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

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

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

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

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

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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 / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Uncategorized

Why Advocate? – Ashley Boynes

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Why advocate? You’re just one voice, after all. You won’t be heard. … or will you? Arthritis affects 22% of the United States population. That’s over 50 million adults and over 300,000 children. Still thinking you won’t be heard? Think again. Last week was the Advocacy Summit. Arthritis patients and advocates of all ages stormed … Continue reading →

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

Talking About Pain: Can It Affect The Way We Feel? – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Last week, I challenged Facebook friends to describe their chronic illness in 3 words. Many of these people had Rheumatoid Arthritis and similar conditions, and many of them used words such as “frustrating, isolating, ugly, lonely, indescribable, difficult, invisible, painful, hurting, tiring, depressing, agonizing, expensive, challenging, life-changing, annoying, misunderstood, tearful, excruciating, exhausting, consuming, limiting” and … Continue reading →

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

Start Small! How to Stay Active with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Let me just say this – I don’t like to exercise. I am always baffled by people who genuinely love working out. While I always enjoyed sports growing up, until I had to quit – softball, basketball, and cheerleading – the idea of going to a gym or having a strict fitness regime has never … 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

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

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

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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

How to Choose a Doctor – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Do you have a new diagnosis? Did you move to a new part of the country? Have you held off on going to the doctor for years? Or, are you in need of a major surgery or life-altering treatment? If so, you may be stuck at the crossroads of having to choose a new … Continue reading →

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

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

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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 →