The skin is the largest organ of our bodies….but we so often forget about it. Don’t neglect your skin, and don’t ignore skin-related symptoms! There are many rheumatic autoimmune disorders that affect the skin. I personally have high autoimmunity, a few different conditions, and have had a slew of dermatologic issues ranging from vitiligo, to … Continue reading
Author Archives: Arthritis Ashley
Keeping Perspective With Arthritis & Illness – My Opinions – by Ashley Boynes
“You can complain that roses have thorns, or rejoice that thorns have roses.” It’s all about your perspective. In the past 2 weeks, myself, family, fiance, and people close to us have unfortunately been dealing with a lot of deaths. The veil of sadness barely has lifted before news of another set in. Most were … Continue reading
2010 – Our “Blog Year” in review!
We thought you may want to check out some of our most popular and most widely-viewed blog posts from 2010! Stay tuned for more informative, helpful, and inspiring “Wellness with a Side of Life, Please!” blog posts in 2011! The lovely stats helper folks at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and … Continue reading
A Nation Unaware: We Need To Increase Juvenile Arthritis Awareness – by Ashley Boynes
“She’s just a hypochondriac.” “He’s lying.” “It’s all in their head. They just want attention.” “You’re faking!” “Oh, you’re too young for arthritis.” These are all phrases that children and teens with juvenile arthritis will, unfortunately, come across many times during the course of their lives and their illness. Even the adults that these kids … 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
Cozy Up but Keep On Moving: Tips for Staying Active in the Winter Months – by Ashley Boynes
For many across the country, the winter months mean colder weather. It is easy for anyone to use snow, rain, chilly air, or freezing temperatures as an excuse for becoming depressed and inactive during the winter season. It is REALLY easy for those of us with arthritis to do so. However, we must learn to … Continue reading
The Gift of Caring – How to Give Back This Holiday Season! – by Ashley Boynes
The holiday season is the perfect time to “give back” and show others – friends, family, and even strangers – how much you care! If there’s someone on your holiday shopping list who is impossible to buy for, why not consider donating to a charity – like the Arthritis Foundation – in their name? Or, … 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
Creating a Stress-Free, Arthritis-Friendly Holiday Season by Ashley Boynes
The holidays can be stressful for anyone – but throw a chronic illness into the mix and, well, instead of that yummy sugar-cookie recipe, you could easily have a recipe for disaster. However, it doesn’t HAVE to be that way. Turn your holidays “nice” instead of “naughty” by following these easy, stress-reducing, arthritis-friendly tips this … 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