I recently read an article about writing being a good way to “beat the blues.” There was scientific evidence behind it, but, more importantly, I can attest to the validity of it on a personal level. The Arthritis Foundation encourages us all to have a “weapon against arthritis.” Most of these weapons of choice are … Continue reading
Tag Archives: fibromyalgia
Defined by an Illness? Milking Your Sickness? That’s Not My Cup of Tea! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
[Disclaimer: this post isn’t meant to offend anyone and is all personal opinion relating to MYSELF, my unique individual situation, and how I live my life. It isn’t casting judgment on people who have a different point of view, rather, it is just explaining my perspective and offering some food for thought……] In a world … Continue reading
“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
Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation Present: “Healing Hands for Arthritis” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Arthritis. It affects one in five adults and nearly 300,000 children in the United States, and many more people worldwide suffer from and live with the pain and discomfort of arthritis. On October 12, World Arthritis Day, Massage Envy clinics nationwide will join together to host Healing Hands for Arthritis. Join them as they help us … Continue reading
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
The 411 on Side Effects – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
This afternoon, I went to an event for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It was inspiring to be able to talk to other people – many of them young people – who are living with chronic autoimmune conditions, and doing it as best they can. However, a common thread that I notice in talking with people … Continue reading
Joys and Pains: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Poem – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
For today’s blog post, I would like to do something a little different, and share with you all a poem that I wrote about life with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions/chronic illnesses. It is called Joys and Pains. Please enjoy! “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, … Continue reading
Speak Up for Arthritis! Don’t Let Congress Cut Funding! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Your time to “do something” is now. Please, speak up for arthritis and all who live with it on a daily basis. If we don’t act, Congress WILL cut arthritis research. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Congress plans to cut $1.2 trillion in federal spending by November 2011. If we do not tell … Continue reading
The Great Debate: Alcohol and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Like all great debates, there are opinions — and evidence — on both sides of the “alcohol and arthritis” issue. Some studies show that moderate alcohol intake is actually good for arthritis/inflammation….but many people with the conditions say that drinking worsens their symptoms. Of course, there are also the medications — many of which state … Continue reading
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