Health Issues: Canadian Health Care and Consumerism

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to health issues, Canadian health care, and the impact of consumerism.

Health Care Inequality

Disparity in health care availability and quality among different populations.

Canadian Health Act

The federal law that establishes guidelines for health care provision in Canada.

Public Health Agency of Canada

Agency responsible for public health policy review and the implementation of health policies.

CIHR

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, which governs health research in Canada.

Medicare

A public health insurance system providing coverage for medically necessary services.

Epidemiology

The study of health events, patterns, and outcomes in populations.

Descriptive Epidemiology

Focuses on the description of health events and their distribution in populations.

Analytical Epidemiology

Investigates the causes of disease by examining associations.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease in a specific time period.

Prevalence

The total number of existing cases of a disease at a given time.

Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Continuous lack of adequate sleep over a prolonged period, affecting health.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Polysomnography (PSG)

A comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders.

Hypocretin (orexin)

A neuropeptide involved in regulating wakefulness and is deficient in narcolepsy.

Complementary Medicine

Therapies and practices used alongside conventional medicine.

Alternative Medicine

Practices used instead of conventional medicine.

Integrative Medicine

Combines standard medical therapies with complementary therapies that have evidence of safety.

Consumer Health Products

Products intended for consumer use that have health-related claims.

Health Claim

Describes a relationship between a food and a reduced risk of disease.

Qualified Health Claims

Claims supported by scientific evidence but not achieving significant scientific agreement.

Natural Health Products

Products such as vitamins and minerals, traditional medicines.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body.

Cancer Staging

The process of classifying the extent of cancer in the body.

Somatic Mutation

A genetic change occurring in non-germline cells, not inherited.

Germline Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can be inherited.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

Tumor Cell Markers

Substances produced by cancer cells used to help detect and monitor cancer.

Primary Infertility

The inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse without prior successful pregnancies.

Secondary Infertility

Difficulty conceiving after having a previous successful pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that promote good quality sleep and daytime alertness.

Circadian Rhythm

The internal body clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Epidemiologist

A public health professional who studies patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions.

Risk Factor

Any attribute, characteristic or exposure that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.

Chronic Conditions

Long-term health issues that require ongoing management and treatment.

Telehealth

The delivery of health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies.

Health Canada

The department of the Canadian government responsible for national public health.

Biomedical Research

Research aimed at developing or improving healthcare methodologies and treatments.

Fiscal Crisis

A financial emergency that can impact funding for public health services.

Mental Health Disorders

Psychological and emotional conditions that disrupt daily functioning.

Safety and Efficacy

The means of ensuring that interventions are effective and do not harm patients.

Healthcare System,

Organized system that delivers healthcare services to the population.

Nutrition Table

Label on food products that provides information about its nutritional content.

Telehealth Benefits

Remote care access, convenience, and reduced travel for patients.

Patient Empowerment

Providing patients with the information and tools they need to take charge of their health.

Alternative Therapies

Non-standard treatment methods used to supplement traditional medicine.

Chiropractic

A complementary therapy focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Natural Products

Substances sourced from plants and minerals used for health benefits.

Hygiene Practices

Behaviors and practices that contribute to maintaining health and preventing disease.

Public Health Policies

Guidelines and regulations governing health practices and issues in a community or country.

Preventive Strategies

Actions taken to prevent diseases or health issues before they occur.

Diagnostic Testing

Procedures to determine the presence or absence of a disease.

Community Health Initiatives

Programs or policies aimed at improving the health of populations.

Health Surveillance

The continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes and their determinants between segments of the population.

Regulatory Agencies

Government bodies responsible for overseeing health standards and practices.

Prescription Drugs

Medications that require a doctor's authorization to dispense.