Our Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team

Joseph Bennington-Castro

Contributing Health Writer

Joey is a science writer based in Hawaii. He has written more than 900 articles for the general public on a wide range topics, including health, astronomy, archaeology, renewable energy, biomaterials, conservation, history, animal behavior, artificial intelligence, and many others. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, Joey has also written for publications such as Scientific American, National Geographic online, USA Today, Materials Research Society, Wired UK, Men's Journal, Live Science, Space.com, NBC News Mach, NOAA Fisheries, io9.com, and Discover.

Board Certifications and Training

Certificate in Professional Writing, University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Advanced Certificate in Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting, New York University

Education

Bachelor of Science in Physics, the University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Master of Arts in Journalism, New York University

Personal Website

http://www.josephbcastro.com/

Contact Joseph

Latest Work

What Is Smallpox? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Smallpox, a deadly and highly contagious disease caused by a virus, was eradicated in the late 1970s after global vaccination efforts. Its telltale symptom...

By April 30, 2023

What Is COPD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis — lung conditions that make breathing difficult.

By April 25, 2023

MS Symptoms: Fatigue, Numbness, Balance Problems, and More

MS causes both physical and mental symptoms that range from vision problems to fatigue, memory and attention problems, and bladder and bowel dysfunction...

By April 17, 2023

What Is Osteoarthritis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, or inflammation of the joints. Known as degenerative joint disease, OA often develops slowly over...

By April 4, 2023

What Is Scalp Eczema? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Scalp eczema is a type of eczema that causes inflamed, itchy, dry skin to form on the scalp. The most common type of scalp eczema is known as seborrheic...

By April 3, 2023

Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors of Eczema

The exact cause is unknown, but these risk factors could lead to eczema or atopic dermatitis. Here’s what you need to know.

By April 1, 2023

What Is Athlete’s Foot? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a type of fungal infection of the feet. Several types of fungi, including yeasts, can cause athlete’s foot.

By March 30, 2023

What You Need to Know About Getting Tested for HIV

It’s important to get tested regularly for HIV, because you can’t rely on signs and symptoms as a predictor of your status. Learn about different types...

By March 29, 2023

Eczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-Ups

Elimination diets may help improve eczema symptoms in people with specific food allergies, yet it is not proven that diet changes help get rid of eczema...

By March 25, 2023

What Is the Prostate?

An overview of the prostate, its form and function, and some common problems associated with it, including prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate...

By March 18, 2023

What Is Pancreatitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often resulting in bleeding and damage. Gallstones, alcoholism, and certain kinds of medication...

By March 14, 2023

What Is Hepatitis A? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s highly contagious but is preventable. Learn how to protect yourself....

By March 14, 2023

Symptoms and Diagnosis of COPD

Recognizing COPD symptoms is critical to early detection of the disease and successful treatment.

By March 13, 2023

What Complications Can Occur With HIV?

A weakened immune system makes the body vulnerable to deadly opportunistic infections and diseases — a sign that AIDS has taken hold.

By March 12, 2023

Symptoms and Stages of HIV Infection

HIV symptoms change as the infection progresses. Many people experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks of contracting HIV.

By March 3, 2023

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis

Alternative treatments for eczema are gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know about healing baths, natural ointments, and more.

By March 2, 2023

The Right Resources Can Help You Manage Depression

These depression organizations, articles, websites, and tools could help connect you with the support you need.

By March 1, 2023

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable to digest the lactose (sugar) that is present in milk, resulting in bloating, gas, and ...

By February 26, 2023

What Is Dravet Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that manifests in infancy or early childhood and causes frequent, prolonged seizures.

By February 22, 2023

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint swelling, joint pain, and joint stiffness, are described and detailed. Learn both the common and the uncommon...

By February 17, 2023

Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis complications and co-occurring health conditions, such as heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and COPD, are part of living with...

By February 17, 2023

How Stress Can Trigger Eczema, and How to Avoid a Flare-Up

Stress can worsen eczema symptoms like itchy, dry skin and rashes. Get relaxation tips and learn how to counter psychological stress related to eczema...

