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Positive vs. Negative: The Image of Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Undoubtedly, when one thinks of arthritis or rheumatic illness, not many “good” images come to mind. Chronic illness, disabilities, pain – these aren’t “positive” things. So, there becomes a real frustration – and a real disconnect – for many patients who see commercials for arthritis drugs that feature smiling, seemingly healthy and pain-free individuals who … Continue reading

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

This Fall, Focus on Preventing Falls – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

This fall, do yourself a favor and take the time to focus on preventing falls. We’ve all taken a tumble or a spill here and there, and the truth is, while we sometimes come out unscathed, we can sometimes really hurt ourselves! We often associate falls with children or the elderly, but the truth is, … Continue reading

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Dental Health & Oral Hygiene with Rheumatoid Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Can rheumatoid arthritis or the medications taken for RA cause teeth problems or other issues with dental health or oral hygiene? Let’s take a look. There are many ways that rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can be linked with dental problems. Rheumatoid arthritis, along with other forms of arthritis, can affect the jaw. If the jaw joint … Continue reading

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Uncategorized / Wellness

Healing Hands for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

On September 19th, 2012, Massage Envy will donate $10 from every massage and facial to the Arthritis Foundation, as part of “Healing Hands for Arthritis.” You can find a location close to you by clicking here. According to the Arthritis Foundation website, “Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation are joining forces for the second annual Healing … Continue reading

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

Are You the Face of Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

  What does arthritis “look like?” Check out this new initiative from the Arthritis Foundation, “Faces of Arthritis.” Go blue for World Arthritis Day by purchasing this shirt to show that arthritis has MANY looks, and then share your photo and your story to show the world what “arthritis looks like!” I’ll be posting more … 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

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Chronic Pain and Sleep – The Vicious Cycle – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

  Sleep problems are common in people with arthritis and chronic pain. Additionally, people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases may need more sleep than the average adult. Some RA patients need as much as 10 hours of sleep per night, whereas a “healthy” adult typically needs 7-8 hours … Continue reading

Arthritis / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Chiropractic Care for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Keeping in the them of our inaugural Digital Rheum post, we will be discussing how chiropractic care can potentially benefit people with some types of arthritis and rheumatic disease. If your rheumatologist agrees that you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor, here are some things to keep in mind! Know the differences between types of … Continue reading

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Treatment Options of Rheumatic Disease: My Current Plan – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

People ask me all the time what I take for my rheumatoid arthritis. The truth is, I think I’ve pretty much tried everything, and, I’ve reacted differently to everything. The reason I don’t share the specifics of my exact treatment plans anymore, is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment, and everyone’s body is different. Plus, … Continue reading