For decades, naturopathic doctors and practitioners of holistic and alternative medicine have claimed that bacteria and fungus are to blame for our nation’s epidemic of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Candida and small bowel bacterial overgrowth have especially garnered attention in the natural medicine communities. However, in recent years, traditional western medicine and esteemed medical doctors and scientists … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Chronic Illness
Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness
Kids, Teens, and Young Adults Get Arthritis, Too! Celebrate JA Awareness in July – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Kids and young adults get arthritis, too. And July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. According to the Arthritis Foundation, JA refers to any form of arthritis or arthritis-related condition that develops in children or teenagers who are less than 18 years of age. Approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 are affected by pediatric … Continue reading
Treatment Options of Rheumatic Disease: My Current Plan – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
People ask me all the time what I take for my rheumatoid arthritis. The truth is, I think I’ve pretty much tried everything, and, I’ve reacted differently to everything. The reason I don’t share the specifics of my exact treatment plans anymore, is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment, and everyone’s body is different. Plus, … Continue reading
Spanish Speakers – Check out ReumatoIDEAS from the Arthritis Foundation, Mid Atlantic Region – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Hola, buenos amigos! If you speak Spanish and have arthritis or know someone who does, ReumatoIDEAS is for you! Some of your favorite “Wellness with a Side of Life, Please” blog posts are translated into Spanish and shared on this new blog, so that we can reach even more readers who live with arthritis or … Continue reading
Seaside Yoga, Beach Biking, and Serene Inspiration – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
“Arthritis Ashley goes to the beach…without her Arthritis!” could have been the caption for my recent picture-perfect trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Approximately one year after marrying on the shores of a different island (Sanibel,) my husband and I took a nice vacation to Hilton Head, where I felt better than I have … Continue reading
A Balancing Act: Talking About Arthritis and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I have found that it is sometimes difficult to describe my conditions, honestly, and with full-disclosure, without people “feeling bad” for me. I also hate to play the “victim” role, and I certainly try not to, but when I really delve into the complexities of the conditions I have lived with, it kind of sounds … Continue reading
Arthritis at the Beach – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
No one wants to take arthritis with them to the beach, but for those of us living with various forms of arthritis and rheumatic conditions, we really don’t have a choice! But, we do have a choice to not let arthritis ruin our sunny disposition, and, there are steps that we can take to make … Continue reading
The Big Picture: Photography & Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
No one wants to have to give up their favorite pastimes or hobbies, much less a career, because of arthritis. So, photo-bugs of the amateur and professional photog levels alike, no need to fear! A guide to arthritis-friendly photography is here! If arthritis in your fingers and hands makes it difficult to take photos due … Continue reading
Planning a Cookout or Picnic with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Memorial Day weekend is approaching, and while cookouts and picnics can be fun for the whole family, those of us with arthritis may have to take some extra precautions. Some tips to be able to enjoy the start of summer this weekend: Opt for dragging a cooler on wheels instead of carrying a big, heavy … Continue reading
Journaling for Wellness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Many of you have likely heard of keeping a “pain diary” or a “health journal” to keep track of symptoms, but did you also know that keeping any kind of journal or diary, in general, can be beneficial to your health & well-being? It’s true. Writing can help you get in touch with your inner … Continue reading
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