Which is a greater threat to society, earthquakes or COVID-19?

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but if I have to give a choice, COVID-19 is arguably a greater threat. Now let me explain why.     

First, COVID-19 has a more widespread impact. While earthquakes generally occur in areas with seismic activity, such as Japan and California, COVID-19 can spread anywhere, so is difficult to contain. So, as globalization progresses, the pandemic has significant impacts, disrupting economies, education systems, and daily life across the world.     

Next, the two threats are different in terms of amount of damage. For example, COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths across the world, because the virus was highly contagious, so has severely strained medical and healthcare systems. On the other hand, earthquakes do not spread to other areas in that way.           

Therefore, I conclude that COVID-19 has a greater impact on humanity. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “ensuring good health” as one of their key challenges. So, we must come together and take action. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-G]

Should couples have the right to choose the sex of their children?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, even if medical technology allows to do so, couples should not have such a right. Now let me explain the details.     

First, such a right has never been granted in history. Instead, we acknowledge that every sex is worth the same level of respect. However, choosing a sex for a child means that one is superior to the other. Then some societies in history have even killed newborn girls. So, it is one of the most intolerable notions in present day.     

Next, I understand some may argue that if genetic testing is allowed before birth, then sex selection should be treated similarly. However, these are two separate issues. While genetic testing can help diagnose some severe suffering for the child, choosing sex means killing a fertilized egg, and is not free from ethical questions.     

In conclusion, while medical advances help many people, we should be careful of their misuse and ensure the safety of every child. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-N]

before birth > prenatal

Should medical care for senior citizens be free?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, providing all seniors with free medical care would not necessarily be a good idea, at least in Japan. Now let me explain the details.      

First, free medical care can lead to a lack of consciousness about “preventive healthcare,” making them more vulnerable to “lifestyle diseases.” This can drain important medical resources and strain on national healthcare systems. For example, Japan once introduced free medical care for seniors, but halted it in 10 years.     

Next, I understand some may argue that seniors living on low income need free medicine, but how to secure their income and how to provide them with medical care should be two separate matters. If we enhance the insurance system and conduct regular health checkups to prevent lifestyle diseases, we won’t need “free” medical care.           

Therefore, even though providing free medical care sounds great, it cannot be a panacea for seniors. So, we must carefully consider these practices to determine the most optimal policy. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-Q]

Are people today too reliant on prescription drugs? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Besides, each case has a unique situation, so doctors should determine its validity. But in my view, people don’t seem to heavily reliant on them, at least at this time. Now let me explain the details.     

First, prescription drugs are important to our life as it is. For example, they effectively treat diseases, take pain, and bring better sleep. Plus, some medical situations such as high blood pressure demand prescribed medicine, in order to control symptoms and support good quality of life. As long as drugs are properly prescribed, it won’t cause problems.     

Next, unfortunately I understand some may abuse these drugs. Because the strong effects of prescription drugs can make some people become too reliant on them. But thanks to “medical insurance system,” many people use prescription drugs properly.           

So, while prescription drugs are sometimes misused, we can’t assume that society doesn’t rely on them too heavily. But it is always important that we should be careful about their proper use. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-Q]

Does the media exaggerate the threat of pandemics?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the media is not necessarily exaggerating the threat of pandemics. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the media coverage of the pandemic has served to inform and protect the public. On this point, we must recognize that pandemics are massive and serious dangers to public health across the world. For example, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown how rapidly a pandemic can spread, and cause serious devastation. This means that we cannot be too wary of pandemics.     

Moreover, media coverage of the pandemic can be benefícial in concentrating resources quickly on addressing it. In fact, the media coverage is mostly accurate information based on WHO announcements. As a result, this can create a national consensus against the pandemic and enable to implement political counter-measures.           

Therefore, even though the media coverage often seems overly sensational, we should not assume that every news report has been exaggerated. Rather, it’s important that we stay informed and take steps to protect our own health. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-Q]

Should the government do more to encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the government should not push a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. Now let me explain the details.     

