Category: M

A technique used to restore oxygen to the lungs of someone who has stopped breathing. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is the quickest way to get oxygen into a person’s lungs. Providing respiratory gases, consisting of approximately 16% oxygen, to a patient in respiratory or cardiopulmonary arrest by exhaling directly into the open mouth of the unconscious victim.…

A benign, swollen enlargement of the sheath of nerve that runs across the bottom of the foot and out to the toes. Morton neuroma typically develops in the ball of the foot in the space between the third and fourth toes. The principal symptom is a burning pain in the ball of the foot, often…

A fungal infection caused by Candida microorganisms, most frequently by Candida albicans. Moniliasis rarely causes lesions in the liver, spleen, kidneys, bone, skin, but more commonly is seen in the tissues of the mouth (where it is referred to as oral thrush) or the vagina (when it it called a vaginal yeast infection). Moniliasis is…

Disorders caused by mutations affecting the mitochondria (components of cells that oxidize food for them) in the cells of the body. When genetic mutations affect the mitochondria, disruption in energy supply can be devastating. The most vulnerable cells are those requiring the most energy, such as those in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. Most…

Dietary supplements containing essential minerals, usually in combination with vitamins. Together, minerals and vitamins are called “micronutrients,” substances required in tiny amounts to promote essential biochemical reactions in the cells. The lack of a particular micronutrient for a prolonged period causes a deficiency disease or condition, which can generally be reversed by supplying the lacking…

A condition in which small amounts of the blood protein albumin leak into the urine. Microalbuminuria occurs during the early stages of kidney failure in people with diabetes. The first stage of microalbuminuria and kidney disease in people with diabetes is characterized by an elevated rate of filtration in the kidneys, with the glomeruli (filtering…

Careful examination by a physician, usually a psychiatrist or neurologist, to determine how well and how normally a person’s mind is functioning. The physician checks the person’s appearance and behavior, rapport, mood and emotional state, speech, thinking, content of thoughts, cognitive functions, and judgment.  

A break or rupture in the crescent shaped pad of cartilage, called the meniscus, located in the knee where the ends of the thighbone and lower leg bone meet to form the knee joint. An impact injury or a rapid twisting motion from a squatting position are the usual causes of meniscal tears. A slight…

The term refers to the type of food typically consumed by Europeans who reside near the Mediterranean Sea. Its principal components are plentiful vegetables and fruits, seafood, dried peas and beans, and olive oil. Very little red meat and few fatty dairy products are consumed. The diet typically consumed by Europeans who reside near the…

Holistic medical therapy that uses hands-on massage to promote healing. Massage therapy is used to improve blood circulation; to relax tense muscles and help stimulate weak ones; to stimulate secretions, such as lymph; to stimulate the nervous system; and to help release toxic metabolic by-products from body tissues. A tissue cell that is part of…