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
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Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness
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
Advocacy / Arthritis / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized
Some Anecdotes & Some Silver Lining: Stories of arthritic hands, Lady Gaga, and advocating for yourself and your health! ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #26
Entry #26 – December 3rd, 2010 I’ve got a few interesting antecdotes to share in this entry, and so I’ll split it up into a few separate stories, if you all don’t mind! First let me tell you about my hands. (Bear with me here!) In a previous post, I bemoaned my “ugly hands” and … Continue reading
Pay It Forward: Can Being “Nice” Be HEALTHY Too? The Science Behind Selflessness
Today is National “Pay It Forward” Day. This initiative encourages all of us to do one good deed for 1 to 3 other people, expecting nothing in return. You could pay for a stranger’s food or coffee at a drive-thru, buy an extra Christmas gift for a child in need, leave an anonymous gift in … Continue reading
Do Your Thing: Choosing Arthritis Treatments That Work For YOU!
When you live with a chronic illness, EVERYONE becomes a “doctor” and seems to think that they have the right to tell you what you should and should not do. It can become baffling when everyone you know is offering their home remedies, their experiences with medications, names of doctors, alternative therapies, stories good and … Continue reading
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Why Don’t People “Get It?”
There are many misconceptions surrounding rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve posted blogs here and there about the issue, patient advocate and “A-list” RA blogger Kelly Young a.k.a. Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior has posted blogs and aired PSA’s about it, and, naturally the Arthritis Foundation has tons and tons of information that offers in-depth detail about what, exactly, rheumatoid … Continue reading
Life As I Know It: The Gratitude Attitude! – Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #25
November 17, 2010 Well, as always, a lot has happened since I last journaled in this, my online “health diary!” Life as I know it is always changing, always growing, always evolving – a roller coaster of ups and downs, goods and bads! But, isn’t that what life is – a wild ride that we’re … Continue reading
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo: Telling Arthritis Patients to be a “Happy You” in Spite of Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes
When I had the opportunity to have a conversation with the renowned Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, I knew that I was in for a treat. Dr. Lombardo, who is a clinical psychologist AND physical therapist, helps patients to “enjoy less stress & more happiness, regardless of what else is going on in your life.” She specializes … Continue reading
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