Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and other rheumatic and chronic pain conditions can cause ill effects on the hair for various reasons. Here, we’ll break down some of the “hair issues” associated with some of these conditions, and discuss hair care tips to have your locks looking their best, even with a chronic illness! Rheumatoid … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Juvenile Arthritis
The Juvenile Arthritis / Cancer Link – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Most of us are aware that there is a heightened risk for cancer if diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, because many of them “act” similarly at the cellular level. Additionally, certain medications may put RA patients at higher risk — but these same medications can ironically be used to treat cancer. “RA … Continue reading
Self-Defense with Arthritis or Disability – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Everyone is vulnerable to unexpected attacks or assault. Random acts of violence are committed all the time in our world, unfortunately, and so are home invasions and physical altercations. If we’re lucky, we’ll avoid these kinds of situations. However, it helps to be prepared in case of emergency. Are you a woman? Are you … Continue reading
Can Love Conquer All – Even Arthritis Pain? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Just in time for the steadfastly approaching Valentine’s Day, a recent Arthritis Today article claimed that love maybe can conquer all….even arthritis pain! But, how true is it? According to the article, “a study of 15 people (8 women and 7 men) in the first stages of romance found that love activates the same reward … Continue reading
Advocate for Arthritis! Learn About the 2012 Advocacy Summit & E-Advocate Opportunities – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Ignoring arthritis is unacceptable. Right? Right! So, it’s time to let Congress know where you stand on arthritis and arthritis-related health issues. So take a stand, raise your voice, make a difference, and let the United States know that arthritis is unacceptable! The annual Advocacy Summit brings together advocates, young and old, from across the … Continue reading
An “Ashley’s Health Diary” Update – Entry #30 – Wrapping Up 2011 and Looking Ahead to 2012 – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
January 3rd, 2012 – I have not done one of my more personal Ashley’s Health Diary posts in a while, because I realized that it was more important for me to educate about rheumatic conditions than to talk about my own story. However, I do realize that as a patient advocate, that sharing my story … Continue reading
Keeping an Eye on Arthritis: Links Between Arthritis and Eye Health – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Did you know that having arthritis can affect your eyes, too? Sure, arthritis inflammation attacks your joints, and most people also associate arthritis pain with the bones, muscle, and tissue, as well. However, inflammation can also attack the eyes — a little-known fact about arthritis. Let’s explore some ways in which certain eye problems can … Continue reading
The Best Arthritis News of 2011 – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Barbara Walters named her Top 10 Most Fascinating People, TIME Magazine named its Person of the Year, and People Magazine recently put out their Best of 2011 issue. So, as 2011 wraps up, I want to touch upon some of the best and/or most important arthritis and health moments/breakthroughs of 2011! New NSAID: Vimovo, a … Continue reading
What Came First: Arthritis or Inactivity? ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Of course, being inactive cannot cause autoimmune forms of arthritis or rheumatic diseases. However, it can exacerbate symptoms and can also contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, also known as OA, as many studies have shown. OA is the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, often caused by old sports injuries or just aging in general. Exercise … Continue reading
The Difficulty of Explaining RA Pain: Can it Be Done? ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Lately, I’ve been coming across some blog posts that try to describe a rheumatoid arthritis flare. It is a great notion – but is it even possible to do? I’ve tried taking photos of bad flares, and, in that case, pictures are NOT worth a thousand words, because there’s just no way to “show” that … Continue reading