Health Library A to Z

M

• Asthma Medications
Your child's health care provider will prescribe asthma medications based on your child's age, severity of symptoms, and his or her ability to take inhaled medications.

• Cuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips
The gums, tongue, and lips have a rich blood supply and when cuts occur, these areas may bleed excessively.

• Herpes Simplex Virus/Cold Sores
Detailed information on cold sores and herpes simplex virus 1

• Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child
Common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem include poor grades in school, withdrawal from friends and family, and insomnia.

• Magnesium-Rich Food May Help Keep Kids' Bones Strong
Higher levels of the mineral tied to greater bone density in study

• Magnetic Brain Stimulation May Temporarily Dull Nicotine Craving
Early study tested the noninvasive treatment on smokers

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Children
Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure

• Magnets in iPad2 May Alter Settings on Brain Shunt Devices: Study
Effect seen only when tablet computer was within inches of the patient's head, researcher noted

• Mailed Kits May Prompt Parents to Protect Kids From Sun
Low-cost mailers led to greater use of 'sun-protective' clothing, hats and shade, study finds

• Major Depression in Adolescents
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a adolescent's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.

• Major Depression in Children
Common symptoms of major depression include persistent feelings of sadness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

• Make Exercise a Family Affair
Like adults, children should be physically active most, if not all, days of the week.

• Make Healthy Eating a Habit
The earlier you teach children such sound habits, the more likely they are to maintain a healthy weight.

• Make Holiday Meals Safe for Kids With Food Allergies
Expert offers tips for changing recipes and keeping potentially harmful foods separate

• Make Sure Bunk Beds Meet Safety Rules
The bed should meet federal requirements to keep your kids safe. It's also important to set guidelines for your kids on how to use the bunk bed.

• Make Sure Toys You Buy Are Safe for Tots
Keep kids' ages in mind when shopping, doctors urge

• Make Variety a Goal in Kids' Sports
Children should avoid specializing in a sport until they reach adolescence, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Reason: for every prodigy who becomes a successful athlete, thousands of youths suffer physically or psychologically from being pushed to compete at a young age.

• Making Parental Peace With Kids' Homework
Help your child get the most from homework without hassles, hovering

• Making Rules for Children Reinforces Love
Here are several specific areas where a parent can use limits to show respect for a child's feelings and at the same time enhance the child's health.

• Making the Grade on School Tests
Parents can do a lot to ease test anxiety, both in their children and themselves. Start by focusing on the learning and not the scoring.

• Making the Most of Family Moments
The time you spend with your children each day doesn't have to be scripted or scheduled. In fact, if you set aside only specific times as "family time," it puts a lot of pressure on both you and your kids.

• Making This School Year Your Child's Best Ever
The amount of planning help a student wants differs by education level. An elementary-schooler needs plenty of help, a middle-schooler expects more freedom. But parents should find ways to stay involved.

• Male Conditions
Detailed information on the most common male genitourinary conditions

• Male Growth and Development
Detailed information on male growth and development

• Male Physical Development
Detailed information on male growth and development

• Malocclusion
Detailed information on malocclusion, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

• Managing Mucositis in Children
Mucositis can be a very troublesome and painful side effect of chemotherapy. Common symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramping or tenderness.

• Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a type of affective disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It is becoming an important health concern in this country.

• Many Children With Autism Have Other Health Problems, Study Says
Gastrointestinal trouble, heightened sensory responses found in about one-fourth of kids

• Many Grandparents Lack Latest Child Safety Info: Study
Not all caregivers aware of guidelines on car seats, infant sleep, walkers

• Many High School Football Players Ignore Signs of Concussion: Survey
Although they're aware of the dangers, they say they don't want to be banned from playing

• Many Hospitalized Children Experience Severe Pain: Report
Pain assessment should be integral part of treating kids, researchers say

• Many Hospitalized Kids Struggle With Pain
Study finds nearly 9 out of 10 still suffer, despite treatment advances

• Many Kids on Medicaid Don't See Dentist: Study
Some improvement found over 5-year period but expert says program cuts could hurt

• Many Kids Who Undergo Stem Cell Transplants Must Return to Hospital
Study found readmissions for fever, infections and gastro problems

