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What Story Does Your Face Tell? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Arthritis Month has come to an end, but just because June is here, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on spreading arthritis awareness. During the month of May,  I saw and heard a lot from the Arthritis Foundation’s “Faces of Arthritis” campaign — a wonderful, and sometimes eye-opening, initiative. I thought long and hard about the Face of Arthritis, and … Continue reading

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Back Pain and Spine Health Solutions – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Nearly everyone experiences some form of back pain or another at some point throughout their lifetime.  Of course, as with many conditions and ailments, the degree of severity varies greatly. However, there are things that you can do to strengthen your spine and support your back, which could alleviate pain, stiffness, and tension. Here are … Continue reading

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Education and JA: Get the Facts on 504 Plans and Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Every child has unique and specific needs when it comes to their education — but children with conditions such as juvenile arthritis may have an even more difficult time at school. Whether it is carrying loaded backpacks or heavy books, having trouble participating in gym class, missing school altogether, or sitting for extended periods of … Continue reading

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The Pediatric Rheumatology Shortage: What’s a Juvenile Arthritis Patient to Do? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Approximately 300,000 American children and teens live with juvenile arthritis – that’s about 1 in 250. Yes – you read that correctly: 1 in 250 kids suffers from arthritis. If that number isn’t eye-opening enough, check out this staggering statistic: there are only 250 active and board certified pediatric rheumatologists in the United States. Unfortunately, … Continue reading

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Two Sides of the Same Coin: Traditional vs. Alternative Treatments for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

There has been a lot of bickering – and worse yet, a lot of what comes across as hatred – on social networks lately, regarding the use of alternative treatments for arthritis. The way that I look at it, though, is that those who use alternative treatments and those who use traditional medical treatments for … Continue reading

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The Big Debate: Medical Marijuana for Arthritis and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

The medical use of marijuana has been a hotly debated and highly politicized topic in recent years. In many circles, it is touted for naturally alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis and chronic pain. In other circles, it is frowned upon as a gateway drug that is … Continue reading

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Arthritis and The Flu: How to Handle Influenza and Rheumatic Disease – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

  This has been one of the most dangerous and widespread flu seasons in years, and it is important for everyone to take proper precautions in preventing the flu. One option is gettinga flu vaccine. While the flu shot is controversial to some, it has been shown to reduce the occurence of certain strains of … Continue reading