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Social Media for Support: E-Patients Using the Internet to Cope with Arthritis & Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Support groups are a great way to cope with illness or disability. In today’s world, online support groups and social networks are a great way to belong to a health community where you can interact with others who “get” what you are going through. Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and even Pinterest offer patients the chance to … Continue reading

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Hair We Go! Tips for Hair Care with Arthritis, Rheumatic Illness or Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and other rheumatic and chronic pain conditions can cause ill effects on the hair for various reasons. Here, we’ll break down some of the “hair issues” associated with some of these conditions, and discuss hair care tips to have your locks looking their best, even with a chronic illness!   Rheumatoid … Continue reading

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An “Ashley’s Health Diary” Update – Entry #30 – Wrapping Up 2011 and Looking Ahead to 2012 – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

January 3rd, 2012 – I have not done one of my more personal Ashley’s Health Diary posts in a while, because I realized that it was more important for me to educate about rheumatic conditions than to talk about my own story. However, I do realize that as a patient advocate, that sharing my story … Continue reading

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

Keeping an Eye on Arthritis: Links Between Arthritis and Eye Health – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Did you know that having arthritis can affect your eyes, too? Sure, arthritis inflammation attacks your joints, and most people also associate arthritis pain with the bones, muscle, and tissue, as well. However, inflammation can also attack the eyes — a little-known fact about arthritis. Let’s explore some ways in which certain eye problems can … Continue reading

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

Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

I am not ugly. But, sometimes being sick makes me feel like I am. Believe it or not, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can certainly age you; all the while “stealing your pretty.” I used to get mad about it, and now I just learn to adapt. There are so many ways to still … Continue reading

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

Potential Good News for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

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

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / 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

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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