• Many Parents Give Kids Cold Medicines When They Shouldn't, Survey Finds
They often miss fine print on the label warning against use in children younger than 4 years old

• Many Parents Text, Phone With Kids in Car: Survey
Work-related calls a priority for nearly one-third polled

• Many Parents Texting, Phoning While Driving Their Kids: Survey
Cell phone chats most common, but distractions also include grooming, Web surfing and child care

• Many Pedestrians Hit By Cars Are Distracted By Mobile Devices
The problem is much more common among children, teens

• Many Public Pools Contaminated With Human Waste: CDC
Agency offers clear advice to help you avoid infections

• Many Smokers Light Up With Kids in Car: Study
Smoke-free campaigns should target parent drivers, researchers say

• Many Teens Drinking, Taking Drugs During School: Survey
Roughly half knew classmates who sold drugs, and knew nearby spots to drink or get high during the day

• Many Teens With High Blood Pressure Don't Get Needed Tests
Fewer than 1 in 4 receives recommended screening for kidney disease, organ damage, study finds

• Many U.S. Kids Victims of Violence, Abuse: Survey
Attacks that wouldn't be tolerated against adults may be shrugged off when children involved, expert says

• Many U.S. Teens at Risk for Suicide Despite Treatment: Study
About 1 in every 20 teens attempts suicide, often when already being treated for mental health woes

• Many Youngsters Suck Their Thumbs
Young children often suck on their thumbs. It's perfectly normal, even though some parents fret about it.

• Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder involving the body's connective tissue, including the heart, lungs, and spinal cord.

• Marijuana Use Rising Among High School Seniors: Report
Teen usage of some other drugs declining, U.S. officials say

• Married Women More Likely to Have Positive Pregnancies: Study
They were less likely to suffer domestic violence, substance abuse, depression than other moms-to-be

• Mastoiditis
Detailed information on mastoiditis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Maternal Depression, Violence at Home May Raise Child's ADHD Risk
Study found kids who were exposed to one or both before the age of 3 were more likely to be diagnosed by 6

• Measles Can Spread Further Than Thought on Airplanes: Study
Current tracking system needs to take this into account, use other strategies, researchers say

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine is given in two doses—at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years, or at least one month after the first dose.

• Measurements

• Measuring a Baby's Temperature
Most physicians recommend taking a baby's temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.

• Mechanical Device Helps Kids Waiting for Heart Transplant
Pediatric ventricular assist device buys time for young patients with severe heart failure

• Meckel's Diverticulum
Detailed information on Meckel's diverticulum, including risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Meconium Aspiration
Meconium aspiration occurs when a baby breathes in amniotic fluid containing meconium (the baby's first stools).

• Medical History and Genetic Testing
Detailed information on medical history and genetic testing

• Medications to Treat ADHD in Children
Children who have ADHD are often given medication as part of their treatment plan. The type of medication most often chosen is a psychostimulant.

• Megaureter
Detailed information on megaureter, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Melanoma Rates Rising in U.S. Children
Deadly skin cancer still rare in kids, but long-term study found 2 percent yearly increase among whites

• Meningitis in Children
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. Bacteria or viruses are the more common causes.

• Meningococcal Infections
Detailed information on meningococcal infections, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

• Menstrual Disorders
Detailed information on the most common menstrual conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia

• Mental Abuse of Kids Leaves Lifelong Scars
Frequent put-downs, tirades, threats may constitute psychological maltreatment

• Mental Health Care Lacking for Kids, Advocates Say
Survey of workers, volunteers looked at community access to services for children and teens

• Mental Health of Dads-to-Be May Influence Toddler's Behavior
During pregnancy appointments, ask about father's state of mind, experts say

• Meth in Pregnancy May Blunt Child's Reaction to Stress: Study
Combination of methamphetamine, troubled home environment muted toddlers' responses

• Methods of Surgery for Children
Minimally invasive surgery is often used today. It allows the child to recuperate faster and with less pain.

• Microcephaly
An infant with microcephaly has a head that is much smaller than normal for an infant of that age and gender. Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and mental retardation.

