HomeCategoriesMedicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Evidence-based definitions for medical conditions, treatments, drugs, anatomy, and public health — without the jargon.

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Total terms
10
Subcategories
2 min
Avg. read time
44 terms
A
Alcohol Policy
A set of laws and regulations that govern the production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is known as Alcohol Policy. It aims to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote public health.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
B
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer screening is a health check that helps find bowel cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. It typically involves tests that check for signs of cancer in the bowel, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
B
Breast Screening
Breast screening is a medical process used to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. It typically involves mammograms, which are special X-rays of the breast. Early detection through screening can lead to better treatment outcomes and save lives.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
C
CDC
The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a national public health agency in the United States. It focuses on protecting public health and safety by controlling and preventing disease, injury, and disability.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
C
Case Fatality Rate (CFR)
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is a measure that indicates the percentage of deaths among diagnosed cases of a particular disease. It helps understand the severity and lethality of diseases in a population.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
C
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is a medical test that helps detect changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. It involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. This screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
C
Cluster
A cluster in public health refers to a group of cases of a particular disease or health-related event that occur closely together in time and place. It helps health officials identify outbreaks and take necessary actions to protect the community.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
C
Contact Tracing
It is a method used to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease. This process helps control the spread of the disease by encouraging those exposed to get tested or quarantine.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
D
Disease Surveillance
It is a method used to collect, analyze, and interpret data about health-related events in populations. This process helps to identify outbreaks, monitor disease trends, and inform public health actions.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
E
ECDC
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is an agency of the European Union that aims to strengthen Europe's defenses against infectious diseases. It provides scientific advice, monitors health threats, and supports public health policies across member states.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
E
Environmental Health
It refers to the branch of public health that focuses on how environmental factors affect human health. This includes studying air and water quality, chemicals, and other hazards in our surroundings.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
E
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations. It involves understanding the causes, distribution, and control of diseases to improve public health outcomes.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
G
Global Health
It refers to the health of populations worldwide and the efforts to improve health across borders. Global Health focuses on health issues that transcend national boundaries and require international cooperation.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
H
HIV Prevention
HIV prevention refers to strategies and practices designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection. This includes methods like safe sex practices, regular testing, and the use of preventive medications.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
H
Health Disparities
Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services among different population groups. These disparities can be based on factors like race, ethnicity, income, and geographic location.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
H
Health Equity
Health equity means ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. It involves addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities among different groups.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
H
Herd Immunity Threshold
The Herd Immunity Threshold is the percentage of a population that needs to be immune to a disease to prevent its spread. This immunity can come from vaccinations or previous infections, and it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
I
Immunization Schedule
An immunization schedule is a plan that outlines the timing and types of vaccines a person should receive to protect against various diseases. It helps ensure that individuals, especially children, get vaccinated at the right ages and intervals for optimal protection.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
I
Infection Fatality Rate (IFR)
The Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) is the percentage of deaths among all the infected individuals, including all symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. It helps to understand the severity of a disease and is crucial for public health planning and response.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
I
Isolation
Isolation is the practice of separating individuals who are sick or have been exposed to a contagious disease from those who are healthy. This helps prevent the spread of infections and protects public health.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
M
Malaria
A serious disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can lead to fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and if untreated, it may become life-threatening.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
M
Morbidity
Morbidity refers to the state of being diseased or unhealthy within a population. It encompasses the incidence of illness and the impact of health conditions on individuals and communities.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
M
Mortality
Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death. It is often measured as the number of deaths in a specific population over a certain period of time.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
N
Neglected Tropical Disease
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect people in tropical and subtropical regions. They are often overlooked in terms of research and funding, despite causing significant health issues for millions of people worldwide.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
N
Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention
A Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI) refers to actions taken to prevent the spread of diseases without using medications or vaccines. These measures include practices like social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene, which help reduce transmission rates in communities.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
O
Obesity Prevention
It refers to efforts and strategies aimed at preventing obesity, which is a condition characterized by excessive body fat. These measures often include promoting healthy eating, encouraging physical activity, and creating supportive environments for healthy choices.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
O
Occupational Health
Occupational health focuses on the physical and mental well-being of workers in their workplaces. It aims to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
O
One Health
One Health is a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It aims to improve health outcomes by addressing issues that affect all three areas together.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
O
Outbreak
An outbreak is the occurrence of a disease or health-related event in a specific area or population that is greater than what is normally expected. It can involve infectious diseases, such as flu, or other health issues, and can spread quickly among people.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
P
Primary Prevention
This is a strategy aimed at preventing diseases or health issues before they occur. It focuses on reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors to enhance overall public health.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
P
Public Health
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. It focuses on preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to healthcare services for everyone.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
Q
Quarantine
A quarantine is a public health practice used to separate and restrict the movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease. The goal is to prevent the spread of illness to others until it is confirmed that they are not infected.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
R
Reproduction Number (R0)
The Reproduction Number, often denoted as R0, indicates how many people, on average, one infected person will pass a virus to. It helps public health officials understand the potential spread of infectious diseases.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Screening Program
A screening program is a public health initiative designed to identify individuals at risk for certain health conditions before symptoms appear. These programs aim to detect diseases early, allowing for timely intervention and better health outcomes.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Secondary Prevention
This approach focuses on preventing the worsening of diseases or conditions that have already been diagnosed. It aims to reduce complications and improve health outcomes through early detection and intervention.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Sentinel Surveillance
This is a method used in public health to monitor the spread of diseases by collecting data from specific health facilities. It helps identify trends and outbreaks quickly for timely responses.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their health. These factors include socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare, which can significantly influence health outcomes.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Social Distancing
A public health practice aimed at preventing the spread of contagious diseases by maintaining physical distance between individuals. It involves keeping a safe space, typically around six feet, to reduce the risk of transmission.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Substance Abuse
This term refers to the harmful use of substances like drugs and alcohol that leads to significant negative effects on a person's life. It often results in health issues, social problems, and difficulties in personal relationships.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
S
Syndromic Surveillance
This is a method used to monitor health data, focusing on symptoms rather than confirmed diagnoses. It helps public health officials detect and respond to disease outbreaks more quickly.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
T
TB (Tuberculosis)
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it a significant public health concern worldwide.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
T
Tertiary Prevention
This type of prevention focuses on reducing the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. It aims to help individuals manage their conditions and improve their quality of life, often through rehabilitation and support services.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min
T
Tobacco Control
Tobacco control refers to the efforts and policies aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco products and their harmful effects on health. It involves various strategies, including legislation, education, and public health campaigns.
BeginnerPublic Health1 min
U
Universal Health Coverage
Universal Health Coverage ensures that everyone has access to necessary health services without financial hardship. It aims to provide quality health care for all individuals, regardless of their income or background.
BeginnerPublic Health2 min