Category Archives: Types of Arthritis

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What Came First: Arthritis or Inactivity? ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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Of course, being inactive cannot cause autoimmune forms of arthritis or rheumatic diseases. However, it can exacerbate symptoms and can also contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, also known as OA, as many studies have shown. OA is the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, often caused by old sports injuries or just aging in general. Exercise … Continue reading →

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The Difficulty of Explaining RA Pain: Can it Be Done? ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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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 →

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Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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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 →

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Potential Good News for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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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 →

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What’s Your ‘Weapon’ Against Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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    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 / Arthritis Foundation / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Wellness

Arthritis and Obesity (And Dr. Phil) – What’s the Deal? Get the Facts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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 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 →

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“Ashley Goes to Washington!” – Advocating for Arthritis: You Can Do It Too! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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Recently, I took part in the American College of Rheumatology ACR Advocates conference in Washington, D.C. In the past, I’d done a lot of Arthritis Foundation e-advocacy events online, but this time when I was asked to speak to Congress and advocate for arthritis, I simply couldn’t pass it up. So, with my mom as … Continue reading →

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Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation Present: “Healing Hands for Arthritis” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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 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 →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

The Dark Side of Arthritis and Chronic Illness: Combating Depression and Suicide – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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Sure, I always strive to be happy and live well with illness. I push positivity, and, I’m not alone –  research has shown that a positive attitude and optimistic outlook is beneficial both to your mental AND physical health. While we should at all times try to live our best lives despite our conditions, the … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Billie Jean King and Venus Williams: Two Tennis Stars Making Arthritis News! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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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 →