Explore every episode of the podcast Arthritis Life
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What’s it like to be a Doctor with RA and Vasculitis? | 26 Sep 2024 | 01:08:42 | |
Elena also shares her favorite resources for living well with arthritis, including supportive footwear brands, arthritis gadgets, and inspirational books. Shes hares practical tips like finding the right shoes to support your joints, using dictation tools to reduce hand strain, and the importance of accepting that some pain may persist while still being able to live a fulfilling life. Throughout the conversation, Dr Elena and Cheryl emphasize the value of prioritizing what's important and showing up for family, work, and health—even when symptoms make things challenging. If you're newly diagnosed with RA, this episode offers comforting, actionable advice and a reminder that you're not alone in navigating this journey. DISCLAIMER FOR THIS EPISODE: The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Air Force, Department of Defense or the US Government* Episode Themes:Personal Challenges and Advice: Elena shares her experience with managing rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis and discusses practical tips for newly diagnosed individuals. Useful Products and Tools: Cheryl and Elena discuss favorite footwear brands and how they impact daily comfort and highlight dictation software as a game-changer for writing tasks. Living Well with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Elena emphasizes focusing on doing what's most important, even with some discomfort, to achieve a fulfilling life. Inspirational Mantras: Elena shares her favorite motivational sayings and discusses how this perspective helps her manage daily challenges. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Power of Strength Training for Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Kinesiologist Dr. Jasmin Ma | 21 Sep 2024 | 00:51:19 | |
Dr. Ma advises people with rheumatoid arthritis to start small, listen to their body, and use her "START" guide to gradually build an active routine that feels right for you. She also explains how the START guide is a useful tool for clinicians like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to support patients in developing sustainable strength training routines. Dr. Ma also shares her favorite mantra, "control the controllables and enjoy the enjoyables," which is a great reminder to focus on what you can manage and find joy in the little things. Plus, Cheryl and Dr. Ma dive into how having a supportive community—whether it’s big or just a few people—can make a huge difference in thriving with RA! Episode Themes: Physical Activity with RA: Dr. Ma shares how you should listen to your body’s needs and pace yourself to avoid overexertion. Physical activity is more than exercise; it’s about reducing sedentary time and increasing daily activity. Kinesiologist’s Approach to Movement: Using the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Dr. Ma talks about the balance of physical activity, sleep, and reducing sedentary behavior, all while accounting for the challenges posed by RA. The Importance of Community: Cheryl and Dr. Ma discuss how community is key for thriving with RA, but it looks different for everyone. Whether it’s a large group, one-on-one support, or reaching out to a healthcare professional, connection makes a difference. Inspirational Mantra: Dr. Ma shares her favorite saying: "Control the controllables and enjoy the enjoyables." Focus on what you can manage and find joy in the present moment. Empowering Mindset: Cheryl and Dr. Ma discuss how RA management is about becoming your own scientist and finding what works best for you. Mental Shift on Exercise: Cheryl and Dr. Ma explore the idea of reframing exercise as something empowering, rather than just a necessity, and how staying active can contribute to feeling more in control of your health. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For full episode details include a transcript and video:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| “Bald Girl Big World:” Colleen’s Alopecia Story | 17 Jun 2024 | 01:25:35 | |
What’s it like to suddenly go bald at age 22? In this episode, Cheryl interviews Colleen Kydd, who speaks candidly about living with autoimmune alopecia. She shares how she went from covering her baldness with wigs to confidently, unapologetically embracing her identity as a “bald girl in a big world!” Colleen shares how she managed her alopecia in the corporate world, dating life, world travels and new role as an entrepreneur. Throughout the episode, Cheryl and Colleen discuss acceptance, self compassion, and the crucial importance of connecting with others when we’re struggling. Cheryl and Colleen reflect on the transformative power of storytelling, and the importance of pursuing a meaningful life amidst the challenges of chronic illness. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why do Disability Pride and Disability Representation Matter? “Cursed” novelist and JIA Patient Karol Ruth Silverstein | 14 Jul 2021 | 00:55:46 | |
Episode at a glance:
Speaker Bios: Karol Ruth Silverstein is a children's book author and screenwriter. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 13 and has identified as disabled since 21. Originally from Philadelphia, she now lives in West Hollywood with her two exceptionally fully cats. You can find her website at: https://www.karolruthsilverstein.com/ Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and educational program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Prevent and Cope with Rheumatic Disease Flare Ups | 05 Jul 2021 | 00:53:10 | |
Episode at a glance:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an empowerment program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Learn more here! Speaker Bio:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Tips for Pregnancy and Postpartum with Rheumatoid Arthritis with Mariah Leach | 17 Jun 2021 | 01:04:51 | |
