Glossary
Allergy
an uncontrolled response to foreign proteins in the body. Often, these foreign substances are usually harmless, but nonetheless they trigger an allergic reaction.
Anemia
a deficiency of red blood cells in the body.
Appendicitis
a condition of the appendix caused by scarring, infection or a blockage that may cause inflammation and pain.
Asthma
is a chronic lung disease that develops when the lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen restricting the air flow to and from the lungs.
Balanced Diet
a diet that consists of daily servings from the six basic food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy and fats.
Biopsy
the process of medically examining tissue microscopically, usually to discover what type of tissue it is or determine its behavior.
Colonoscopy
a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the large intestine using a thin, long, flexible tube with a camera at the end.
Congenital
present at birth.
Diabetes
Known as “diabetes mellitus.” These groups of diseases affect how glucose or blood sugar is used in the body. Persons with diabetes have too much glucose, which can lead to serious health conditions.
Diarrhea
a sudden, increase in frequency of loose stools compared to normal.
Diuretic
Any drug that increases the amount of water in urine, thus removing excess water from the body.
Ear Infection
a bacterial infection in the middle ear requiring antibiotics for treatment.
Genetic testing
a means of identifying genetic disorders, illnesses and diseases.
Heart Disease
any condition that narrows or blocks blood vessels leading to and from the heart that may cause a heart attack or stroke.
Incontinence
the loss of ability to voluntarily control an organ.
Immunizations
vaccines given to help prevent illnesses.
Inflammation
redness, pain and heat in the skin.
Local Anesthesia
numbs and removes sensation from a localized or particular part of the body.
Moles
raised dark areas in the skin caused by the damage or dysfunction of melanocytes.
Pap Smear
a routine gynecological screening that tests for potentially cancerous indications in the cervix.
Parkinson’s Disease
a chronic, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that is characterized by tremors and difficulty speaking and walking.
Physical
an examination performed by a physician to check the health status of a patient, which includes an assessment of health history, height, weight and blood pressure. Doctors also check the abdomen, throat and ears and evaulate thow well the heart and lungs are functioning.
Puberty
the point at which the body begins producing adult levels of hormones, causing many bodily changes associated with sexual maturity.
Sleep Apnea
a sleep disorder where there are temporary interruptions of breathing while a person is sleeping.
Sports Physical
a physical exam performed by a doctor to determine if a child is physically fit enough to perform certain sports activities.
STD
an infection or disease that is spread through sexual contact.
Stroke
a blockage of an artery that delivers blood to the brain that causes temporary or permanent damage.
Thyroid
the small, butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces hormones, which control, among other things, energy levels and metabolism.
Tumor
a lump which can be seen or felt. While they are often associated with cancer, not all tumors are cancerous, and not all cancers involve tumors.
Ultrasound
a process that uses sound waves to produce an image of organs inside the body, or to produce an image of a fetus.
Vertigo
the constant sensation of feeling dizzy.
Virus
a very small infectious agent.