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
Category Archives: Wellness
Arthritis and Chronic Illness: Stripping Away Labels and Stigma – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
Parenthood, Arthritis, and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Parenting is a difficult task for anyone, but particularly of those with chronic illness or a disability. How can you care for your children when there are days that you can barely care for yourself? I don’t have kids of my own but I posed the question to the arthritis community on Facebook and Twitter, … Continue reading
Steve Jobs: Fortitude Exemplified – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I didn’t think I would be as affected by the death of a stranger as I was about the passing of Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. However, I was very saddened at the news of his dying. I learned to type and wrote my first book on a Macintosh computer in 1992. Now, in 2011, I … 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
Arthritis and Obesity (And Dr. Phil) – What’s the Deal? Get the Facts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
Defined by an Illness? Milking Your Sickness? That’s Not My Cup of Tea! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
[Disclaimer: this post isn’t meant to offend anyone and is all personal opinion relating to MYSELF, my unique individual situation, and how I live my life. It isn’t casting judgment on people who have a different point of view, rather, it is just explaining my perspective and offering some food for thought……] In a world … Continue reading
Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation Present: “Healing Hands for Arthritis” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
The Dark Side of Arthritis and Chronic Illness: Combating Depression and Suicide – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
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
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