Today, October 12th, 2011, is World Arthritis Day. This year’s theme is “Move to Improve” — and that’s exactly what we want YOU to do! We would like you to move around the world for arthritis awareness. By October 31st, the Arthritis Foundation by choosing your weapon against arthritis pain. The goal is covering the distance … Continue reading »
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In a Perfect World – A Life Without Illness: What Would You Do? – by Ashley Boynes
Today there was a “trending topic” on Twitter that simply said, “Serious Question” and provoked users to ask their followers a serious question to answer. I thought about what I’d like to hear from my “tweeps” – especially those who are chronically ill or disabled – and the question I decided to pose was, “We … Continue reading »
Keeping Up with Chiari – and Some Inspirational Thoughts ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #27 ~ by Ashley Boynes
February 9th, 2011 Exactly one week ago, I was in the hospital just a couple hours out of neurosurgery. I had brain surgery on February 2nd, and am doing seemingly well. I haven’t posted a “health diary” entry in a while, and some of you were inquiring about it, so here it is! Just a … Continue reading »
Oh, hey, OA! What You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis – by Ashley Boynes
Almost everyone will get arthritis at some point in their lives, and the most common type is osteoarthritis, also known as OA. Osteoarthritis usually comes with aging and is frequently seen in athletes, overweight people, and “blue-collar” workers, as well. It is the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, and not the autoimmune type. OA is … Continue reading »
Freedom: Making Choices and Living Judgment-Free with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes
Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in FREEDOM. In choice. In equal rights. In humanity “getting along.” In the destruction of prejudices and discrimination, and the erasure of hate. Yet, even in 2011, pockets of the population face discrimination, have their “choices” (or lack thereof) dictated to them, and face judgment, regardless of the leaps and … Continue reading »
Water Aerobics and Aqua Exercise: Fun Fitness for All Ages and Abilities!
Water aerobics are a great way to keep moving and a fun, fit way to start your new year off right! Yes, the Arthritis Foundation offers aquatics programs – and, yes, many senior citizens and older folks have arthritis. But, as we know, people of ALL ages can get arthritis, too – and water aerobics … Continue reading »
Don’t Let Chronic Illness Steal Your Sparkle! – by Ashley Boynes
Do you approach everything from a bitter or dismal place because of your condition? Is there are a dark cloud surrounding you at all times? Do you take everything “the wrong way” because you are so on-edge and defensive of your illness? Is your main “identifier” that of a sick person? Has living with chronic … Continue reading »
Broken Dolls: The Things and People We Keep, Flaws and All ~ by Ashley Boynes
I’m not a hoarder. I do keep things, though, that are of great sentimental value. One of these many “things” is, to me, not just a “thing” but a very real part of my life. Her name is Winnie. She is a 27-year-old Cabbage Patch Kid doll. She is dirty. Her hair is braided in … Continue reading »
Some Anecdotes & Some Silver Lining: Stories of arthritic hands, Lady Gaga, and advocating for yourself and your health! ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #26
Entry #26 – December 3rd, 2010 I’ve got a few interesting antecdotes to share in this entry, and so I’ll split it up into a few separate stories, if you all don’t mind! First let me tell you about my hands. (Bear with me here!) In a previous post, I bemoaned my “ugly hands” and … Continue reading »
Pay It Forward: Can Being “Nice” Be HEALTHY Too? The Science Behind Selflessness
Today is National “Pay It Forward” Day. This initiative encourages all of us to do one good deed for 1 to 3 other people, expecting nothing in return. You could pay for a stranger’s food or coffee at a drive-thru, buy an extra Christmas gift for a child in need, leave an anonymous gift in … Continue reading »
