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 »
Tagged with Autoimmune …
Health & Hollywood: Stars Get Sick, Too! A Look at Celebrities with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sure, their “people” usually try to either: a.) hide the fact that their celebrity client is sick or b.) exploit the fact that their celebrity client is sick….but the truth is, stars are human, and even the most beautiful, rich, and famous people in the world get sick, too. I was saddened to hear about … 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 »
Billie Jean King and Venus Williams: Two Tennis Stars Making Arthritis News! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
In the past 24 hours, two tennis stars have made “rheum” for some big announcements. First, tennis legend Billie Jean King was announced as the star of the new Arthritis Foundation campaign to help fight arthritis pain. The new ads state that we “need a weapon in fighting arthritis” and asks fellow arthritis sufferers — … Continue reading »
The 411 on Side Effects – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
This afternoon, I went to an event for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It was inspiring to be able to talk to other people – many of them young people – who are living with chronic autoimmune conditions, and doing it as best they can. However, a common thread that I notice in talking with people … Continue reading »
The Great Debate: Alcohol and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Like all great debates, there are opinions — and evidence — on both sides of the “alcohol and arthritis” issue. Some studies show that moderate alcohol intake is actually good for arthritis/inflammation….but many people with the conditions say that drinking worsens their symptoms. Of course, there are also the medications — many of which state … Continue reading »
Acupuncture for Arthritis – Does it Work? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I have had acupuncture maybe 10 times before. Sometimes, I feel that it provides relief, and sometimes, unfortunately, it does nothing for me. Like everything, I believe that each experience is unique, and that a lot of other factors contribute to the results each time. I would never say that it doesn’t work — in … Continue reading »
Kim Kardashian and Psoriasis: Can Star Power Spread Awareness? by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Kim Kardashian — even if you can’t stand her, you know the name. She’s kind of one of those enigmatic figures that you either love, or hate. However, whether you like her or not, there’s no denying her star power. Sure, she may be a celebrity for reasons unknown to many, but, the point is … Continue reading »
The “Intangibles” of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Illness by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Living with any illness is a challenge; but having an “invisible” illness is especially difficult. How can you make people understand your condition when your symptoms and your disabilities are often hidden? Yesterday, I had a rare weak moment where I was very much struggling to stay positive. Since we’re all human and entitled to … Continue reading »
Autoimmune Overlap Syndrome – Yes, There IS Such a Thing! – by Ashley Boynes
I recently was told that I have “autoimmune overlap syndrome.” This is exactly what it sounds like. Whereas most people have 1 or 2 autoimmune conditions, I, like many other “spoonies” out there, have been dealt a whole slew of them. Basically, what this is, is when you have one “primary” condition and a few … Continue reading »
