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Ulcerative colitis-A long term, inflammatory disease of the colon, in which raw, inflamed areas called ulcers, and small abscesses, develop in the lining of the large intestine.
Ulcers-Holes (wounds) that develop in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or a part of the small intestine closest to the stomach caused by digestive secretions that irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ultrasound-A diagnostic procedure in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off certain internal structures of the body. The reflections and echoes of these waves create a picture for the clinician to use to assess health of an organ, body part, or fetus.
Unilateral-Relating to or affecting one side of the body or one side of an organ or other part.
Unmodifiable (Uncontrollable) Risk Factors-Those risk factors that cannot be changed by the individual. Examples include age, gender, and genetics.
Urethra-The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Urinary-Pertaining to the urine, or the urinary system.
Urinary system-Eliminates nitrogenous wastes while maintaining a balance of electrolytes in the blood; Includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra.
Utero (in utero)-Refers to events that occur within the uterus.

Vaccination-The injection of vaccine for the purpose of inducing immunity.
Vaccine-A suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms administered for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases.
Valsalva Maneuver-A force created within the thoracic cavity as a result of holding breath and extreme exertion. *Particularly dangerous for hypertensive individuals.
Vascular-Pertaining to the blood vessels.
Veins-Blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart.
Ventral-Pertaining to the belly, or indicating a position more toward the belly surface than some other object of reference. The opposite of dorsal. Synonymous with anterior in reference to human anatomy.
Vertebrae-Any one of the 33 bones of the spinal column, comprising the 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. Bony or cartilaginous segments, separated by discs to form the spinal column.
Vertebral Disc-Cartilage situated between each of the vertebrae to reduce friction and provide shock absorption for the spine.
Vibration-Fine or coarse tremulous movement that creates reflexive responses.
Viral-Pertaining to or caused by a virus, which is a tiny organism.
Vitamin D-Vitamin used for building bones, muscles and nerves. It aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, is manufactured by the body through exposure to sun, and is found in fish liver oils, liver, butter, egg yolks and milk.
Vitamins-One of a group of nutrients essential for life. They help release energy from foods and play a vital role in all the processes that take place throughout the body.

Warm up-A slow, rhythmic activity of larger muscle groups designed to help the body adapt from rest to exercise and should imitate the activity. Should last a minimum of 10-15 minutes.
Water Aerobics-Callisthenic type movements, similar to floor aerobics, done standing in chest deep water or in deep water using a belt to stay afloat. Water aerobics are extremely beneficial to persons in injury rehabilitation, or those greater than 20 lbs. overweight.
Weight Bearing Exercise-Any exercise that requires the body to work against a resistance. Weight training/lifting, walking and jogging are weight-bearing exercises.
Wellness-The efficient balance of body, mind, and spirit, all working in a harmonious way to provide quality of life; The state of being whole in body, mind, and soul.
Wick-Term used to facilitate evaporation of sweat in cold temperatures, while still maintaining body heat. Refers to a function of clothing.