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“Ashley Goes to Washington!” – Advocating for Arthritis: You Can Do It Too! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Recently, I took part in the American College of Rheumatology ACR Advocates conference in Washington, D.C. In the past, I’d done a lot of Arthritis Foundation e-advocacy events online, but this time when I was asked to speak to Congress and advocate for arthritis, I simply couldn’t pass it up. So, with my mom as … Continue reading

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

Coping while Giving Back: The Health Benefits of Doing Good by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Lately, I’ve been astounded by the amount of people who comment upon my strength and positivity in the face of my multiple health problems. A lot of them have the same question: how do I cope? I have thought about it, and I’d like to answer that question for you now. The truth is — … Continue reading

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

In a Perfect World – A Life Without Illness: What Would You Do? – by Ashley Boynes

 Today there was a “trending topic” on Twitter that simply said, “Serious Question” and provoked users to ask their followers a serious question to answer. I thought about what I’d like to hear from my “tweeps” – especially those who are chronically ill or disabled – and the question I decided to pose was, “We … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

“What I Know For Sure” – Chronic Illness Edition … by Ashley Boynes – inspired by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has taught me a lot of things. She’s one of my idols, and, to me, a prime example of “overcoming” in the face of adversity to truly live your life to its fullest potential. After writing in since high school (I graduated in 2002) and being on a ticket waiting list for over 2 … Continue reading

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

Just Say YES … Live Your Life Despite Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes

I recently bought a book entitled, “A Place of Yes” and, though I’ve yet to start reading it, I realized last week before even purchasing it that I am in a place of “yes” myself. I’ve learned to “just say yes” despite arthritis and other chronic ailments. After all, we only live once….so why not … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Uncategorized

Are You Prepared for an Emergency? – by Ashley Boynes

Reflecting on the recent disaster in Japan – and past natural disasters around the world – I wonder how many of us are actually prepared for an emergency. Those of us with medical needs may have to take some extra precautions and may also have more to take into consideration. How ready are YOU for … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Juvenile Arthritis / Oldies But Goodies / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

2010 – Our “Blog Year” in review!

We thought you may want to check out some of our most popular and most widely-viewed blog posts from 2010! Stay tuned for more informative, helpful, and inspiring “Wellness with a Side of Life, Please!” blog posts in 2011! The lovely stats helper folks at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and … Continue reading