Soreness, localized swelling or bruising, decreased mobility and muscle spasms are signs of a pulled chest muscle.

After a shoulder pull, ice the shoulder, wrap it in an athletic bandage and rest until the pain has subsided.

When muscle cramps are severe or occur frequently, they may be a sign of a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Toe cramps may be caused by a deficiency of potassium, calcium, magnesium or vitamin D.

Pain in the neck and back of the head is a common combination of symptoms. There are many causes of pain in the neck and back of the head, ranging from muscle strain to arthritis to uncommon conditions such as meningitis or cancer.

Sprained and broken ankles are both painful and generally occur after similar types of injuries. Telling the difference between a sprained and broken ankle is not always easy, especially when a sprain is severe.

Pain below the right shoulder blade has many potential causes, ranging from muscle strain to infections, fractures and tumors.

Recent food intake does not influence the results of most blood tests, so advance preparation is usually not needed. However some blood tests require that you avoid all foods and liquids, except for water, for up to 12 hours before the test.

Blood test results need to be accurate to be useful, and to ensure this, some advance preparation may be required. Most notably, certain cholesterol and glucose tests require fasting. Be sure to understand how you need to prepare for your blood tests, and if fasting is required.

Excess fluid around the heart, known as a pericardial effusion, causes a variety of signs and symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Find out what types of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds can lower the LDL (or "bad") cholesterol.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the romaine lettuce scare is officially over.

Lifestyle interventions can improve blood pressure readings, and high diastolic readings, or diastolic hypertension, can be improved by many of the same lifestyle therapies that reduce the systolic pressure.