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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Getting the Support you Need Online – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

There are many ways to use the Internet to find information about different types of arthritis. However, another added benefit to surfing the web is that you can find all kinds of helpful support groups and communities of people just like yourself who are dealing with arthritis, chronic pain, and/or rheumatic diseases. Facebook has a … Continue reading

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What Story Does Your Face Tell? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Arthritis Month has come to an end, but just because June is here, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on spreading arthritis awareness. During the month of May,  I saw and heard a lot from the Arthritis Foundation’s “Faces of Arthritis” campaign — a wonderful, and sometimes eye-opening, initiative. I thought long and hard about the Face of Arthritis, 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

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The Big Debate: Medical Marijuana for Arthritis and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

The medical use of marijuana has been a hotly debated and highly politicized topic in recent years. In many circles, it is touted for naturally alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis and chronic pain. In other circles, it is frowned upon as a gateway drug that is … Continue reading

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

Managing Stress While Living with Chronic Pain or Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

As many as 90% of doctor visits, and thus coinciding conditions, have stress as a causative or effective component. Stress is a part of life for everyone, and how stress is handled varies from person to person. Unfortunately, for people living with a disability, chronic illness, or any other medical problem, life tends to come with a … Continue reading