Health & Wellness Grade 7

Glossary


abdominal thrusts  A series of thrusts to the abdomen that force air from the lungs to dislodge an object.
abstinence  Choosing not to engage in any risk behaviors.
abstinence from sex  Voluntarily choosing not to be sexually active.
abuse  The harmful treatment of another person.
acid rain  Rain and other precipitation, such as snow, sleet, or hail, that has a high acid content.
acne  A skin disorder in which pores in the skin are clogged with oil and may become infected.
acquaintance (uh•KWAIN•tuhns)  Someone you see occasionally or know casually, but who is not close to you like a friend.
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)  A condition that results when infection with HIV causes a breakdown of the body's ability to fight other infections.
active listening  A way of responding that shows you hear and understand the speaker.
addiction  The compelling need to continue a behavior, such as drug use, even if it is harmful.
adolescence  The period of life between childhood and adulthood, during which many physical, mental, and emotional changes occur.
advertisement  An announcement designed to persuade people to buy products and services; also known as an ad.
aerobic exercise  A type of exercise in which oxygen is continuously taken in for a period of at least 20 minutes.
affection  A fond or tender feeling for another person.
agility  The ability to move quickly and easily.
air pollution  The contamination of air with harmful substances.
Air Quality Index (AQI)  A guide that provides information about air quality and the health effects that might be a concern for the public.
alcohol  A drug found in some beverages that slows down the central nervous system and harms body organs.
alcoholism  A disease in which a person is dependent upon alcohol.
allergen  Any substance that causes an allergic reaction.
allergy  A condition in which the body overreacts to a substance.
alveoli (al•VEE•uh•ly)  Small, thin-walled air sacs surrounded by capillaries; alveolus (sing.).
amniotic (am•nee•AH•tik) sac  A pouch filled with fluid that surrounds and protects a developing fetus.
amphetamine (am•FE•tuh•meen)  A stimulant that increases blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
anabolic steroids  Drugs that are used to increase muscle size and strength.
anaerobic exercise  A type of intense exercise in which the muscles temporarily use up the body's supply of oxygen, causing the body to rely on other forms of energy.
anorexia nervosa (a•nuh•REK•see•uh•nehr•VOH•suh)  An eating disorder in which a person starves himself or herself and has a weight of 15 percent or more below normal.
antibiotic  A substance that kills or slows the growth of bacteria.
antibody  A protein in the blood that destroys or disables a specific antigen.
antigen  A substance that causes an immune reaction in the body.
anxiety  A feeling of worry or uneasiness.
anxiety disorder  An illness that involves overwhelming anxiety or fear and may take several forms.
artery  A type of blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and throughout the body.
assault  A physical attack or the threat of such an attack.
asthma  A chronic condition in which the bronchial tubes become blocked or narrowed, making breathing difficult.
astigmatism  A condition in which the irregular shape of the cornea causes blurred vision.
audiologist  A health care professional who tests hearing ability and helps correct hearing loss.
bacteria  Tiny one-celled organisms; bacterium (sing.).
balance  The ability to keep from falling.
benign  Not cancerous.
binge eating disorder  An eating disorder in which a person engages in uncontrollable eating.
biodegradable  Able to be broken down by organisms to become part of Earth's natural resources.
biological age  A measure of how well a person's body parts function.
blizzard  A heavy snowstorm with very strong winds.
blood alcohol concentration (BAC)  The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood when he or she drinks.
body composition  The percentage of fat tissue and lean tissue in the body.
body image  The way a person feels about his or her appearance and perceives that others view him or her.
body language  Gestures, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.
