Key Health Terms and Medical Conditions Explained

General Health and Medical Concepts

Health

A state in which the body is free of disease and performs all its functions normally.

Public Health

The art and science of organizing and directing community efforts to prevent disease, promote health, and rehabilitate individuals to achieve an optimal level of well-being.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A ratio calculated from a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).

Morbidity

The rate of disease or the proportion of a population affected by a particular illness.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain. This is often due to the accumulation of a protein called amyloid-beta. There is a certain genetic predisposition, and the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene is a known risk factor.

Pregnancy Test

A device that detects the presence of a specific hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in urine to determine pregnancy. Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

Morning-After Pill

Postcoital Contraception

A hormonal dose that alters the menstrual cycle to prevent a fertilized embryo from implanting in the uterus. While it can prevent pregnancy, it may have significant side effects and should be used with caution.

Condom

A contraceptive method that prevents both the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, making it one of the safest options.

Eating Disorders and Related Conditions

Anorexia

An eating disorder characterized by a caloric intake far below normal levels. While some genetic and biochemical factors may be involved, the primary causes are often psychological. These can include personality traits like excessive ambition and a self-imposed requirement to excel, often reflected in academic excellence.

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating (ingesting large quantities of food) followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting.

Obesity

A serious medical condition that also aggravates or causes other pathologies. Associated health risks include:

• Hypertension
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain cancers
• Hypoventilation and sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Venous insufficiency in the legs
• Gastroesophageal reflux

In women, it can lead to irregular menstruation and infertility. It can also cause psychological issues like depression, stemming from feelings of guilt and social exclusion.

Vigorexia

Muscle Dysmorphia

A disorder where individuals feel they are too small or "scrawny" and obsessively try to gain muscle mass. They often follow a strict regimen rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. The use of anabolic steroids is common to increase muscle mass and aid recovery from intense workouts, but this can lead to severe health problems, including:

• Liver tumors and cancer
• Hypertension
• Increased "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and decreased "good" cholesterol (HDL)
• A higher risk of cardiovascular disease