“Arthritis Ashley goes to the beach…without her Arthritis!” could have been the caption for my recent picture-perfect trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Approximately one year after marrying on the shores of a different island (Sanibel,) my husband and I took a nice vacation to Hilton Head, where I felt better than I have … Continue reading
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A Balancing Act: Talking About Arthritis and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I have found that it is sometimes difficult to describe my conditions, honestly, and with full-disclosure, without people “feeling bad” for me. I also hate to play the “victim” role, and I certainly try not to, but when I really delve into the complexities of the conditions I have lived with, it kind of sounds … Continue reading
Arthritis at the Beach – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
No one wants to take arthritis with them to the beach, but for those of us living with various forms of arthritis and rheumatic conditions, we really don’t have a choice! But, we do have a choice to not let arthritis ruin our sunny disposition, and, there are steps that we can take to make … Continue reading
The Big Picture: Photography & Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
No one wants to have to give up their favorite pastimes or hobbies, much less a career, because of arthritis. So, photo-bugs of the amateur and professional photog levels alike, no need to fear! A guide to arthritis-friendly photography is here! If arthritis in your fingers and hands makes it difficult to take photos due … Continue reading
The Healing Power of Tea and Confusion Over Coffee ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Can a cup a day keep the doctor away? Recent studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation is linked to life longevity. Past studies have also suggested that a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis was the consumption of coffee. So, which is it? According to the Arthritis Foundation, “What was bad news is … Continue reading
Planning a Cookout or Picnic with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Memorial Day weekend is approaching, and while cookouts and picnics can be fun for the whole family, those of us with arthritis may have to take some extra precautions. Some tips to be able to enjoy the start of summer this weekend: Opt for dragging a cooler on wheels instead of carrying a big, heavy … Continue reading
Journaling for Wellness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Many of you have likely heard of keeping a “pain diary” or a “health journal” to keep track of symptoms, but did you also know that keeping any kind of journal or diary, in general, can be beneficial to your health & well-being? It’s true. Writing can help you get in touch with your inner … Continue reading
SharecareNow Names Top Arthritis Influencers – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
SharecareNow, a website that is affiliated with Dr. Mehmet Oz, has used a complex algorithm to figure out the Top 10 Rheumatoid Arthritis Online Influencers, and “Arthritis Ashley” — the author of this blog — was one of them! Check out the rest: More info can be found, here. Congratulations to all of these wonderful … Continue reading
Arthritis Action: The ABCs & 123s of Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
May is Arthritis Awareness Month – also known as Arthritis Action Month! Hopefully, you’ve been doing your part to spread awareness all month long. As a reminder, here are the ABCs & 123s of Arthritis, to show how you can take action now against arthritis during the month of May….and always! May 1: ADVOCATE! Let your elected … Continue reading
Take a Look, it’s in a Book: Make Some “Rheum” for Reading – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sometimes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, sjogren’s, spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more, can require us to have more rest than we would like. However, “couch days” due to flares or fatigue or post-surgery bed-rest are the perfect times to catch up on your favorite books. Reading is a nice way to keep your … Continue reading