Body Mass Index (BMI)  A formula used to determine whether a person's body weight is healthful.
budget  A written plan for saving and spending money.
bulimia nervosa (boo•LEE•mee•uh nehr•VOH•suh)  An eating disorder in which a person eats a great deal of food in a short period and then rids the body of the food.
bully  A person who attempts to hurt or frighten people whom he or she considers helpless.
calorie  Unit used to measure the energy in foods.
cancer  A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues and organs of the body.
capillary  A type of blood vessel that connects arteries and veins.
carbohydrates (KAHR•boh•HY•drayts)  Nutrients that provide the main source of energy for the body.
carbon monoxide  An odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas.
carcinogen (kahr•SI•nuh•juhn)  A substance that causes cancer.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)  A first aid technique used to restore heartbeat and breathing to a person who is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse.
cardiorespiratory endurance  The ability of the respiratory and circulatory systems to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body during continuous physical activity.
cardiovascular disease  A group of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
career  The work that a person prepares for and does throughout his or her life.
caregiver  A person who provides care for someone who needs assistance.
cartilage (KAHR•tuh•lij)  A tough but flexible material at the ends of bones that keeps them from rubbing together and acts as a cushion between adjoining vertebrae.
certificate  A document granted by a nongovernmental agency, such as an educational institution, for the right to practice or to use a certain title.
character  A person's use of self-control to act on responsible values.
chemotherapy  The use of chemicals to treat cancer.
chlamydia (kluh•MI•dee•uh)  A sexually transmitted disease that causes inflammation of the reproductive organs.
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (klawr•oh•flawr•oh•KAHR•buhnz)  Gaseous compounds used in cleaning products and other items.
choking  An emergency in which the airway is blocked by a piece of food or other small object.
chronic health condition  A disease or disorder that lasts a long time or keeps coming back.
chronological age  The number of years a person has lived.
cilia (SI•lee•uh)  Tiny, hairlike structures in the respiratory system that help remove dust and other harmful materials from the body; cilium (sing.).
circulatory system  The body system that transports oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removes waste products from the cells.
cirrhosis (suh•ROH•suhs)  A condition in which liver tissue is destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.
cocaine  A highly addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant.
codependence  A condition in which a person denies his or her own feelings and copes in harmful ways in order to avoid upsetting or being rejected by another person.
cold  A viral infection that affects the lining of the upper respiratory tract.
commercial  An advertisement on radio or television.
commitment  A pledge or promise to do something.
communicable disease  An illness caused by pathogens that can be passed to a person from another person, animal, or object.
communication  The sharing of feelings, thoughts, and information with another person.
comparison shopping  Comparing the price, quality, safety, and other aspects of products and choosing the one considered to be the best value.
compromise  To reach a settlement by agreeing to give up something.
conception  The union of a sperm and an ovum, or egg.
conditioning  Training the body to become physically fit through exercise, good nutrition, and rest.
conflict  A strong disagreement.
conflict resolution skills  Steps that can be taken to settle a disagreement in a responsible way.
consequence  The result of an action.
conservation  The protection of natural resources, such as forests and water.
consumer  A person who buys and/or uses products and services.
contagious  Able to be spread by direct or indirect contact.
contaminate  To make dirty or impure.
cool-down  A period of reduced physical activity after a workout.
coordination  The ability to use body parts and senses together for movement.
copayment  A flat fee that a health insurance policyholder must pay every time he or she receives a medical service covered under the policy.
coping  Dealing with problems.
crack  A form of cocaine that is smoked.
culture  The set of beliefs, values, and assumptions shared by a group of people.
dandruff  A condition in which the scalp sheds flakes of dead skin.
dare  A request that someone makes to test a person's courage.
date rape  Forced sexual contact between dating partners.
decibel  A unit used to measure the loudness of a sound.
deductible  The amount that a policyholder must pay before the insurance company makes payments.
dehydration  An abnormal loss of body fluid.
denial  The refusal to admit that a problem exists.
dental plaque  An invisible, sticky film composed of bacteria, food, and saliva that forms on teeth and contributes to tooth decay.
depressant  A drug that slows the body's functions.
