The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a commonly performed test but is very nonspecific, which means that having a high ESR does not necessarily tell your physician what is wrong, only that something may be wrong.

Donating blood is a generous life-saving gift which is tolerated very well by most donors. But some donors, especially teen donors, may experience side effects from donating blood. Most effects are minor but less than 1 percent of blood donors may experience more severe side effects.

Fine, spidery blood vessels on the face -- referred to as facial telangiectasia -- are a common cosmetic complaint. They are often described as broken blood vessels, but are actually blood vessels that have enlarged and aggregated near the surface of the skin.

Your blood sugar is the amount of glucose circulating within your bloodstream. Glucose enters your blood when you eat foods rich in carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose.

Even though we think of it as a liquid, blood is essentially a living tissue within the body. Its purpose is to transport useful products from one part of the body to another. To function in this capacity, blood consists of two parts: plasma and cells.

Normally blood sugar levels should be less than 126 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dl. But in cases of high blood glucose, which is also known as hyperglycemia, levels are 160 mg/dl or above.

Platelets are small cell fragments found in your blood that are responsible for helping blood clot. They release chemicals that signal for blood to clot, as well as stick together to form a plug to stop bleeding. Normal platelet counts generally range from 150,000 to 400,000 per milliliter, or mL, of blood.

The pervasiveness of weight gain that causes people to become overweight or obese is a major medical concern. More than one-third of adults in the United States were obese in 2011-2012, according to a February 2014 report in "JAMA."

Blood is made of three types of cells that are produced inside the bones: white blood cells fight infections; red blood cells provide energy and carry oxygen to different organs; and platelets thicken the blood so that it clots during injury.

Worcestershire sauce adds flavor to chicken dishes, turkey, beef, chili, pasta and salads, but delicious tasting dishes are not the only benefit that comes with the use of Worcestershire sauce. This condiment is packed with vitamins that may help improve many health conditions.

Anemia is a condition where the production and the number of red blood cells is below normal levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can range from mild to severe., Anemia, which can make you feel exhausted, can effect your ability to exercise and leave you unable to complete workouts.

According to the American Red Cross, 3 percent of Americans donate blood on a regular basis. Blood donation is voluntary, and there is no financial reimbursement. Donors are heavily screened with a variety of questions. They must be over the age of 18 and weigh more than 110 pounds.