Wiktionary

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c
callisthenic
Exercises that do not require the use of equipment and are designed to develop muscular tone and physical fitness.
chronic
Of long duration. Used of a health condition of slow progress and long continuance.
colorectal
Pertaining to or affecting the colon and/or the rectum.
constipation
An acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass.
continence
Normal function and voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge.
contraindication
The indication of the inadvisability of something, such as a medical treatment, due to a patient’s pre-existing condition that makes the treatment undesirable or not possible.
d
defaecate
To pass feces
dementia
A group of symptoms caused by gradual degeneration of brain cells. Primarily relates to a loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting over six months long and not associated with a loss of consciousness.
e
endorphins
An opioid chemical produced by the body that is released by stress or trauma and serves to suppress pain.
enema
A liquid solution introduced into the rectum for cleansing, for stimulating evacuation of the bowels, or for other therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
enuresis
The solid matter that is excreted from the bowel during defecation (Also called stool).
g
gastrocolic
Pertaining to or affecting the stomach and the colon.
h
high care
When health deteriorates to such a degree that a person becomes very frail or ill and can no longer be cared for adequately in their present accommodation, an application must be made to the government Aged Care Assessment Team for approval for high level care. High care facilities deliver 24 hour nursing and personal care.
i
impaction
The presence of a large or hard fecal mass in the rectum or colon.
incontinence
The inability to control urination or defecation. Incontinence may be caused by physiologic, psychologic, or pathologic factors.
l
legumes
A family of plants that bear edible seeds in pods, including beans, peas, lentils etc. Good for preventing constipation/incontinence.
low care
Low care is care for people who benefit significantly from supportive services, companionship and activities, and for whom living without assistance is difficult. Care is usually required for a short time, and independence is encouraged in maintaining their daily living skills.
m
menopause
The permanent cessation of menstruation, normally beginning between the ages of 45 and 50.
n
neurological
Pertaining to or emanating from the nervous system (as in neurology). Neurological assessment evaluation of the health status of a patient with a nervous system disorder or dysfunction. Neurological deficit any defect or absence of function of a peripheral nerve or a system
nocturnal
Pertaining to or occurring during the night. Also describes an individual that is active at night and sleeps during the day.
o
osteoporosis
Occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of protein and mineral content, particularly calcium. Over time bone mass, and therefore strength, is decreased. As a result, bones become fragile and break easily.
p
palatability
The quality of a food that makes it acceptable or agreeable to one's personal taste.
palliative
An approach to health care that is concerned primarily with attending to physical and emotional comfort rather than affecting a cure.
paraplegia
Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.
peristaltic
The wavelike muscular contractions of the intestine that pushes the contents onward along the tract by alternate contraction and relaxation. (Also called vernicular movement).
prostate
A gland surrounding the bladder neck and urethra in the male; it contributes a secretion to the semen.
q
quadriplegic
Suffering from quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs. (Also called tetraplia).
r
rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a treatment or treatments designed to facilitate the process of recovery from injury, illness, or disease to as normal a condition as possible.
repatriation
Deals with disability pensions received from Australian veterans and their dependants. A Repatriation Healthcare card identifies a person as being eligible for treatment of all their health care conditions at Repatriation Commission expense, according to their assessed clinical need.
respite
Respite care programs provide planned short-term and time-limited breaks for families and other unpaid care givers in order to support and maintain the primary care-giving relationship.
s
suppositories
Solid capsules made of materials that melt at body temperature and are used to deliver medicinal substances into the rectum.
t
tai chi
A Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. Tai chi can be helpful in achieving a state of physical and mental relaxation while also strengthening the cardiovascular and immune systems.
u
urethra
A passageway from the bladder to the outside for the discharge of urine.
v
veteran
Men and women who have previously served in the Australian Defence Force. Veterans may be eligible for pensions and or benefits from DVA, depending on their individual situation.
y
yoga
A form of exercise that incorporates postures, breathing exercises and dietary stipulations. Yoga has been used to alleviate problems associated with constipation, menopause and various other chronic problems.