depression  A biological or chemical disorder that causes feelings of sadness and hopelessness, crying, and a loss of interest in everyday activities.
desensitization (dee sen•suh•tuh•ZAY•shuhn)  The effect of reacting less and less to the exposure to something.
desertification  The transformation of fertile land to desert.
designer drug  A slightly altered, synthetic version of an illegal drug.
developmental task  A task that must be mastered as a person matures.
diaphragm (DY•uh•fram)  The muscle the body uses to draw air into and force air out of the lungs.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans  A set of diet and lifestyle recommendations for healthy Americans ages two and older.
digestive system  The body system that breaks down food into a form the body can use.
distress  A type of negative stress that prompts a harmful response, such as disease.
drug  A substance other than food that changes the way the body or mind functions.
drug abuse  The intentional use of a drug when no medical or health reasons exist.
drug intervention  An event in which a trained professional, family, and friends meet with a person who uses drugs to discuss the drug use and to encourage the person to get treatment.
drug misuse  Taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication for medical reasons but using it incorrectly.
dysfunctional (dis•FUHNK•shuh•nuhl) family  A type of family that does not function in healthful ways.
eating disorder  An emotional disorder in which a person chooses harmful eating patterns.
embryo (EM•bree•oh)  The term for a developing baby during the first eight weeks after conception.
emergency  A serious situation that occurs without warning and calls for quick action.
emphysema (em•fuh•ZEE•muh)  A condition in which the alveoli become damaged, which gradually limits the ability of the lungs to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.
enabler  A person who supports the harmful behavior of another person.
endorsement  A public statement of support, usually from a well-known person.
environment  Everything around a person.
estrogen  A hormone that affects female sexual development and the menstrual cycle.
ethics  Beliefs about what is right and wrong, as well as beliefs about what is most important.
eustress  A type of positive stress that results from a positive event in life and prompts a healthful response.
exercise  Planned physical activity intended to develop or maintain physical fitness.
expense  The cost involved in purchasing something or performing an activity.
fad diet  One of several popular plans that promise quick weight loss.
family  The basic unit of society made up of a group of people who are related, including parents, stepparents, guardians, children, and sometimes other relatives.
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)  The presence of birth defects in a baby born to a mother who drank alcohol during pregnancy.
fetal smoking syndrome  The presence of birth defects in a baby born to a mother who smoked during pregnancy.
fetus  The name for a developing baby from the end of the eighth week after conception until birth.
first aid  The immediate and temporary care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly becomes ill.
first-degree burn  A mild burn that affects the first, or outer, layer of the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
flammable  Able to catch fire easily.
flexibility  The ability to bend and move the body's joints through a full range of motion.
foodborne illness  An illness caused by consuming foods or beverages that have been contaminated with pathogens or toxins produced by pathogens.
fortify  To add vitamins or minerals to a food.
fossil fuels  The coal, oil, and natural gas burned to produce energy.
fracture  A break or crack in a bone.
fraud  Dishonest business practices designed to gain money or advantage.
friendship  A relationship between people who like each other.
frostbite  The freezing of body parts.
fungi  Single-celled or multicelled organisms that feed on organic material; fungus (sing.).
gang  A group of people who are often involved in illegal and violent activities.
generic drug  A copy of a brand-name drug.
genital herpes  A sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus that produces cold sores or blisters on the sex organs or in the mouth.
genital HPV infection  A sexually transmitted disease caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
genital warts  Growths on or inside the sex organs caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
global warming  The ongoing slight increase in Earth's temperature.
gonorrhea (gah•nuh•REE•uh)  A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that infects the linings of the genital and urinary tracts.
greenhouse effect  The trapping around Earth of the heat from the sun by gases, such as carbon dioxide.
grief  An emotional reaction to a loss or misfortune.
grooming  Actions that keep your body clean and help you to look neat and presentable.
groundwater  Water in natural underground reservoirs.
