After running up the stairs, I needed a moment to catch my breath.”
Fit as a fiddle	In very good physical condition.	“After months of training, he felt fit as a fiddle and ready for the marathon.”
Go under the knife	To undergo surgery or a medical procedure.	“She had to go under the knife to address a persistent health issue.”
Gut feeling	An instinctive feeling or intuition, especially about health.	“His gut feeling told him that something wasn’t right with his health.”
Hit the gym	To go to the gym for exercise or a workout.	“I hit the gym every morning to stay in shape and maintain good health.”
In the pink	In good health and excellent condition.	“Despite her age, she’s still in the pink and leads an active lifestyle.”
Jump on the bandwagon	To adopt a popular trend or activity.	“Many people are jumping on the bandwagon of healthier eating habits.”
Let one’s hair down	To relax and enjoy oneself after a period of intense activity.	“After the stressful week, she decided to let her hair down and unwind.”
Mind over matter	The power of the mind to influence and overcome physical challenges.	“In some cases, overcoming illness requires a strong mind over matter.”
On the mend	In the process of recovering from an illness or injury.	“Thanks to proper treatment, he’s on the mend and should be back to work soon.”
Out of shape	In poor physical condition, lacking fitness.	“After months of a sedentary lifestyle, I realized I was out of shape.”
Run in the family	To have a particular trait or health condition that is common among family members.	“High cholesterol seems to run in the family, so it’s important to monitor it.”
Take one’s pulse	To check one’s heart rate by feeling the pulse.	“After the workout, she took her pulse to see how her heart rate had changed.”
Under the weather	Feeling unwell or not in good health.	“I won’t be able to attend the meeting; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
Up and about	Fully recovered and active after an illness or injury.	“After a week of rest, he’s up and about, back to his regular activities.”
Wear and tear	Damage or deterioration caused by normal use or aging.	“As we age, our joints experience wear and tear, leading to certain health issues.”
Work one’s fingers to the bone	To work extremely hard and diligently.	“She worked her fingers to the bone to meet the project deadline.”