Adults require anywhere from 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D per day, but it’s a micronutrient found naturally in few food sources. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, and some people can get enough through exposure to sunlight.

Blood clots that form to halt bleeding after an injury can be life-saving. But clots that form spontaneously within a blood vessel -- in the calf or elsewhere in the body -- could be a sign of trouble. The calves are the most common site of spontaneous blood clots.

Swimsuit shopping can be an intimidating task for women with post-winter arms that have been hibernating beneath chunky sweaters. Once you find a style that flatters and takes the focus away from big arms, you'll no doubt be hitting the beach without a care in the world; and no, you will not be wearing a wet suit.

Each year, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. If treated early, a minor cosmetic flaw is usually the only consequence and regular screenings will ensure prompt detection of recurrence.

Neck stiffness and inflammation can occur as the result of damage to the nerves, muscles, vertebrae or discs of the neck. You might have trouble moving your neck to one side or, if nerves are damanged, you might experience tingling, numbness or weakness in your arm or hand.

When you have bacteria in your mouth, you are not only putting your oral health at risk. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to other medical problems, including compromising your heart health.

Ginger is a medicinal herb from tropical Asia. It has many healthful properties, including, possibly, cancer prevention. Turmeric is a popular Indian spice. It being studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties. Garlic is a hardy perennial herb of the onion family.

If you have a knee injury, staying in shape without making the knee worse is a major concern. Cardiovascular exercise is important for general health and also aids in healing injuries by providing freshly oxygenated blood cells to the area.

Alkaline phosphatase -- commonly abbreviated as ALP -- is a protein found in all cells of the body. The highest concentrations of ALP are located in cells of the liver, bones and bile ducts. ALP in the blood is primarily derived from excess ALP that is released from these cells.

At some point during your pregnancy, your obstetrician will hand over a small bottle of a sugary flavored drink and ask you to down it just before you come to your next appointment. Within about 60 minutes of taking the drink, you'll have a blood sample taken.

Vomiting in children is usually preceded or followed by other symptoms. The most common cause of vomiting in children is stomach virus. For some children, deep coughing can trigger vomiting. Vomiting that occurs without other symptoms for more than 24 hours can indicate serious disease or injury.

You're probably aware that dietary fiber is generally healthy, helping move food through your digestive tract and possibly preventing constipation and other problems.