Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

“What I Know For Sure” – Chronic Illness Edition … by Ashley Boynes – inspired by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has taught me a lot of things. She’s one of my idols, and, to me, a prime example of “overcoming” in the face of adversity to truly live your life to its fullest potential. After writing in since high school (I graduated in 2002) and being on a ticket waiting list for over 2 … Continue reading

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

Just Say YES … Live Your Life Despite Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes

I recently bought a book entitled, “A Place of Yes” and, though I’ve yet to start reading it, I realized last week before even purchasing it that I am in a place of “yes” myself. I’ve learned to “just say yes” despite arthritis and other chronic ailments. After all, we only live once….so why not … Continue reading

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

Walk It Up! – by Ashley Boynes

The time is here for you to register for your local Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Walk! Not only that, but yesterday, April 6th, was National “Start Walking” Day, and, the month of April is also Physical Wellness Month. So, what better time to get moving?! Spring is upon us, and, new research recently published in Arthritis … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

Beauty is Pain ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #28 ~ by Ashley Boynes

The  saying goes, “pain is beauty and beauty is pain…” or, another adaptation that I’ve found even more poignant: “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” I agree. While we could talk about the superficial, painful things that we do for beauty such as eyebrow plucking, ear piercing, brutal diets, laser peels, wearing corsets, high … Continue reading

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Diet and Arthritis – What to Eat for RA, OA, and Gout? by Ashley Boynes

No matter your age, eating healthily is an important part of maintaining overall wellness. This is especially true for anyone living with one of the 117 forms of arthritis and related rheumatic disease. Of course, regular doctor visits, taking your medications and supplements as prescribed, proper rest, and an adequate amount of physical activity are … Continue reading

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

Are You Prepared for an Emergency? – by Ashley Boynes

Reflecting on the recent disaster in Japan – and past natural disasters around the world – I wonder how many of us are actually prepared for an emergency. Those of us with medical needs may have to take some extra precautions and may also have more to take into consideration. How ready are YOU for … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Keeping Up with Chiari – and Some Inspirational Thoughts ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #27 ~ by Ashley Boynes

February 9th, 2011 Exactly one week ago, I was in the hospital just a couple hours out of neurosurgery. I had brain surgery on February 2nd, and am doing seemingly well. I haven’t posted a “health diary” entry in a while, and some of you were inquiring about it, so here it is! Just a … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized

Advocate for Yourself and Your Health! Learn About Arthritis Advocacy and the 2011 AF Advocacy Summit! – by Ashley Boynes

What is an advocate? An advocate is someone who supports a cause publicly, and who pleads the cause of themselves or another. Advocates push for things to get done. For awareness to be spread. For laws to be passed. For rights. They educate. They inspire. Simply put, advocates are heroes.   Who needs to advocate? … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

Oh, hey, OA! What You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis – by Ashley Boynes

Almost everyone will get arthritis at some point in their lives, and the most common type is osteoarthritis, also known as OA.  Osteoarthritis usually comes with aging and is frequently seen in athletes, overweight people, and “blue-collar” workers, as well. It is the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, and not the autoimmune type.   OA is … Continue reading