What You Need to Know About RA and Osteoporosis
RA comes with an increased risk for other medical conditions. One of these is osteoporosis. In my new article for HealthCentral, I take a closer look at risk factors and prevention: “Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), steroids, a sedentary lifestyle, being low on vitamin D — these all are risk factors for developing osteoporosis and may be…
Could Vagus Nerve Stimulation Cure RA?
A new drug-free treatment holds promise for RA. I investigate in my new artcile for HealthCentral: ““Vagus nerve stimulation cures rheumatoid arthritis!” You may have seen this statement in multiple places over the past few years, but is it true? Can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) really be cured by stimulating a nerve in your neck? To…
How to Cope With Rheumatoid Arthritis Morning Stiffness
It’s a defining symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and one of the most difficult aspects of the condition. My new article for HealthCentral is all about morning stiffness, plus tips for coping with it. And there’s more! Tips and stories from the RA community: “One of the defining characteristics of arthritis is morning stiffness. Depending on…
12 Ways to Get on Top of Your RA
New year, new you? That can be difficult to accomplish when you live with RA and all the demands and unpredictability that entails. My new article for HealthCentral suggests an attainable way of embracing a new you: one month at a time: “Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and all that comes with it can be…
How Acupuncture Can Help Your RA
Treating RA and its symptoms involves a toolbox with a wide variety of regimens and approaches. In one of my new articles for HealthCentral, I took a look at acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: “Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rely on a number of treatments and techniques to deal with the symptoms and pain. Many…
How Mental Health Resources Can Help You Live Better With RA
RA affects your physical health, but also your mental and emotional health. In one of my new articles for HealthCentral, I took a look at the mental health resources that can help you heal and move forward: “Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not easy. Adapting to the repeated changes and losses that can accompany…
12 Must-Reads if You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s no secret that I’m a complete book nerd. I learned from books, I love the adventure of books… Essentially, books make me happy. Books can also be a great way of learning more about rheumatoid arthritis and when written by people who live with RA, even better. In my new slideshow for HealthCentral, I’ve…
How Massage Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
Keeping rheumatoid arthritis pain under control requires a toolbox of techniques. This can include both allopathic (Western) approaches, as well as alternative treatments. One of these is massage. In my new slideshow for HealthCentral, I took a look at how massage can help RA: “Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic illness that affects many parts…
Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare Triggers
Most people have a fairly good sense of how they’ll feel tomorrow, which enables them to make plans and organize their days. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, this is not the case — a flare of symptoms may pop up out of nowhere and sideswipe your life. Knowing what may trigger a flare can give…
New Tool Offers Side-by-Side Comparison of RA Medications
Finding the right rheumatoid arthritis medication for you, one that has benefits, with the tall pro level of side effects, is a trial and error process. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a tool that can tell us what life on a particular medication would be like? I recently interviewed a rheumatologist who is…
Masking RA: How to Stop Pretending We’re Fine
Do you pretend to be better than you are? Do you hide your pain, your fatigue, maybe you illness itself? In my new article for HealthCentral, I write about the damage pretending with do to us and our relationships and share tips for taking off the mask: “We all do it — pretend that everything…
Navigating Medicare With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Parts A, B, C, D, and then there’s supplemental parts with many more letters… feeling lost? Which Medicare plans will you need for your RA, how do you get coverage for the meds and care you need, and how will you know it all? In my new article for HealthCentral, I break it all down…