• Micropenis
Detailed information on micropenis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Middle Ear Infections in Children
Middle ear infections are the most common cause of earaches in children. Most youngsters have had at least one such infection by the time they are 3 years old.

• Migraines May Hurt Kids' Grades Too
Chronic headaches linked to poorer school performance in study

• Military Women Exposed to Combat After Childbirth Face Depression
Problem is related to combat exposure, not childbirth, research shows

• Milk Allergy Diet for Children
The words "non-dairy" on a product label mean that it does not contain butter, cream, or milk—but it could still contain other types of milk products.

• Millions of Americans Have Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure: CDC
Yet most have regular access to medical care, report notes

• Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
Detailed information on minor cuts, scrapes, and skin wounds in children

• Minor Injuries Overview

• Minority Fifth Graders Face Health Obstacles, Study Finds
But with similar schools, family income, disparities declined

• Mismanaged Breastfeeding
Detailed information on mismanaged breastfeeding, including information on breastfeeding positions

• Mitochondrial Inheritance: Leber's Optic Atrophy
Detailed information on mitochondrial inheritance and Leber's optic atrophy

• Moderate Drinking in Pregnancy Tied to Lower IQ in Child
Study finds 1 to 6 weekly drinks could be harmful

• Mold
Detailed information on mold allergy, including potential sources of mold inside and outside the home

• Molluscum Contagiosum in Children
Detailed information on molluscum contagiosum, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Mom's HIV Drugs May Pass to Baby in Womb, Breast-Feeding
Hair, blood samples revealed HIV-negative infants were exposed to antiretrovirals, researchers say

• Mom's Pot Use Doubles Risk of 'Preemie' Birth: Study
Other risk factors include family history of pre-term births, high blood pressure, researchers say

• Mom's Smoking Tied to Dangerous Gut Illness in Preemies
Study found it was strongest risk factor for 'necrotizing enterocolitis' in newborns

• Month of Birth Might Help Determine MS Risk, Study Suggests
Mothers who get too little sunlight produce less vitamin D, which could impact baby's lifetime risk

• More Americans Have High Blood Pressure Under Control: Survey
Improvement in past decade attributed to more treatment with drug combinations

• More Antibiotic Use Tied to Rise in Diarrheal Infections in Hospitals: Study
Kids, elderly especially vulnerable to serious consequences from C. difficile bacteria

• More Child Gun Injuries in States With Self-Defense Laws
But study found no improvement from other laws meant to curb children's access to firearms

• More Drug Trials Needed for Conditions Affecting Kids: Review
Off-label prescribing common because of lack of research on effects in younger populations

• More Evidence Whooping Cough Protection Wanes
Vaccine still recommended, although it appears to weaken after fifth dose, study finds

• More Infants Surviving With Serious Heart Defects, Study Finds
But death risk still too high, researchers say

• More Kids Diagnosed With Mental Health Disabilities, Study Finds
Conditions such as autism, ADHD appear to drive 16 percent increase in a decade

• More Kids Opting Out of School-Required Vaccinations: Study
Parents more likely to have requirements waived in states with easy or philosophical exemption policies

• More Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD: Study
Unapproved uses of these powerful drugs need further investigation, experts say

• More Mental Health Care Urged for Kids Who Self-Harm
Parents, ER docs need to be alert for signs of behavior such as cutting, experts say

• More Pregnant Women on Blood Pressure Drugs: Study
Experts consider some meds safer than others for developing fetus

• More Proof Cranberry Juice Thwarts Infection
Popular folk remedy holds up in analysis of 13 previous studies on urinary tract infections

• More Than 1 in 4 Teens Have 'Sexted': Study
Houston-area survey finds more than half have been asked to send naked photos of themselves

• More Than 4,000 U.S. Kids Hurt Each Year on Amusement Rides
Researchers call for standardized safety regulations to reduce injuries

• More Than a Third of Births 'Unintended': CDC
That number hasn't changed since the 1980s, government report finds

• More Time in Gym Class Equals Stronger Kids
And fracture risk doesn't rise when physical activity clock is extended, study finds

• More U.S. Children Diagnosed With ADHD
Finding from large study may be due to better awareness, experts say

