Author Archives : Emily Lunardo

Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.

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Fibromyalgia vs. ALS, differences in symptoms, causes, and treatment

Fibromyalgia and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) both affect the muscles, although the former is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain while the latter attacks nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Aside from muscle pain, fibromyalgia also involves sleep disturbances, mood changes, and memory issues. It is believed to be caused by a physical trauma or psychological ...click here to read more

Norovirus 2016 outbreak update: Stomach flu affects elementary schools in Carmel Valley and San Jose

Norovirus (stomach flu) cases have been seen in some American elementary schools, including Palm Beach Gardens elementary, and in San Jose. First, there were reported norovirus cases in Carmel Valley, California, where Sage Canyon School finally reopened after the stomach flu broke out. On May 27, the school was shut down when students and staff ...click here to read more

Better understanding of migraines and estrogen link

There is a known link between migraines and estrogen, but it has never been fully understood. Researchers now are steps closer to better understanding this complex connection between migraines and levels of estrogen. The new study found that women who suffer severe headaches and migraines experience more dramatic drops in estrogen days prior to menstruation, ...click here to read more

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Common cold vs. flu (influenza), differences in symptoms, transmission, and treatment

Distinguishing between the common cold and the flu (influenza) may be quite different as they do share many similar traits. Furthermore, a person can experience both a cold and the flu simultaneously, which can make diagnosis even more difficult. The best way to decipher between the common cold and flu is recognizing the differences in ...click here to read more

Celiac disease linked to major depressive disorder and anxiety in adolescents

Celiac disease is linked to major depressive disorder and anxiety in adolescents. Jonathon Cordova, pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center, said in a presentation, “Our interim analysis does suggest that a majority of adolescents living with celiac disease may have symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder. The quality of life is affected ...click here to read more

Blood pressure rises alongside air pollution

A new study has found that blood pressure rises with growing air pollution and smog. The review examined 17 studies conducted worldwide, assessing a possible connection between air pollution and blood pressure. Study author Tao Liu said, “Our results demonstrated that air pollutants had both short-term and long-term effects on [high blood pressure] risks.” Liu ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis triggered by estrogen and progesterone hormone imbalance in women: Study

Rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by estrogen and progesterone hormone imbalance in women. In the study published in Nature Review, the researchers point out that sexual dimorphism has been a factor in rheumatoid arthritis for many years and can manifest itself differently in men and women. Researchers Grant Hughes and Divaker Choubey explained the differences are ...click here to read more

Lupus is difficult to diagnose and treat

Lupus is difficult to diagnose and to treat, but researchers are working hard on how to better understand the illness in order to develop better treatments. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects between 300,000 and 1.5 million Americans. Dr. Sarah Yim, rheumatologist, said in a news release, “With treatment, the disease may quiet down, ...click here to read more

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