ALLERGEN
An allergy-producing substance. Allergens are often common, usually harmless substances such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, foods, insect venoms (like a bee sting), and drugs.

BACTERIA
A very small, one-celled organism. Some bacteria are healthy or harmless (like the bacteria that help us digest the food we eat) but other bacteria (like strep) cause illness in humans and animals.

CHRONIC DISEASE
A disease that lasts for a long time or progresses slowly - for example, diabetes and asthma. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Choosing healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and quitting tobacco use can prevent or control the effects of these diseases.

OBESE
Having a very high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30. Click here to determine BMI and for more information about obesity and health.