Glossary - Heale Medical Primary Care

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Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia Nervosa is a serious mental health disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme food restriction, distorted body image, and dangerous weight loss. It is one of the most well-known eating disorders and can have life-threatening physical and psychological consequences. Click here to learn more about Anorexia Nervosa.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are vital in modern medicine and play a crucial role in managing bacterial diseases. Click here to learn more about Antibiotics.

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions. They are commonly used to manage symptoms caused by allergies, such as hay fever, hives, and insect bites. Below are the key uses, benefits, pros, and cons of antihistamines. Click here to learn more about Antihistamines.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by an ongoing failure to meet nutritional needs due to an extreme avoidance of certain foods. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape. Instead, it is associated with sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences (like choking or vomiting), or a lack of interest in eating. Learn more about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. Click here to learn more about Blood Pressure.

Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. People with bulimia often maintain a normal weight, making the disorder less noticeable but equally dangerous. Learn more about Bulimia Nervosa.

Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic medical condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels due to issues with insulin production or utilization. Click here to to learn more about Diabetes.

Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being. They often involve preoccupation with food, body weight, and appearance, accompanied by distorted self-perception. Click Learn more about eating disorders.

Fever: Fever, or pyrexia, is a temporary increase in body temperature, often in response to an infection or illness. It is part of the body’s immune response, helping to fight off pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Learn more about fever.

Flu: The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening. Influenza is seasonal, with peaks in colder months, and spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets. Click here to learn more about Flu.

Mental Health: Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and behave, as well as how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood, and maintaining it is crucial for overall well-being. Click here to learn more about mental health.

Polio: Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under the age of 5 but can infect people of all ages. Polio can cause mild flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases, it attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis or even death. Learn more about polio.

Primary Care: Primary care is the first point of contact in the healthcare system for individuals seeking medical advice or treatment. It focuses on providing comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered care for a wide range of health issues. Primary care practitioners (PCPs) include family physicians, internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Learn more about Primary Care.

Sinus Infection: A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed or infected. This can block the sinuses, leading to mucus buildup and symptoms such as pressure, congestion, and pain. Sinusitis can be acute (lasting less than 4 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). Click here to learn more about sinus infection.

Urgent Care: Urgent care centers provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room (ER). They serve as a bridge between primary care and emergency care, offering convenience and accessibility. Learn more about urgent care.

Vital statistics: Vital statistics refer to data related to life events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and fetal deaths. These statistics are often collected by governments and health organizations to understand population trends and health outcomes. Click here to learn more about Vital statistics.

Vomiting: Vomiting, or emesis, is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is often a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. Causes range from mild issues like overeating to more serious conditions such as infections, gastrointestinal disorders, or neurological problems. Click here to learn more about Vomiting.

Weight Management: Weight management refers to adopting a set of practices and behaviors to maintain a healthy body weight over time. It involves balancing energy intake (calories consumed) with energy expenditure (calories burned) through proper nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. Effective weight management can prevent obesity and related health problems while promoting overall well-being. Click here to learn more about weight management.

Yeast Infection: A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (primarily Candida albicans) in the body. While yeast is a natural part of the body’s microbiome, an imbalance can lead to infections, commonly affecting areas like the mouth (oral thrush), genitals (vaginal yeast infection), skin, and nails. Click here to learn more about Yeast Infection.