新编大学英语4视听说材料UNIT 6

How can we determine the risks involved in an action? Many risks that relate to health choices have been studied. These risks relate to choices made of activities or behavior that influence one's health either positively or negatively and scientists use statistics to measure these risks. Statistics is a branch of mathematics that helps determine the possibility that something will occur. The information about the possibility is called statistical risk and can help you make healthy choices.
Questions:
1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the trail signs people may have left?
2. What is true about the full moon and those who get lost in the woods?
Wife: That's true. If you are poor, you may not have good living conditions, good medical care and good nutrition. But still I have a question. Why can women live longer than men?
Husband: I think you'd better ask the experts.
The possibility that something bad will happen is a risk. Risk can also be defined as the degree of danger that goes along with an opportunity. All risks have possible negative results. However, some risks are worth taking. For example, suppose that you have the chance to join a school team. You risk a possible injury while playing to achieve the sense of accomplishment that comes with being on the team. You may decide that the pleasure of playing is worth the risk of injury. By being fit, you can also reduce the risk of physical injury.
If you are lost, do not expect to be rescued. Even if someone knows you are lost and sends out a search party, it may not find you. Therefore, if you can get out on your own, do so. However, if you cannot move far for some reason, build a bright fire at night and a smoky one during the day. Try to clear an area that can be seen from the air, and use rocks to write a message. You can also use bright colors, shiny metals or mirrors to signal aircraft. Above all, do not panic.
If you can't find the trail, try to explore the area, marking your path as you go. Climb a tree and look for landmarks. During the day, look for roads or rooftops in the distance. At night, look for lights and sniff the air. You may be able to smell smoke from a campfire. If you detect any of these signs, start to walk in their direction, but if it is dark, find shelter for the night and wait until morning. Even a full moon won't give you enough light, and it can throw shadows that hide dangers.
Husband: Yes. But actually the largest risk you could run—after being born male—is being poor. Being poor is far more likely to kill you than smoking, drinking, a hereditary disease, or an unhealthy lifestyle.
Wife: Mm, I think it might be the sex.
Husband: That's right! You see, my grandma lived four years longer than my grandpa. Generally speaking, women live longer than men. In 1993, the average lifespan of women was 6.9 years longer than that of men in the United States.
For example, statistics indicate that in the United States the chance of dying from cancer is about 20 percent. In other words, two out of every ten deaths are due to some kind of cancer. Therefore, the risk of death from cancer is quite high. However, statistics also show that 80 percent of all cancers are related to things over which you have some control. In other words, you can make choices that will reduce your risk of developing cancer. These include such things as avoiding pollution, not smoking, and eating a diet high in fiber. If you do these things, you are less likely to develop cancer.
Husband: Oh! It's unbelievable!
Wife: What's the matter?
Husband: This article says that lifespans vary according to race, income level and whether you are male or female. Er, now, can you guess which is the most important factor?
Wife: 6.9 years?! I can't believe it. Then how about race?
Husband: Race... The paper says white women live 5.1 years longer than black women.
Wife: So this means I am doubly lucky since I am a white woman.
If you plan to go hiking in the wilderness or a national park, make sure you are prepared. A compass, a knife, and maps are essential items to take with you. You should also take wooden matches in a waterproof case, some concentrated food such as nuts and dried fruit, and water in a canteen. Plan for emergencies as well. Take along first-aid equipment, shelter for the rain, and extra clothes. In order to stay warm, your head, hands and feet must be kept warm, so you should bring gloves, extra socks and a wool hat.