hallucinogen (huh•LOO•suh•nuh•juhn)  A drug that distorts the senses.
hate crime  A crime based on hostility toward a particular group of people.
hazard  Something that can cause harm or injury.
hazardous waste  Discarded material that harms the environment and human health.
head lice  Insects that live on the scalp and cause intense itching.
health  The condition of your body, mind, emotions, and relationships.
health advocate  A person who promotes health for oneself and for others.
health behavior contract  A written strategy that helps a person reach a health goal.
health care facility  A place where people receive medical attention.
health goal  A healthful aim or purpose that a person can take steps to achieve.
health insurance policy  A plan that helps pay the cost of health care.
healthful behavior  An action that promotes health; prevents illness, injury, and premature death; and improves the quality of the environment.
heat cramps  Painful muscle spasms in the legs and arms, caused by excessive loss of salt and water through sweating.
heat exhaustion  Extreme fatigue due to the body's inability to regulate its temperature.
heatstroke  An overheating of the body that is life-threatening.
hepatitis  A viral disease that causes serious damage to the liver.
heredity  The passing of characteristics from biological parents to their children.
homicide  The killing of one person by another person.
hormones  Chemical substances that are released into the bloodstream to regulate body activities.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)  A virus that destroys infection-fighting T cells, the immune system's third line of defense.
hurricane  A tropical storm with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.
hygiene  Healthful behaviors, such as cleanliness, that promote health and prevent disease.
hyperopiaí A vision problem in which close objects appear blurred and distant objects are seen clearly; also called farsightedness.
hypertension  High blood pressure.
hypothermia (heye•poh•THUHR•mee•uh)  A condition in which the body's temperature falls significantly below normal.
I-message  A statement or message that contains a reference to a specific behavior or event, the effect of the behavior or event, and the feelings that result.
illegal drugs  Drugs whose use, sale, or purchase is outlawed by the government.
impulse buying  Making an unplanned purchase.
income  Money received, such as money that a person earns from working or receives as a gift.
influenza (in•floo•EN•zuh)  A viral infection of the respiratory tract; also known as the flu.
infomercial  Television program designed to advertise a particular product or service.
inhalant  A drug that is breathed into the lungs.
inpatient  Someone who stays overnight at the hospital while receiving health care.
insecurity  The feeling of being uncertain or lacking confidence.
insurance  Financial protection against loss as a result of an accident, fire, theft, or death.
internship  An arrangement in which a person works with experienced professionals for little or no pay in order to learn a trade.
intervention  An intensive treatment for individuals who have developed unhealthful behaviors that includes a large network of support, including family, friends, and health care professionals.
intoxication  The condition of being drunk.
joint  The point at which two bones meet.
labor  A series of stages that result in the birth of a baby.
land pollution  The contamination of Earth and all that covers it, including soil, trees, and plants.
landfill  A place where wastes are dumped or buried.
license  A document granted by a government agency to a person for the right to practice or to use a certain title.
life cycle  A series of stages that a person passes through between birth and death.
life skill  An ability that helps you maintain and improve your health.
ligament  A tough band of tissue that connects bones at the joint.
Lyme disease  A bacterial disease transmitted through a tick.
lymphocyte  A type of white blood cell that serves as a building block of the body's immune system.
malignant (muh•LIG•nuhnt)  Cancerous.
managed care  Health plans designed to control cost by controlling how services are used.
media  The various forms of mass communication.
media literacy  The ability to recognize and evaluate media messages.
mediate  To help resolve conflicts.
mediator  A neutral party who listens to all sides and then offers a solution to a conflict.
medicine  A drug that prevents or cures a disease or relieves its symptoms.
melanin (ME•luh•nuhn)  A substance that gives skin its color and protects it from sun damage.
menstruation (men•stroo•WAY•shuhn)  A monthly process during which the built-up lining of a woman's uterus sheds itself and leaves the body.
metabolism  The process by which the body converts food to energy.
