Inflammation plays a huge role in rheumatic ailments such as arthritis…but what, exactly, is inflammation? According to Medical News today, “Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process. When something … Continue reading »
Tagged with JIA …
Ways to Make Life Easier While Living with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Living with arthritis or any other chronic illness or disability isn’t easy, but here are some tips to make life just a little bit easier! Ask for help – in any way, shape, or form, when necessary. Make meal prep a family affair – you’ll get quality bonding time and have extra assistance in the … Continue reading »
Positive vs. Negative: The Image of Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Undoubtedly, when one thinks of arthritis or rheumatic illness, not many “good” images come to mind. Chronic illness, disabilities, pain – these aren’t “positive” things. So, there becomes a real frustration – and a real disconnect – for many patients who see commercials for arthritis drugs that feature smiling, seemingly healthy and pain-free individuals who … Continue reading »
This Fall, Focus on Preventing Falls – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
This fall, do yourself a favor and take the time to focus on preventing falls. We’ve all taken a tumble or a spill here and there, and the truth is, while we sometimes come out unscathed, we can sometimes really hurt ourselves! We often associate falls with children or the elderly, but the truth is, … Continue reading »
Dental Health & Oral Hygiene with Rheumatoid Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Can rheumatoid arthritis or the medications taken for RA cause teeth problems or other issues with dental health or oral hygiene? Let’s take a look. There are many ways that rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can be linked with dental problems. Rheumatoid arthritis, along with other forms of arthritis, can affect the jaw. If the jaw joint … Continue reading »
Back to School with Juvenile Arthritis: Some Patient Resources & Personal Thoughts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
So, a new school year is beginning, and your child or teen has Juvenile Arthritis. How can you better prepare them for “back-to-school?” Juvenile Arthritis in its various forms affects approximately 300,000 children, teens, and young adults in the United States and is a common – though under-diagnosed - childhood condition. While there are many types, Juvenile … Continue reading »
Back Pain and Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
According to the Arthritis Foundation, “back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States – some 50 percent to 80 percent of adults have had back pain at some time, and 10 percent of all Americans have back pain in a given year. Back pain can occur at any age … Continue reading »
Are You the Face of Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
What does arthritis “look like?” Check out this new initiative from the Arthritis Foundation, “Faces of Arthritis.” Go blue for World Arthritis Day by purchasing this shirt to show that arthritis has MANY looks, and then share your photo and your story to show the world what “arthritis looks like!” I’ll be posting more … Continue reading »
Managing Stress While Living with Chronic Pain or Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
As many as 90% of doctor visits, and thus coinciding conditions, have stress as a causative or effective component. Stress is a part of life for everyone, and how stress is handled varies from person to person. Unfortunately, for people living with a disability, chronic illness, or any other medical problem, life tends to come with a … Continue reading »
Kids, Teens, and Young Adults Get Arthritis, Too! Celebrate JA Awareness in July – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Kids and young adults get arthritis, too. And July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. According to the Arthritis Foundation, JA refers to any form of arthritis or arthritis-related condition that develops in children or teenagers who are less than 18 years of age. Approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 are affected by pediatric … Continue reading »
