Bruised ribs may make it difficult for you to participate in your regular exercise routine. Your 24 ribs serve to protect your vital organs and are also interconnected with the spinal cord and breast bone. As a result, bruised ribs can affect the way your entire body functions.

The pH of your blood is normally between 7.35 and 7.45, just slightly above neutral. The term "pH" -- which stands for potential hydrogen -- gives you an idea of a substance's acidity or alkalinity. Strenuous physical activity is even a strain on your blood, which can cause your blood pH to drop or become more acidic.

The heart functions as the motor of the circulatory system, which consists of the heart, blood vessels and blood. The heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through the body each and every day, according to the American Heart Association.

Poor circulation in your calves, ankles and feet is typically heralded by a prickly feeling or even complete numbness in the lower extremities.

Magnesium is a mineral essential to many bodily functions, one of which is the regulation of blood clots. Blood clots are particles of blood that congregate to form a plug that inhibits bleeding and promotes healing. The presence of magnesium benefits blood vessel health by balancing with calcium in the body.

Fasting blood sugar readings can set the tone for your entire day. When your morning blood glucose is high or low, you have to adjust your number before you can get your day started. Understand what your morning target should be and the other factors that may contribute to problem readings.

If your blood glucose level drops, you may experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Some of these symptoms include sweating, shaking and feeling faint. Other symptoms include headaches, hunger, nervousness and a rapid heartbeat.

Lactated Ringer Solution, sometimes called Lactated Ringer’s or simply LR in the hospital, is a type of intravenous, or IV, fluid. Choosing an IV fluid for administration requires consideration of the type of fluid as well as the patient’s particular diagnosis.

If you worry about your blood sugar, carbohydrate-rich foods usually are the main culprit. Carbohydrates, once digested, become sugar, or glucose, and increase your blood sugar levels. Breads, pasta, breakfast cereals, rice, potatoes, cookies, muffins, sugar and soft drinks.

Anemia is a condition marked by inadequate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. An insufficient number of red blood cells or an abnormally low amount of oxygen-transporting hemoglobin within the red blood cells can cause anemia. Anemias are commonly grouped according to the appearance of the red blood cells.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million Americans are diabetic. Another 7 million are diabetic but have not been diagnosed. And, 79 million are prediabetic, meaning they are at high risk for developing diabetes at some point in their lives.

Low platelets may result from a number of factors, but often this condition occurs in cancer patients from radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Most commonly known as thrombocytopenia, low platelet levels compromise your body's ability to effectively clot your blood.