Glossary Terms
Health care proxy
Also referred to as durable power of attorney, a health care proxy is a form of advance notice that assigns an individual to make decisions for a person who is not capable of making his or her own decisions.
Health care team
A health care team includes any doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists or other health care providers you depend on for medical service, help and information.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was signed into law on August 21, 1996. This law includes important new protections for millions of working Americans and their families who have preexisting medical conditions or might suffer discrimination in health coverage based on their health.
Hormone
A hormone is a chemical substance carried throughout the body in the blood where it stimulates or suppresses cell and tissue activity.
Hospice
Hospice refers to programs that focus on quality of life for dying persons. Most hospice care is provided in the patient's own home. Bereavement follow-up services are offered to family members in the year after the death of their loved one.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that can happen when your body produces too much thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms are cramps, diarrhea, chest pain, weight loss and nervousness.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is an area deep in the brain that is part of the limbic system. The hypothalamus controls sex hormones, sperm production, blood pressure, body temperature and more, by making and sending hormones through the bloodstream as messengers to the pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen when your body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms are weakness, hair loss, constipation and feeling tired all the time.
