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malice
being mean-spirited
massage therapy
manipulating or stimulating body tissues, like muscles, tendons, or bones, with movement or pressure to treat certain medical conditions
meditation
discipline of focusing the mind on an object, thought, or sense of awareness and is often accompanied with breathing techniques
menstrual period
periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus and out of the vagina that happens about once a month in women
mental health professional
healthcare provider trained in treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
metabolism
function where substances are processed, broken down, or created in the body; can also refer to the efficiency that the body burns calories. The liver helps in the metabolism of nutrients and toxins.
metabolize
to process, break down, or synthesize specific substances in the body
METAVIR
a system of evaluating tests that measure liver damage; measures fibrosis on a scale from F0 (no scarring) to F4 (cirrhosis) and inflammation on a scale from A0 (no inflammation) to A3 (severe inflammation)
methadone
prescription drug that is taken daily to treat heroin or opiate dependence; it relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same high as heroin
microgram
one thousandth of a gram
mind-body therapy
using the mind to affect change in the body, through visualization and affirmation
monotherapy
treatment that involves only one drug
mother-to-child transmissions
also known as vertical transmission; generally refers to transmission of an infection from a woman to her newborn during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. With HCV, it is rare but can happen during delivery. Synonyms: vertical transmission
mucous
slippery semi-fluid substance that coats the inner linings of the body and body cavities
mutation
change to the genetic makeup or genetic code; when viruses develop mutations to medications, they become resistant and the medications stop working
myalgia
muscle pain