By February 16, 2023

What Is Appendicitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and fills with pus, causing severe abdominal pain. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms so you ...

By February 15, 2023

A Guide to Asthma Treatment and How to Use an Inhaler

There’s no cure for asthma, but treatments like inhalers can help prevent and treat symptoms of the lung disease.

By February 14, 2023

COPD: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment

COPD treatment can help minimize symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Learn about medications, surgery, and more.

By February 11, 2023

What Is Angioplasty?

This minimally invasive procedure widens narrow or blocked arteries. It’s particularly helpful for people with atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease...

By February 10, 2023

What Is Meningitis? Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Meningitis occurs when the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. Causes include viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

By February 9, 2023

What Is a Yeast Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A vaginal yeast infection results from overgrowth of yeast (fungus) of the genus candida. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, home cures, sex-related...

By February 1, 2023

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

For people with generalized anxiety disorder, simply thinking about the day can cause anxiety.

By January 28, 2023

What Is Cholera? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Most cholera infections don’t cause symptoms — but in severe cases, this diarrheal illness can lead to rapid fluid loss that may be deadly.

By January 28, 2023

What Are Bunions? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A bunion is a physical deformity in which the big toe points toward the second toe. Initial treatment is normally conservative and focuses on relieving...

By January 27, 2023

What Is Toxoplasmosis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. You can get it by ingesting food or drink contaminated with T. gondii...

By January 27, 2023

Dravet Syndrome Treatment: Medication, Diet, and Other Therapies

There is no cure for Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy, but medication and other therapies can help control seizures.

By January 25, 2023

What Is Pericarditis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds and holds the heart in place.

By January 24, 2023

What Is Gestational Diabetes? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes mellitus that happens as a result of hormonal shifts during pregnancy. Check out this detailed, scientific ...

By January 24, 2023

What Is a Chalazion? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A chalazion is a firm and often-painless nodule that develops within the eyelid when an oil gland becomes obstructed or blocked.

By January 23, 2023

Fungal Meningitis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Four different types of fungi are responsible for most cases of fungal meningitis, which is serious but rare and not contagious. Fungi usually enter the...

By January 18, 2023

Treatment of Hemophilia B

Factor 9 replacement forms the backbone of treatment for hemophilia B, but a new gene therapy raises the possibility of a long-term cure.

By January 12, 2023

What Is Lyme Disease? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that’s spread through the bites of black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks.

By January 5, 2023

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

People who have obsessive-compulsive disorder have recurring obsessions that can lead to compulsions, such as repetitive behaviors or rituals.

By January 3, 2023

What Is Panic Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder featuring panic attacks in which you experience sudden, unexpected fear, even when there’s no danger.

By January 2, 2023

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a strong, persistent fear of being judged by others. Learn what causes it and how to treat it.

By December 26, 2022

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Blood glucose and blood pressure control are key to treating diabetic retinopathy. In severe cases, anti-VEGF drugs, steroids, and laser surgery are used...

By December 21, 2022

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision, blind spots, floaters, poor night vision, and colors that appear faded. It usually affects both eyes.

By December 19, 2022

What Is Agoraphobia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of places or situations from which escape might be difficult in the event of a panic ...

By December 19, 2022

What Is C. Diff? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

C. diff is a difficult-to-treat superbug that inflames the colon, causing severe diarrhea.

By December 16, 2022

What Is a Sinus Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Sinus infections occur when mucous membranes become inflamed because of an infection. Sinus blockage may precede inflammation. Learn more about sinus ...

By December 15, 2022

Depressed While Pregnant? You May Have Antepartum Depression

Pregnant people are at an increased risk for depression. Recognizing the signs and symptoms can ensure these people get prompt help.

By November 21, 2022

What Is Ringworm? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Ringworm is not actually caused by worms — it's a fungal infection. Learn how this contagious skin condition affects different parts of the body.

By November 11, 2022

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and NSAIDs. Examples of drugs...

By November 9, 2022