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
Tag Archives: Human Body
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
The “Intangibles” of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Illness by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Living with any illness is a challenge; but having an “invisible” illness is especially difficult. How can you make people understand your condition when your symptoms and your disabilities are often hidden? Yesterday, I had a rare weak moment where I was very much struggling to stay positive. Since we’re all human and entitled to … Continue reading
Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Is RA Diagnosed? – Ashley Boynes
As you may know, there are many varying forms of arthritis. Sometimes, it is even hard for doctors to figure out which one you may have! Is it Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis? Lupus? Sjogren’s Syndrome? Ankylosing Spondylitis? Fibromyalgia? The American College of Rheumatology has a set of guidelines that doctors/rheumatologists are to follow when making … Continue reading
Check out Track + React: A New Online Interactive Arthritis Self-Management Tool – by Ashley Boynes
The Arthritis Foundation is striving to help cultivate an interactive online arthritis nation to help people live better with arthritis. In doing so, they’ve created an awesome new interactive online tool called Track + React – and the best part is, it’s FREE! People with any form of arthritis or rheumatic disease can log on … Continue reading
Yoga and Arthritis – Some Facts and Some Testimonies – by Ashley Boynes
I have taken traditional yoga classes, read up on chair yoga, and am about to embark upon the adventure of bikram hot yoga, and so I wanted to first do some research and find out how beneficial yoga really is for arthritis. Of course, the first step for me – and for any of you … Continue reading
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
Fibromyalgia Awareness – by Ashley Boynes
Fibromyalgia is a pain. Literally. Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and this is definitely a condition that needs more awareness surrounding it. Although it isn’t technically a form of arthritis, it is a related condition and shares many overlapping symptoms with various forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease. Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain condition also … Continue reading
The Very Merry Month of May: Arthritis & Lupus Awareness – by Ashley Boynes
May is both Arthritis Awareness and Lupus Awareness Month in the United States. Let’s take advantage of this fact in order to spread the word and to educate others about these conditions. Stumped on how to spread awareness? Increasing education and visibility are key. By improving upon these areas, we can further spread awareness, which … Continue reading