A
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ageism
Discriminatory treatment based on someone’s age
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alkaline
Alkaline is the opposite of acidic. This is an important word to know because our bodies must maintain a certain temperature, blood sugar level, water content, etc. to function properly. One such thing that must be maintained is our pH, or concentration of hydrogen. Low (or acidic) pH can impair functioning of the digestive system, circulatory system, immune system, and much more. Our ideal pH is slightly alkaline - 7.30 to 7.45. For more information on how to find out your pH level and how to regulate it, click here.
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Anxiety disorders
Characterized by irrational, uncontrollable fears or anxieties that significantly disrupt one’s ability to sleep, socialize, maintain hygiene, work, or perform other activities that make up one’s regular routine
B
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bmi
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It measures one's nutritional status, which can be classified as underweight, healthy weight, pre-obesity/overweight, obesity class 1, obesity class 2, and obesity class 3. As BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight by the square of your height. For help calculating your BMI or interpreting its meaning, click here.
C
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, reducing the the amount of blood the heart is able to receive. CHD can (and often does) lead to heart attack and heart failure. Other symptoms of CHD include chest pain and shortness of breath. CHD can be treated with healthier eating, weight management, increased physical activity, stress management, and quitting smoking.
D
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depressive disorders
Characterized by depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for an extended period of time that is accompanied by several of the following symptoms: change in sleep pattern, excessive or inappropriate guilt, suicidality, or change in appetite
Diabetes
A diabetes diagnosis confirms that one has high levels of sugar in his/her blood, which can lead to damaged eyes, teeth, kidneys, gums, or nerves, a stroke, and the need to amputate a limb. Diabetes is caused by the body's inability to make insulin or use it effectively because insulin reduces the amount of sugar that stays in one's blood.
E
F
G
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glucose
A carb obtained from bread, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that the body uses as fuel. It must be consumed because it is essential for survival, but it also can't be consumed in excess. Glucose (also known as blood sugar) levels cannot be too high OR too low. Possible consequences of unregulated glucose levels are heart disease, blindness, coma, and more.
H
hiit
HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It consists of alternating short but high-intensity exercise intervals with lower intensity intervals of active recovery. Benefits include quick calorie burn, increased metabolic rate long after exercise, and reduced blood pressure
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Hippocampus
The hippocampus is a part of the brain that plays a major role in learning and memory, specifically spatial memory and the emotional context of memories
Hypertension
Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a condition in which the average force of one's blood as it flows through his/her blood vessels is 130/80 or higher. Although there are typically no symptoms for hypertension, it can lead to heart attack or stroke if untreated. Risk factors include (but are not limited to) family history, high salt intake, lack of physical activity, high alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.
I
J
K
L
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lookism
Discriminatory treatment based on the belief that someone doesn’t meet a certain standard of beauty
M
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Metabolic syndrome
A cluster of conditions (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels) that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
N
Neurogenesis
The generation of new neurons from neuron stem cells