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Words to Understand
autoimmune:
Caused by an antibody to substances
occurring naturally in the body.
chronic:
A condition that lasts for a long time or
recurs frequently.
stroke:
A sudden blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the
brain.
visceral:
Relating to or affecting a body’s internal organs.
physiological:
Relating to the way living creatures function.
genetics:
Relating to or caused by genes.
fraternal twins:
Twins who develop from two eggs.
sedentary:
Involving much sitting and little exercise.
dialysis:
The procedure of filtering accumulated waste products
from someone whose kidneys are not functioning correctly.
ethnicity:
A particular ethnic affiliation or group.
socioeconomic:
Involving economic and social factors.
cultural:
Relating to the customary beliefs, social norms, and
traits of a racial, religious, ethnic, or social group.