Today, I spoke at an Arthritis Foundation Juvenile Arthritis Family Day event in my area. I wanted to share the text of my speech with you all below. I will have videos and photos at a later time, to share on my arthritis Facebook page. Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know … Continue reading
Tag Archives: JA
Inspiration or Isolation: Which Path Will You Choose? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
In the world of chronic illness, there are many things about which we simply do not have a choice. I didn’t choose rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or celiac disease, lupus, sjogrens syndrome, chiari, and so on. Likewise, I’m sure that you did not choose whichever illnesses or disabilities that you may live with. As I’ve … Continue reading
May You Be Aware This Month: Advocating for Arthritis, Lupus, and More – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, and there are many ways that YOU can take action to spread arthritis awareness. Utilizing social media to spread the word is a great idea. So is signing petitions and supporting advocacy efforts like this Action Alert. You could also sign up for an Arthritis Walk in your area, or … Continue reading
Walking on Eggshells When Someone You Love Has Chronic Illness or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Sometimes, when someone lives with chronic illness, chronic pain, or a disability such as arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic illnesses, the “normal” or “healthy” people around them feel the need to “walk on eggshells.” What better time than now, as Easter is upon us, to discuss this very topic? I, for one, have always wanted … Continue reading
Are You “Enough?” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I’m not liberal enough for Democrats or conservative enough for Republicans. I’m not Christian enough for Christians, but I’m Christian enough to have atheists and agnostics mock me. I’m smart enough to have been accepted into Mensa and to possess a near-genius-level IQ, but I’m not smart enough that people meet me and immediately notice my … Continue reading
The Law of Attraction and Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I’m a big fan of the infamous book and documentary film, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. However, there were some parts of it that I just could not wrap my head around. How could a group of thousands of people, for example, “attract” such horrific events such as 9/11 or the Newtown shootings? How … Continue reading
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
What’s the 2014 Arthritis Forecast? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
2013 was a great year with many arthritis-related accomplishments and medical advances. But, 2014 stands to prosper just as well. Instead of looking back with a usual “best of” or “top 10” list in regards to the year that has passed, let us welcome in 2014 by looking forward, and seeing what the future could … Continue reading
Neurological Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Did you know that autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, among others, carry with them the risk for neurological symptoms or comorbidities? It’s true. Sometimes these types of chronic illnesses can LITERALLY be in your head … and the rest of the body, too. Both Lupus and Rheumatoid (Autoimmune) Arthritis can have Neurological … Continue reading
A Modge-Podge of Arthritis News and Tidbits! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Today has brought a lot of news and “tidbits” about arthritis and other forms of rheumatic disease. Some of it is brand-new, other news is older … but still worth sharing. Here are some recent stories to be made aware of, as of today … A CBS article reveals that running doesn’t always lead to, … Continue reading