Lately, I’ve been coming across some blog posts that try to describe a rheumatoid arthritis flare. It is a great notion – but is it even possible to do? I’ve tried taking photos of bad flares, and, in that case, pictures are NOT worth a thousand words, because there’s just no way to “show” that … Continue reading »
Filed under Wellness …
Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I am not ugly. But, sometimes being sick makes me feel like I am. Believe it or not, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can certainly age you; all the while “stealing your pretty.” I used to get mad about it, and now I just learn to adapt. There are so many ways to still … Continue reading »
Potential Good News for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Last weekend was the annual American College of Rheumatology Conference, and though I was not in attendance, I learned that some intriguing information was revealed. Much news, information, and research was shared, but there were a few key elements that could mean good things for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Though the information has been “out … Continue reading »
Arthritis and Chronic Illness: Stripping Away Labels and Stigma – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
When I was in graduate school, I took one psychology course that was oriented towards special education. One important thing that I took away from it was that we should always use, “people-first” language. At the time, I only thought of it in the realm of dealing with children with special needs, but, now, I … Continue reading »
Parenthood, Arthritis, and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Parenting is a difficult task for anyone, but particularly of those with chronic illness or a disability. How can you care for your children when there are days that you can barely care for yourself? I don’t have kids of my own but I posed the question to the arthritis community on Facebook and Twitter, … Continue reading »
Steve Jobs: Fortitude Exemplified – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I didn’t think I would be as affected by the death of a stranger as I was about the passing of Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. However, I was very saddened at the news of his dying. I learned to type and wrote my first book on a Macintosh computer in 1992. Now, in 2011, I … Continue reading »
What’s Your ‘Weapon’ Against Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I recently read an article about writing being a good way to “beat the blues.” There was scientific evidence behind it, but, more importantly, I can attest to the validity of it on a personal level. The Arthritis Foundation encourages us all to have a “weapon against arthritis.” Most of these weapons of choice are … Continue reading »
Arthritis and Obesity (And Dr. Phil) – What’s the Deal? Get the Facts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Does Dr. Phil need to “get real?” Or, did he just….make a mistake? Recently, Dr. Phil made a comment on his television show that enraged some people with RA. He indirectly claimed that an obsese child could face a whole host of health problems caused by his obesity…. including rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, being overweight … Continue reading »
Defined by an Illness? Milking Your Sickness? That’s Not My Cup of Tea! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
[Disclaimer: this post isn't meant to offend anyone and is all personal opinion relating to MYSELF, my unique individual situation, and how I live my life. It isn't casting judgment on people who have a different point of view, rather, it is just explaining my perspective and offering some food for thought......] In a world … Continue reading »
Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation Present: “Healing Hands for Arthritis” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Arthritis. It affects one in five adults and nearly 300,000 children in the United States, and many more people worldwide suffer from and live with the pain and discomfort of arthritis. On October 12, World Arthritis Day, Massage Envy clinics nationwide will join together to host Healing Hands for Arthritis. Join them as they help us … Continue reading »
