Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
Waist measurement that helps determine abdominal fat content. It is used to estimate a person's risk for certain health conditions. More Information on Waist Circumference: Weight & Obesity Basics
A measure of abdominal obesity that has been used in many studies to show increased risk of diabetes, coronary artery disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). More Information on Waist Hip Ratio: Weight & Obesity Basics
A rare, chronic cancer that causes a "thickening" of the blood. It is classified as a plasma cell neoplasm and affects plasma cells, which develop from white blood cells. It usually occurs in people over age 65. More Information on Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
"Walking" is more commonly referred to as "Fitness" in the medical community. Fitness
Regardless of age, and often despite the presence of existing health problems, a steady exercise regimen can prevent, minimize or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and other chronic conditions. More Information on Fitness: Heart Diet & Fitness
"Walking Bleach" is more commonly referred to as "Internal Bleaching" in the medical community. Internal Bleaching
Also Known As: "Non Vital Whitening"
Bleaching of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment by placing a bleaching agent inside the root canal. More Information on Internal Bleaching: Dental Bleaching & Appearance
"Walking Disorders" is more commonly referred to as "Gait Disturbances" in the medical community. Gait Disturbances
Also Known As: "Walking Problems"
Any problems with a patient's pattern or style of walking that may indicate pain avoidance (antalgic gain), nerve damage, muscle weakness or other concerns. Gait evaluation may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of various conditions. More Information on Gait Disturbances: Arm & Leg Pain
"Walking Problems" is more commonly referred to as "Gait Disturbances" in the medical community. Gait Disturbances
Also Known As: "Walking Disorders"
Any problems with a patient's pattern or style of walking that may indicate pain avoidance (antalgic gain), nerve damage, muscle weakness or other concerns. Gait evaluation may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of various conditions. More Information on Gait Disturbances: Arm & Leg Pain
Also Known As: "PICA Syndrome, Lateral Medullary Syndrome, Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Syndrome"
A neurological condition caused by a stroke in the vertebral or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) of the brain stem. Symptoms include swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, rapid involuntary eye movements and balance problems. More Information on Wallenberg Syndrome: Stroke
Small, rough cauliflower-like growths typically found on the hands and feet that are caused by infection of one of the Papilloma virus strains. More Information on Warts: Skin Growths
"Wasp Sting" is more commonly referred to as "Insect Bites & Stings" in the medical community. Insect Bites & Stings
Also Known As: "Hornet Sting, Bee Sting, Spider Bite"
Injuries that can cause mild pain, swelling and itching. In rare cases, venom released in the stings of bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and fire ants triggers a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. More Information on Insect Bites & Stings: Skin Related Infections
A group of blood tests that measure the levels of specific waste products in the blood. The results can be used to diagnose kidney disease, heart failure, heart attack and other conditions. More Information on Waste Product Tests: Blood Tests
A group of blood tests that measure the levels of specific waste products in the blood. The results can be used to diagnose kidney disease, heart failure, heart attack and other conditions. More Information on Waste Product Tests & Diabetes: Diabetes & Endocrine Tests
A group of blood tests that measure the levels of specific waste products in the blood. The results can be used to diagnose a number of conditions. More Information on Waste Product Tests & Pain Disorders: Pain Lab Tests
Substances left over after the body has taken everything it needs from food or the air. Some of these waste products are exhaled, and some are removed by the kidneys. Blood levels are tested to diagnose kidney disease and some heart conditions. More Information on Waste Products: Diabetes & Endocrine Tests
The breakdown of body tissues, such as muscle and organ. It occurs when the body needs protein, but a person's diet does not provide adequate amounts of protein. More Information on Wasting: Nutrition Basics
Community water supplies have been a major source of fluoride for over five decades. As water flows over teeth, some of the fluoride sticks to the teeth and is absorbed into the enamel, helping to reduce tooth decay. More Information on Water & Oral Health: Water & Hydration
Colorless, tasteless, odorless substance essential to all known forms of life. It is formed by a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is the most universal solvent. More Information on Water Basics: Water & Hydration
"Water Diabetes" is more commonly referred to as "Diabetes Insipidus" in the medical community. Diabetes Insipidus
Also Known As: "DI"
A disease of the kidney or pituitary gland that shares similar symptoms with diabetes mellitus but is otherwise unrelated. The term "diabetes" refers to diabetes mellitus and not this condition. More Information on Diabetes Insipidus: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
A pulse that is short, powerful and jerky, then suddenly collapses. It makes a distinct sound when listening to a blood vessel through a stethoscope and is a telltale sign of aortic stenosis.
"Water Pills" is more commonly referred to as "Diuretics" in the medical community. Diuretics
Also Known As: "Potassium-Sparing Diuretics, Loop Diuretics, Thiazide Diuretics, Osmotic Diuretics"
Medications that cause the kidneys to flush water and other substances (e.g., sodium) from the body through urine. More Information on Diuretics: Heart Drug & Medication
Able to dissolve in water. Nutrients or other substances that can dissolve in water are not stored in the body in significant amounts, and therefore need to be consumed daily. Excess amounts of these nutrients are normally excreted in urine. More Information on Water Soluble: Water & Hydration
"Water Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Hydrotherapy" in the medical community. Hydrotherapy
Also Known As: "Whirlpool Therapy, Pool Therapy, Hubbard Tank Therapy"
Medical treatment for pain that uses water in either liquid, ice or steam form to treat disease and trauma. Water applications may be hot, cold, or alternate from one to the other. More Information on Hydrotherapy: Pain Management
Water provides quick, calorie-free hydration. Sports drinks supply electrolytes and calories for extra energy. It is typically recommended to drink water before and during a workout. Sports drinks are suggested for endurance athletes. More Information on Water vs Sports Drinks: Water & Hydration
Illness transmitted through ingestion of or contact with water contaminated by disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses or protozoa. It also can be caused by exposure to chemicals. More Information on Waterborne Disease: Infectious Disease Basics
Illness transmitted through ingestion of or contact with water contaminated by disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses or protozoa. It also can be caused by exposure to chemicals. More Information on Waterborne Illness: Infectious Disease Basics
A shunt, or diversion, created from the back of the aorta and the right branch of the pulmonary artery to partially correct a heart birth defect. It increases blood flow to the lungs and the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the body. More Information on Waterston Cooley Shunt: Pediatric Heart
"Watery Eyes" is more commonly referred to as "Eye Related Symptoms" in the medical community. Eye Related Symptoms
Also Known As: "Itchy Eyes, Burning Eyes, Red Eyes"
Some of the more common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies or other allergic reactions. Eye-related symptoms can include itchy eyes, burning eyes, red eyes, watery eyes or other problems. More Information on Eye Related Symptoms: Eye Conditions
"WBC" is more commonly referred to as "White Blood Cells" in the medical community. White Blood Cells
Also Known As: "Leukocytes"
The body's primary cells for fighting damage and disease. They destroy foreign organisms and damaged body cells as well as initiate the repair process. There are several types including lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils. More Information on White Blood Cells: Infectious Disease Basics
"WCD" is more commonly referred to as "Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator" in the medical community. Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Also Known As: "Wearable Defibrillator, Wearable Cardioverter"
A device that monitors and, if needed, corrects an abnormal heart rhythm by sending electrical charges to the heart. Unlike an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), this device is worn outside the body, over the chest and around the waist. More Information on Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Arrhythmia
/WB_Rest_89.jpg "Sleep better")
/cancer_family_89.jpg "Surviving Breast Cancer")
/doctor_89.jpg "Overactive bladder tips")