methamphetamine  A type of amphetamine that produces short-term feelings of elation followed by feelings of depression.
migraine  Severe head pain caused by the widening of blood vessels in the brain.
mineral  A nutrient that is involved in many of the body's activities.
miscarriage  The accidental ending of a pregnancy before the developing baby is ready to be born.
monogamous (muh•NAH•guh•muhs)  Having sex only with your marriage partner.
mononucleosis (mah•noh•noo•klee•OH•suhs)  A viral infection that causes extreme fatigue; also called mono.
mucous membranes  The tissues that line the nose, mouth, and throat.
muscular endurance  The ability to use muscles for an extended period of time.
muscular strength  The ability of muscles to lift, pull, push, kick, and throw with force.
muscular system  The body system made up of muscles--long, elastic fibers that control the body's movements.
myopia (my•OH•pee•uh)  A vision problem in which distant objects appear blurred and close objects are seen clearly; also called nearsightedness.
narcotic  A drug that relieves pain, dulls the senses, and causes sleep.
natural disaster  An event caused by nature that results in injury, damage, or loss.
negative peer pressure  The influence from people your age that encourages you to participate in activities that are harmful, unsafe, illegal, disrespectful, and contrary to family guidelines, and that do not demonstrate good character.
neglect  Failure to provide proper care and guidance.
negotiate  To have a discussion in order to bring about an agreement.
nerves  Bundles of fibers that carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body.
nervous system  The body system that processes information and controls the activities of the body.
nicotine  An addictive drug found in tobacco.
noise pollution  A loud or constant noise that creates an unsafe or unhealthful environment.
noncommunicable disease  A disease that cannot be spread from one person to another.
nonrenewable resource  A natural substance, such as minerals, that cannot be replaced once taken or used.
nonverbal communication  The use of actions to express yourself.
nurture  To promote the development of a person.
nutrient  A substance that the body can use to build and maintain tissues, help with body processes, or provide energy.
nutrition  The process by which the body takes in and uses food.
Nutrition Facts panel  The label on a food package that provides information about the calories and nutrients that the food contains.
nutritional supplement  A nonfood pill, powder, or liquid that contains vitamins, minerals, or other healthful substances that some people want to add to their diet.
obesity  Having a Body Mass Index higher than 30.
ophthalmologist (ahf•thuh•MAH•luh•jist)  A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of the eye.
opportunistic infection  An infection that develops when a person has a weak immune system.
optometrist (ahp•TAH•muh•trist)  A health care professional who tests vision and prescribes corrective lenses.
orthodontist (awr•thuh•DAHN•tist)  A dentist who specializes in straightening teeth.
outpatient  Someone who goes to the hospital for treatment but does not stay overnight.
over-the-counter (OTC) drug  A type of medicine that a person can get without a physician's written order; also known as a nonprescription drug.
overdose  An amount of a drug so excessive that it makes someone ill or causes death.
overtraining  Pushing the body hard enough during exercise that you risk injury or illness.
overweight  Weighing more than is healthful for one's height according to set standards.
ovulation (ahv•yuh•LAY•shuhn)  The release of a mature ovum, or egg, from an ovary.
ozone  A gas that forms when sunlight reacts with oxygen.
pancreas (PAN•kree•uhs)  A gland that produces enzymes, which break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and secretes insulin, which regulates blood sugar.
pasteurization  A process by which a food or liquid is heated to kill harmful organisms.
pedestrian  A person who travels on foot.
peer pressure  The influence your peers use to encourage you to behave in certain ways.
peers  People of your own age or status.
personality  A person's unique blend of traits.
pesticide  A chemical or other substance used to destroy harmful plants, animals, or fungi.
phagocyte  A type of white blood cell that finds, engulfs, and digests pathogens.
pharmacist  A health professional who is licensed to prepare and sell prescription drugs.
physical activity  Any body movement that requires energy.
