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Walking on Eggshells When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Sometimes, when someone lives with chronic illness, chronic pain, or a disability such as arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic illnesses, the “normal” or “healthy” people around them feel the need to “walk on eggshells.” What better time than now, as Easter is upon us, to discuss this very topic? I, for one, have always wanted … Continue reading

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Are You “Enough?” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

I’m not liberal enough for Democrats or conservative enough for Republicans. I’m not Christian enough for Christians, but I’m Christian enough to have atheists and agnostics mock me.  I’m smart enough to have been accepted into Mensa and to possess a near-genius-level IQ, but I’m not smart enough that people meet me and immediately notice my … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized

Difficult Decisions for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Being a rheumatoid arthritis patient or someone who lives with any chronic illness, really, leads us to sometimes have to make tough decisions that others may not have to face. Some of these decisions may be difficult or disheartening, and, like most life decisions, need to be considered carefully. One major decision that RA (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

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

Autoimmune Illness and Circulation: How Do Conditions Like Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Our Cardiovascular System? – By Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Most people think of aches and pains when they hear about arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and similar ailments. The truth is, these conditions are complex, and there are still so many unknowns that surround each of them. Yes, pain and inflammation are often a huge part of various forms of arthritis and other chronic autoimmune illnesses, … 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