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MHS Health Care Glossary

Military Health System Health Care Glossary serves as the official repository and consolidated reference (as a secondary source) for terms and definitions used within the MHS. Some terms may have multiple and varying definitions based on the context and primary source of authority. Note that certain definitions may be approved only for limited use in a single primary reference document, while others may have broad applicability in multiple contexts and issuances. To determine the most appropriate definition in a particular context, consult all relevant source documents. Any disparities between this Glossary and primary sources are unintentional, and the primary source shall control.

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Glossary Term
Mar 10, 2022

Injury

Damage caused by the transfer of an external mechanical, chemical, electrical, or radiological energy to the body. Most injuries are from mechanical energy transfer that results from either an abrupt high intensity force (acute traumatic injury) or a repetitive lower intensity force (cumulative microtraumatic injury, often referred to as an overuse injury...

Glossary Term
Mar 10, 2022

Evidenced Based

An approach to medicine that emphasizes the practice application of the findings of the best available current research.

Glossary Term
Mar 10, 2022

Muscular Strength

The maximal force that can be exerted in a single voluntary contraction of a skeletal muscle. The simplest measure of strength involves various one-repetition maximum weight-lifting test (the heaviest weight that can be lifted only once).

Glossary Term
Mar 10, 2022

Aerobic Fitness or Cardiorespiratory Endurance

The functional capacity of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to the working muscles, and its use by the muscles to oxidize energy sources to generate energy over sustained periods of time. Essentially, it is the body’s capability to take and use oxygen and food to produce energy.

Glossary Term
Mar 10, 2022

Body Composition (BC)

The distribution of body mass between three separate compartments: fat-free tissue or lean body mass, extracelluar water, and adipose tissue.

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Adverse Event

Any untoward medical occurrence associated with the use of a dietary supplement in humans, whether or not considered related to such use.

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS)

The DoD program dedicated to educating Service members and their families on all aspects of dietary supplements. It includes an educational interactive website supported by Service member education, consultations, and training on dietary supplements and a research agenda. It is a program of the CHAMP, USU.

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Minerals

Naturally occurring elements that cannot be made by living organisms.

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Serious Adverse Events

An event that results in any of the following outcomes: death, a life-threatening adverse event, inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, a persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal life functions, or a congenital anomaly/birth defect. Important medical events that may not...

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Vitamin

An organic compound and an essential nutrient that an organism requires in limited amounts. 

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

DoD Health Care Providers

Any military or civilian health care professional who, under DOD regulations, is granted clinical practice privileges to provide health care services in a military medical or dental treatment facility or who is licensed or certified to perform health care services by a governmental board or agency or professional health care society or organization. (Adap...

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Dietary Supplement

Defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as products taken by mouth that contain a “dietary ingredient.” Dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or botanicals as well as other substances that can be used to supplement the diet. 

Glossary Term
Mar 9, 2022

Beneficiaries

Active duty Service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors, certain former spouses, and others registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

Glossary Term
Feb 3, 2022

Direct Care Sharing Agreements

An approved VA Form 10-1245c, “VA/Department of Defense Sharing Agreement” executed between an MTF and a VA medical facility. These agreements involve the exchange of services for reimbursement or services in kind. The VA form is located on the Office of Management and Budget MAX.gov Resource Sharing website.

Glossary Term
Feb 3, 2022

TRICARE

The DOD’s managed health care program for active duty Service members, Service families, retirees and their families, survivors, and other eligible beneficiaries. TRICARE is a blend of the military’s direct care system of hospitals and clinics and civilian providers.

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