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76. colonoscopy

a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible tube with a light source in inserted into the colon (large intestine or large bowel) through the anus to view all sections of the colon for abnormalities.

77. colostrum

thick, yellowish fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy, and the first few days after childbirth before the onset of mature breast milk. Also called ìfirst milk,î it provides nutrients and protection against infectious diseases.

78. colposcopy

procedure that uses a special microscope (called a colposcope) to look into the vagina and to look very closely at the cervix.

79. conception

state of being conceived; the beginning; the initiation of an embryonic animal life; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm to form a zygote; the embryo so formed through fertilization.

80. condom

a barrier method of birth control. There are both male and female condoms. The male condom is a sheath placed over an erect penis before sex that prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm. A female condom also is a sheath, but is inserted into the vagina to block the passage of sperm.

81. congenital heart disease

abnormalities of the heart’s structure and function caused by abnormal or disordered heart development before birth.

82. connective tissue

a type of body tissue that supports other tissues and binds them together. Connective tissue provides support in the breast.

83. constipation

infrequent or hard stools or difficulty passing stools.

84. contagious

transmitted by direct or indirect contact.

85. convulsion

also known as a seizure. An uncontrollable contraction of muscles that can result in sudden movement or loss of control.

86. coronary artery disease

also called coronary heart disease. It is the most common type of heart disease that results from atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart. This disease develops slowly and silently, over decades. It can go virtually unnoticed until it produces a heart attack.

87. counselor

usually has a master’s degree in Counseling and has completed a supervised internship.

88. cystic fibrosis (CF)

one of the most common serious genetic (inherited) diseases. One out of every 400 couples is at risk for having children with CF. CF causes the body to make abnormal secretions leading to mucous build-up. CF mucous build-up can impair organs such as the pancreas, the intestine and the lungs.

89. debilitating

impairs the vitality and strength of a person

90. decongestants

medications that treat cough and stuffy nose by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breath.

91. dehydration

excessive loss of body water that the body needs to carry on normal functions at an optimal level. Signs include increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness or lightheadedness (particularly if worse on standing), and a darkening of the urine or a decrease in urination.

92. depression

term used to describe an emotional state involving sadness, lack of energy and low self-esteem.

93. diabetes

a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is the most common form of diabetes.

94. diabetic

see diabetes

95. diaphragm

birth control device made of a thin flexible disk, usually made of rubber, that is designed to cover the cervix to prevent the entry of sperm during sexual intercourse.

96. diarrhea

passing frequent and loose stools that can be watery. Acute diarrhea goes away in a few weeks. Diarrhea becomes chronic when it lasts longer than 4 weeks.

97. dietary fiber

coarse fibrous substances found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary fiber is generally not digested but helps move food through the digestive tract. Eating dietary fiber helps prevent many long-term illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain gastrointestinal diseases.

98. digestive tract

tube through which food passes and is digested, and wastes are eliminated. The digestive tract runs from the mouth to the anus and includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

99. disability

a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents ìnormalî achievement in a particular function.

100. DNA test

a lab test in which a patient’s DNA is tested. DNA is a molecule that has a person’s genetic information and is found in every cell in a person’s body.

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