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

What’s Your ‘Weapon’ Against Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

    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

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

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

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Billie Jean King and Venus Williams: Two Tennis Stars Making Arthritis News! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

In the past 24 hours, two tennis stars have made “rheum” for some big announcements. First, tennis legend Billie Jean King was announced as the star of the new Arthritis Foundation campaign to help fight arthritis pain. The new ads state that we “need a weapon in fighting arthritis” and asks fellow arthritis sufferers — … Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kim Kardashian and Psoriasis: Can Star Power Spread Awareness? by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Kim Kardashian — even if you can’t stand her, you know the name. She’s kind of one of those enigmatic figures that you either love, or hate. However, whether you like her or not, there’s no denying her star power. Sure, she may be a celebrity for reasons unknown to many, but, the point is … 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 / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

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