• More U.S. Couples Living Together Instead of Marrying, CDC Finds
And more women getting pregnant while cohabiting

• More U.S. Kids Get High-Radiation Scans, Study Says
Doctors urged to use lowest dose possible

• More U.S. Kids Prescribed Off-Label Antipsychotics: Study
Use is particularly high among children with ADHD or conduct disorder, study shows

• Mosaic Down Syndrome
Detailed information on mosaic Down syndrome, including the chances for it to happen again in a family

• Mosaicism
Detailed information on mosaicism, including a mosaicism diagram

• Most Americans Say 'No' to Smoking in Their Homes, Cars
4 out of 5 adults have household bans, but millions of people still breathe secondhand smoke, CDC says

• Most Kids With Autism Overcome Language Delays, Study Finds
70 percent achieved 'phrase' or higher-level speech

• Most Men With Erectile Dysfunction Don't Seem to Get Treatment
In study of 6 million ED patients, 75 percent either didn't receive or fill prescriptions

• Most U.S. Schools Unprepared for Pandemics: Study
Protective gear, medication stockpiles, staff disaster training all lacking

• Mother's Drinking Increases Risk of Infant's Death: Study
Babies of women with alcohol problems during or after pregnancy had three times the risk of sudden, unexplained death

• Mothers' Pre-Pregnancy Weight Tied to Kids' IQ, Study Says
Excess pounds before pregnancy may contribute to lower test scores for child

• Mothers' Weight-Loss Surgery Linked to Kids' Heart Health
Siblings born after procedure had changes in genes related to obesity, disease in study

• Mother-to-Be's Pollen Exposure May Boost Asthma Risk in Baby
Swedish study tied infant hospitalizations to high pollen counts late in pregnancy

• Motivation and Study, Not IQ, Are Keys to Kids' Math Success
Research highlights role of learning skills, determination in developing numerical competence

• Motor Vehicle Safety - Identifying High-Risk Situations
High-risk situations: improperly installing a child safety seat, allowing a child to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, and leaving a child unattended in a car.

• Motor Vehicle Safety Overview
Detailed information on motor vehicle safety, including installing and using child safety seats and booster seats

• Motor Vehicle Safety--Injury and Incidence Statistics
Most motor vehicle crashes occur within 25 miles of home and in areas where the speed limit is 40 mph or less.

• Mouthguards
Mouthguards are important to help protect your child's mouth and teeth from serious injury.

• Move Over, Mean Girls
Acts of kindness improve self-esteem, popularity of tweens, study finds

• MRSA Infections on the Rise
Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are causing a growing number of infections, both in hospitals and in schools and other community settings.

• Multifactorial Inheritance and Birth Defects
Detailed information on multifactorial inheritance, including different multifactorial traits and diseases

• Multiple C-Sections Linked to Raised Complication Risks: Study
Women who had 5 or more cesarean-section deliveries had more bleeding, preterm births

• Multiple Methods Can Safely Help Babies Get to Sleep, Study Shows
At age 6, no differences seen in attachment, behavior, sleep quality

• Mumps
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness that usually occurs in childhood. It is no longer common in the United States because children are now vaccinated against it.

• Muscle and Joint Injuries
Detailed information on muscle and joint injuries, including prevention

• Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles in the body to become very weak. The muscles break down and are replaced with fatty deposits over time.

• Mushroom Poisoning in Children
Early symptoms of mushroom poisoning include stomach cramps, vomiting, and watery or bloody diarrhea. If your child has any of these symptoms, call your child's doctor immediately.

• Myasthenia Gravis in Children
Myasthenia gravis is a complex, autoimmune disorder that causes problems with the nerves that communicate with muscles, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles.

• Myringotomy Tubes
Detailed information on myringotomy tubes, including risks and benefits

• Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
Otitis media is inflammation in the middle ear. Otitis media can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection.

• Overview of Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Mood disorders in teens remain one of the most under-diagnosed mental health problems. These disorders also put teens at risk for other conditions that may persist long after the initial episodes of depression are resolved.

• Weight Management and Adolescents
For overweight children 7 and older, the initial goal is to keep them from gaining more weight. Changes in eating habits and exercise are gradually introduced to trim pounds.