Health A-Z

Pre-Existing Condition

Clinical Definition A pre-existing condition is any diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition that occurred prior to enrollment in a healthcare plan. In the past, individual insurance companies may have put different time limits on pre-existing conditions for exclusion and rate purposes. In Our Own Words A pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition a

Prebiotics

Clinical Definition Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, typically carbohydrates, which benefit the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or several select species of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Potentially, prebiotics can be used to favor the growth and activity probiotic bacteria. In Our Own Words Prebiotics promote good bacteria. Prebiotics are defined

Preeclampsia

Clinical Definition Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder that occurs most commonly in the second half of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is classified as a form of toxemia characterized by edema, hypertension and proteinuria. Risks for preeclampsia include renal disease, obesity and diabetes. The condition can progress to eclampsia if not treated promptly. In Our Own Words

Premenstrual Syndrome

Clinical Definition Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a condition affecting some women of reproductive age.  During the days before the menstrual period starts, affected women experience physical symptoms and/or dramatic mood changes. If these occur month after month, and other criteria are present, the diagnosis is PMS. Believed to be related to fluctuating levels of

Prenatal Care

Clinical Definition Prenatal care is the health care a woman receives during pregnancy. It involves monitoring and managing health issues, which may develop.  Prenatal care is important in order to reduce incidences of miscarriage, low birth weight and improve maternal and infant outcomes. In Our Own Words To provide the best care for a pregnant

Presbycusis

Clinical Definition Presbycusis is the gradual, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging. Manifestation may include the inability to discriminate sounds. Several factors may contribute over a lifetime to age-related hearing loss including toxins, infections, diabetes, exposure to loud noises, and genetics. Prebycusis can vary in severity and range from mild to complete deafness. In

Probiotics

Clinical Definition Probiotics are live microorganisms that may affect the host beneficially by improving intestinal microbial balance. While believed helpful, the role of probiotics, found in fermented dairy foods such as aged cheeses and yogurts as well as in other foods and in supplements, has not yet been established for most diseases and conditions. In

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