Definitions

Definitions

  • Addiction – Is defined as a behavioral syndrome characterized by the repeated, compulsive-seeking (psychological dependence) or use of a substance despite adverse social, psychological and/or physical consequences, along with the physical need for an increased amount of a substance as time goes on to achieve the same desired effect. Addiction is often (but not always, as with an addiction to gambling) accompanied by tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal syndrome.
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  • Assisted living – Residents in an assisted living facility generally require basic custodial care. There are several types of assisted living facilities based on the needs of a resident.
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  • Cancer – A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. There are many types of cancer.
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  • Chiropractic – Is a form of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.
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  • Dentistry – Is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and malformations of the teeth, gums and oral cavity, including the removal, correction and replacement of decayed, damaged or lost parts. Dentistry includes such operations as the filling and crowning of teeth, straightening of teeth and the construction of artificial dentures.
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  • Disability – A disability is any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities. The Disability Services Act (1993) defines disability as attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments.
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  • Domestic violence – Is violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.
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  • Eye health – Your eyes and vision are an important part of your health.
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  • General health – Is referred to as a person’s overall health, which includes physical and mental health.
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  • Health care – Is the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health, especially through the provision of medical services.
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  • Health insurance – Is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses for illnesses, injuries and conditions.
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  • Home health – Is a wide range of health care services provided in your home for an illness or injury. Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF).
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  • Hospital – Is a health care institution that provides specialized medical care.
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  • Life expectancy – Is a measure of the average time a person is expected to live based on several factors such as gender, age and demographics.
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  • Mental/behavioral health – The terms “behavioral health” and “mental health” are often used interchangeably. Behavioral health includes not only ways of promoting well-being by preventing or intervening in mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, but also has as an aim preventing or intervening in substance abuse or other addictions.
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  • Nursing home – A facility that houses residents who typically require around-the-clock care and monitoring. Nursing home residents usually have more complex health care conditions that require the assistance of a skilled nurse or a physical or speech therapist.
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  • Pediatrics – Is a branch of medicine that deals with the development, care and diseases of infants, children and adolescents.
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  • Physical dependence – Is a physiological state of adaptation to a substance, the absence of which produces symptoms and signs of withdrawal. It is possible to be physically dependent on a drug without being addicted to it. Physical dependence is the result of physical changes in the brain. It is not a matter of willpower, rather, it is actual physiology.
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  • Pregnancy – Is when an offspring develops inside a woman. It is also known as gestation.
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  • Preventive health care – Is routine health care that includes screenings, check-ups and patient counseling to prevent illnesses, disease or other health problems. Taking preventive measures may lead to a longer, healthier life.
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  • Rehabilitation (physically therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) – Is a specialized health care service that helps a person regain physical, mental and/or cognitive abilities that have been impaired or lost because of an injury, disease or treatment. There are a variety of rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or respiratory therapy.
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