Uncategorized

The Juvenile Arthritis / Cancer Link – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Most of us are aware that there is a heightened risk for cancer if diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, because many of them “act” similarly at the cellular level. Additionally, certain medications may put RA patients at higher risk — but these same medications can ironically be used to treat cancer. “RA … Continue reading

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

Arthritis: Yet Another Reason to Quit Smoking – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes is bad for your health — it’s pretty much common knowledge at this point. Aside from cancer, emphysema, and dangers for pregnant women (not to mention the stench! The yellow teeth!) did you know that smoking can raise your risk of rheumatoid arthritis and also can trigger autoimmunity? Over the … Continue reading

Arthritis / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Can Love Conquer All – Even Arthritis Pain? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Just in time for the steadfastly approaching Valentine’s Day, a recent Arthritis Today article claimed that love maybe can conquer all….even arthritis pain! But, how true is it? According to the article, “a study of 15 people (8 women and 7 men) in the first stages of romance found that love activates the same reward … Continue reading

Uncategorized

Health & Hollywood: Stars Get Sick, Too! A Look at Celebrities with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Sure, their “people” usually try to either: a.) hide the fact that their celebrity client is sick or b.) exploit the fact that their celebrity client is sick….but the truth is, stars are human, and even the most beautiful, rich, and famous people in the world get sick, too. I was  saddened to hear about … 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

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 / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Acupuncture for Arthritis – Does it Work? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

 I have had acupuncture maybe 10 times before. Sometimes, I feel that it provides relief, and sometimes, unfortunately, it does nothing for me. Like everything, I believe that each experience is unique, and that a lot of other factors contribute to the results each time. I would never say that it doesn’t work — in … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

There’s Always Rheum to Be Social! Online Support for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Many folks with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, and other related rheumatic conditions may have a hard time getting “out and about” to socialize. Friendships and relationships may take a toll; some are unable to work or attend school any longer. So, to avoid the isolation, loneliness, and depression that can often come with a disability … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Check out Track + React: A New Online Interactive Arthritis Self-Management Tool – by Ashley Boynes

The Arthritis Foundation is striving to help cultivate an interactive online arthritis nation to help people live better with arthritis. In doing so, they’ve created an awesome new interactive online tool called Track + React – and the best part is, it’s FREE! People with any form of arthritis or rheumatic disease can log on … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Yoga and Arthritis – Some Facts and Some Testimonies – by Ashley Boynes

I have taken traditional yoga classes, read up on chair yoga, and am about to embark upon the adventure of bikram hot yoga, and so I wanted to first do some research and find out how beneficial yoga really is for arthritis. Of course, the first step for me  – and for any of you … Continue reading