physical dependence  Repeated drug use that causes tolerance.
physical examination  A series of tests and observations to measure a person's health status.
physical fitness  The condition of the body that results from regular physical activity.
placenta  The organ that attaches the embryo to the inner wall of the uterus.
pollutant  Something that has a harmful effect on the environment.
pollutioné Any change in the environment that can harm health.
positive peer pressure  The influence from people your age that encourages you to participate in healthful activities, improve yourself, and help others.
power  A combination of strength and speed.
precycle  To reduce solid waste by purchasing fewer products and by purchasing products that use fewer resources.
preferred provider organization (PPO)  A health insurance plan that permits members to receive medical services from a health care provider who participates in the plan or visit the health care provider of their choice.
pregnancy  The time from conception to birth. (B29)
prejudice  Holding a negative opinion of or unfairly treating a group or a person based on feelings developed without reason.
premium  The fee that an insurance policyholder pays to the insurance company.
prescription drug  A type of medicine that a person can get only by a written order from a physician.
prevention  The effort to keep something from happening or becoming worse.
processed food  A food that has been specially treated or changed.
protective factor  Something that increases the chance of a positive outcome.
protective factor for violence  Something that reduces the risk of being involved in violence.
proteins  Nutrients that assist in the growth and repair of body cells.
protozoa  Single-celled organisms that may capture other tiny life-forms for food.
psychological dependence  A condition in which a person develops a mental or emotional need for a drug or other substance.
puberty  A period of growth during which males and females become physically able to reproduce.
radiation therapy  Medical treatment that uses radiation to destroy cancer cells within the body.
radon  An odorless, colorless, radioactive gas formed by natural processes in rocks, soil, and water.
random event éAn event that is beyond a person's control.
rape  The threatened or actual use of physical force to get someone to have sex without consent, or sexual contact with a minor.
reaction time  The time it takes a person to respond to something noticed by the senses.
recycle  To alter waste products so that they can be used again.
referee  An official who enforces rules at a sports event.
renewable resource  A natural substance, such as water, wind, and sunlight, that can be replaced once it is used.
repetition  The number of times an exercise is performed.
reproductive system  The group of organs and other structures that enables humans to produce offspring.
rescue breathing  A first aid technique used to restore breathing to a person who is unconscious and not breathing but has a pulse.
resilient  Able to bounce back and learn from misfortune or change.
resistance skills  Ways to say no to an action or to leave a situation.
respiratory system  The body system that provides the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
restitution  Making good for any loss or damage.
reuse  To use an item again instead of throwing it away and buying a new item.
rickettsia  Pathogens that are similar to bacteria but multiply like viruses.
risk  A chance of loss, failure, or harm.
risk behavior  An action that threatens health; increases the likelihood of illness, injury, and premature death; and may harm the quality of the environment.
role model  A person whose attitudes and behavior serve as an example for others.
runoff  Rainwater that flows into streams, carrying minerals and other deposits from the ground.
sarcasm  A harmful form of inappropriate humor.
saturated fat  A type of fat from dairy products, solid vegetable fat, meat, and poultry.
secondary sex characteristics  Characteristics of adult men and women that develop during puberty.
secondhand smoke  The smoke exhaled by a person who smokes and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe; also called passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke.
self-esteem  An individual's belief in his or her own worth.
service learningó An educational experience that combines learning with unpaid community service.
sewage  Waste liquids or solid matter carried off in sewers.
sexual harassment  Unwanted sexual behavior that can lead to sexual assault or rape.
