What Came First: Arthritis or Inactivity? ~ by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

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 →

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Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I am not ugly. But, sometimes being sick makes me feel like I am. Believe it or not, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can certainly age you; all the while “stealing your pretty.” I used to get mad about it, and now I just learn to adapt. There are so many ways to still … Continue reading →

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Parenthood, Arthritis, and Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Parenting is a difficult task for anyone, but particularly of those with chronic illness or a disability. How can you care for your children when there are days that you can barely care for yourself? I don’t have kids of my own but I posed the question to the arthritis community on Facebook and Twitter, … Continue reading →

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Health & Hollywood: Stars Get Sick, Too! A Look at Celebrities with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 8 Comments

Sure, their “people” usually try to either: a.) hide the fact that their celebrity client is sick or b.) exploit the fact that their celebrity client is sick….but the truth is, stars are human, and even the most beautiful, rich, and famous people in the world get sick, too. I was saddened to hear about … Continue reading →

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

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

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 →

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Arthritis and Obesity (And Dr. Phil) – What’s the Deal? Get the Facts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

Does Dr. Phil need to “get real?” Or, did he just….make a mistake? Recently, Dr. Phil made a comment on his television show that enraged some people with RA. He indirectly claimed that an obsese child could face a whole host of health problems caused by his obesity…. including rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, being overweight … Continue reading →

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Joys and Pains: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Poem – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

For today’s blog post, I would like to do something a little different, and share with you all a poem that I wrote about life with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions/chronic illnesses. It is called Joys and Pains. Please enjoy! “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, … Continue reading →

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The Great Debate: Alcohol and Arthritis by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

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 →

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Acupuncture for Arthritis – Does it Work? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

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 →