First, nowadays, many private healthcare businesses advertise wellness goods and exercise programs. Plus, non-profit groups provide dietary guidance to encourage healthy lifestyles. So, the government should prioritize programs not supplied by them. For example, they can advertise preventive care and offer free health checkups.     

Next, people should be free to make their own health choices. Because “what a healthy lifestyle means” is different from person to person. So, for example, it is unfeasible for the government to encourage all citizens to practice yoga. Rather, it’s important to respect people’s right to pursue a healthy lifestyle.           

On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “ensuring good health” as one of their key challenges. So, public welfare policy is important for modern societies in general. And I conclude that the government must give people enough alternatives to let them pursue their desired healthy lifestyles. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-N]

Is the increasing number of allergy sufferers a cause for concern?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the increase in allergy sufferers is becoming a social concern. Now let me explain the details.     

First, allergies cause intense and sometimes life-threatening symptoms, which seriously affect the quality of life of many people. So, they put a larger strain on healthcare systems in turn. In addition, many people with allergies need to avoid certain foods and places, which can make it difficult for them to eat out, travel, and participate in other activities.     

Next, I understand some may argue that the increasing trend is due to better diagnosis and reporting, so the real number of allergy cases hasn’t increased. Certainly, this has a point, as medical knowledge and testing methods have improved. Yet, we must not underestimate the danger of allergies unless there is compelling counterevidence.           

Therefore, even though we need more research to understand about allergies, we should not overlook the increase in allergy sufferers. Rather, we should see it as a serious concern for society and the economy. Thank you for your attention. [185 Type-Q]

Should more be done to incréase awareness of mental-health issues in Japan?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the public awareness for mental health issues is still insufficient, so we should act more to improve the current situation. Now let me explain the details.     

First, mental health problems are often confused with just feeling tired, which delays medical care. But as it is, they have a serious effect on individuals and society. For example, depression alone has around one million outpatients in Japan, and causes annual losses of two trillion yen to the economy.     

Next, increasing awareness can prevent suicide and improve society’s mental health situation. On this point, studies have shown that Japan’s high suicide rate, particularly among young people, is partly due to mental health issues. Usually, typical symptoms, such as insomnia, indicate suicidal tendencies. But if bystanders have little knowledge of mental health, they may be overlooked.           

Therefore, I conclude that we should make more efforts to raise awareness about mental health problems in Japan, to achieve a healthy and vibrant society. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-D]

Should cigarette advertising be banned?

Depending on what we are and where we live, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, tobacco advertising should be banned, at least in Japan. Now let me explain the details.     

First, the harmfulness of tobacco have already been scientifically proven. So, neglecting the smoking habit has negative impact on the country’s healthcare policy. Plus, Japan has promised to combát smoking to the international community. This means that Japan should play a positive role to achieve this goal of “ending tobacco” promotion, including banning tobacco advertising.     

Next, I understand some may argue that taxing tobacco brings significant revenues for government. But good health is priceless, and is more important than tax revenues. In addition, Japan has promised to regulate tobacco across the world, as I believe that Japan should take leadership in promoting good health for the international community.           

In general, finding the balance between usefulness and harmfulness of advertising is complex. But speaking of tobacco, harmfulness of smoking is widely recognized. So, I still believe it should not be advertised. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-F]

Pros and cons of animal testing

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but come to think of it, it’s important to assess the pros and cons of conducting animal testing. Now let me explain the details.     

Animal testing has several advantages; so, it is virtually an essential procedure in the science field: first, it has helped improve medicine by providing important physiological and sometimes psychological information. Plus, animal testing is a better option than putting human lives at risk. If we didn’t perform animal testing first, people would have more deaths and serious side effects. So, it is not acceptable in our world today.     

There are always cons to everything: one is that animal testing alone is not always reliable, because humans and animals have different biology. So, drug or treatment that helps an animal might be harmful for humans, and vice versa.           

Animal testing has a long history: if we understand its pros and cons and perform it properly, it can help enhance the health of humans, and welfare of animals. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-M]