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)  Diseases caused by pathogens that are transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person during intimate sexual contact; also known as sexually transmitted infections.
shin splint  An injury to the muscles along the front of the lower leg that causes pain and swelling.
shock  A dangerous reduction in blood flow within the body.
sickle-cell anemia  An inherited blood disease in which the red blood cells do not carry enough oxygen.
side effect  An unwanted reaction to a drug.
skeletal system  The framework of bones that support and protect the body.
smog  The visible haze that results when sunlight reacts with air pollution.
snuff  Finely ground tobacco leaves that are placed between the cheek and the gum or the lower lip and the gum.
social-emotional environment  The quality of the interactions a person has with others.
soil erosion  The wearing away of soil by water or wind.
solid waste  Discarded solid material, such as paper, metal, and yard waste.
spectator  A person who watches a sports event.
speeding  Driving faster than the law permits.
spine  A column of small bones called vertebrae that run up the back and protect the spinal cord.
sportsmanship  Being respectful and following rules while participating in or watching sports.
sprain  An injury to a joint or ligament usually caused by twisting or stretching it beyond its normal range of motion.
stalking  Obsessing about and following or making contact with an individual with the intent to threaten or harm that person.
static stretching  An exercise that involves stretching a muscle until it pulls and then holding the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
stimulant  A drug that increases the speed of the body's functions.
strep throat  A bacterial infection of the throat.
stress  The body's reaction to the demands of day-to-day life.
strip mining  The carving of rock and topsoil from the top of a mountain to obtain easy access to the coal inside.
stroke  A condition caused by a blocked or broken blood vessel in the brain.
suicide  The intentional taking of one's own life.
syphilis (SI•fuh•luhs)  A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that produces sores and rashes in the genital area.
systemic lupus  A disease characterized by a rash on the skin that may also affect the joints, connective tissue, and organs.
tact  The ability to know what to do or say to avoid offending others.
tar  The sticky fluid formed when tobacco burns.
target audience  The group of people for whom a message is intended.
target heart rate  A heart rate of 75 percent of a person's maximum heart rate.
tendon  A cord of tissue fibers that connect a muscle to a bone.
testosterone  The hormone that affects male sexual development.
tobacco  A plant grown for its leaves that can be smoked, chewed, or sniffed for the effects of the nicotine contained in them.
tolerance  A condition in which the body becomes used to a substance and needs greater quantities to produce the same effect.)
tornado  A violent, destructive storm with high-speed winds that whirl in a funnel-shaped dark cloud.
trans fats  Harmful fats found in hydrogenated, or partially solidified, oils such as margarine and shortening.
tuberculosis  A bacterial infection of the lungs.
tumor  An abnormal mass of tissue.
ultraviolet (UV) rays  An invisible form of radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
underweight  Weighing less than is healthful for one's height according to set standards.
unintentional injury  An injury caused by an unexpected event, or accident.
unit price  The cost of an item based on a standard unit of measurement, such as an ounce or a gram.
universal distress signal  A warning that a person has difficulty breathing, which is shown by clutching at the throat with one or both hands.
universal precautions  Steps taken to avoid contact with pathogens in blood and other body fluids.
unsaturated fat  A type of fat found in plant products and fish.
urinary system  The body system that removes liquid wastes from the body.
values  Principles or standards that guide the way a person behaves.
vandalism  Intentional damage or destruction of private or public property.
vein  A type of blood vessel that transports blood back to the heart.
verbal communication  The use of words to express oneself.
violence  The use of physical force to harm people or property.
virus  The smallest and simplest pathogen.
visual environment  Everything a person sees on a regular basis.
vitamin  A nutrient that controls many chemical processes in the body.
vocation  A career or occupation.
volunteer  A person who provides a service without pay.
warm-up  A period of easy physical activity that helps to prepare the muscles for moderate to vigorous activity.
warranty  A written guarantee that a product will be replaced or repaired if it is not satisfactory.
water pollution  The contamination of water with sewage, waste, gases, or chemicals that harm health.
weather emergency  An urgent situation caused by conditions in the atmosphere.
wellness  A state of well-being.
withdrawal  The unpleasant mental and physical symptoms a person experiences when he or she is dependent on a drug or other substance and stops using it.
you-message  A statement or message that blames or shames another person.
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