Bacteria are all around us, in the air, on objects and normally found in and on the human body. When bacteria is on the human body in the absence of disease, it is called a colonizer.

A fracture of the 5th metacarpal bone usually occurs from hitting a hard object with a closed fist, according to the 5th Metacarpal Fracture website, earning the nickname “the boxer’s fracture.

Triphala guggul, or guggulu, is a popular herb found primarily in India and has been used in the United States as a natural remedy for several conditions.

The guidelines for total cholesterol are the same for adults of all ages. Total cholesterol that's less than 200 mg/dL is desirable because it is associated with reduced heart disease risk. At 200 to 239, heart disease risk is borderline high, and anything above 239 mg/dL carries a high risk for heart disease.

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. The device is T-shaped and made of plastic. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic female hormone that helps in preventing ovulation, which makes pregnancy unlikely.

A new study shows that American's are getting "shorter" while other countries in the world continue growing to new vertical limits.

Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in some foods and manufactured in the body, is necessary for the production of certain hormones, bile and vitamin D. Too much cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries and interfere with blood flow to the heart.

Ginger is a root or rhizome that grows underground and commonly is used as a seasoning. You can consume ginger fresh, candied, dried or pickled. Ginger also is ingested to treat a number of medical conditions, including cholera, hemorrhages, toothaches, nausea, diarrhea and stomachaches.

If you like to put hot spices or hot sauce on your food, you may be doing yourself a favor. Capsaicin, the alkaloid responsible for the spicy flavor in hot peppers, may offer benefits in the treatment of some diseases, according to an article published in 2011 in the journal "Molecules."

Bladder irritation can occur on a temporary or long-term basis. Short-term causes include urinary tract infections, recent childbirth or catheterization.

Physical development and growth are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. For example, malnutrition can delay a child’s physical development significantly.

If you want to add peppermint flavor to desserts or homemade candy, or use peppermint for aromatherapy, you have a choice of ingredients: peppermint oil or peppermint extract.