This episode includes discussions about:
This is part one of a two part series - later, Mariah and Cheryl will share tips for parenting toddlers / “big kids” and managing mental health as chronically ill parents! Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected. Episode links:
For full episode details, including a detailed episode breakdown, go to: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/06/17/tips-for-pregnancy-and-postpartum-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Arthritis Poetry Reading Event | 08 Jun 2021 | 00:44:38 | |
Speaker bios in order of appearance: Kristen Brogan: Kristen has been living with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's since 2018. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has a PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, which she uses to inform behavioral chronic illness coaching that she provides for others living with chronic illness. In her free time, she enjoys writing, yoga, meditation, and spending time with her partner and their three dogs. Links: IG handle @WarriorsMoveMountains and my website which is www.WarriorsMoveMountains.WordPress.com Emma is a 24 year old living with inflammatory arthritis in Ontario, Canada. Gittel is a 32-year-old daughter of immigrants from Central America, who was born and raised in downtown Los Angeles. She is a "forever teacher" who is no longer in the workforce due to her diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (among others). Currently, she is riding out the pandemic at her parents' and is learning to manage her illness as best she can---one moment at a time. She can be found on IG at @gittie Melissa McKenzie is a writer from Jamaica who can be found at @pennedbymelissa on Instagram. Joel Nelson: Writer. Arthritis Advocate. Dad. Sharing my story of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis to raise awareness. Specialising in pain, parenting and mental health. Also writes for leading charities and organisations.
Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. You can find Cheryl at:
Unity Schmidt: Born into a near-death experience, my journey with JRA became official shortly after my 1st birthday; activating my lifepath to move from chronic pain to purpose. As a life coach, author and teacher, I help my clients understand their energy, move through any blocks/challenges, and awaken their inner magic to reach their biggest dreams! Learn practical, magical ways to uplevel your life and choose your adventure with faery godmother life coaching, classes and my "SOS Energy Report" now available online. Mary (Mimi) Cross, age 27, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 7 years ago, runs Inflammation Vacation and can be found on Instagram at @inflammationvacation. Ashley Shrum is a physical therapist living with arthritis who can be found on Instagram at @a.shrummer Effie Koliopoulos is a freelance writer and rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate. She created her blog Rising Above Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2016, after being inspired to share her story more publicly and connect with others after undergoing a total knee replacement. Currently residing in Chicago, she is working on her debut children’s picture book, enjoys creating video content for her YouTube channel and other projects. Effie’s Blog
This podcast is brought to you Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist today! Arthritis Life links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Chronically Brown: The Importance of Cultural Representation in Chronic Illness Communities, With Sukhjeen Kaur | 25 May 2021 | 00:53:14 | |
Topics covered in this episode include:
Speaker Bios: Sukhjeen Kaur is the Founder of Chronically Brown which aims to address the ableism in South Asian communities. Chronically Brown is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Asians with invisible & visible disability through education and support. Sukhjeen has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 2 years. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and enjoyable patient education and self-management resources. This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Breakdown: 1:00 - Sukhjeen shares her initial difficulty adjusting to her chronic illness due to lack of representation of people of color in online communities. She shares how she learned to accept her condition after connecting with others from her cultural community. 5:30 - Sukhjeen explains how and why she formed the nonprofit Chronically Brown. She shares how she grew up in a predominantly white area and felt her cultural background was erased during her youth. The exclusion and stigmas for people of color with disabilities leads Sukhjeen to form Chronically Brown. 9:05 - What does “intersectionality” mean and how does that apply to a person of color living with a disability? What does it feel like to be excluded from both your culture and your disability community? 10:30 - Specific stigmas around disability within South Asian communities, including “What will people say?” Pressure to hide your chronic illness, not use mobility aids, “fix” or cure your illness, maintain an image of perfection and more examples. 15:00 - How Sukhjeen became comfortable being more outspoken about her experiences with disability. 20:00 - Sukhjeen explores medication shaming within South Asian communities and the chronic illness community at large. 22:00 - Exploration of how South Asian cultural treatments (like yoga or herbal remedies or turmeric) are sometimes bashed within the chronic illness community. The importance of the language we chose; “have you tried yoga” can be exclusive or derogatory towards South Asian communities. 26:45 - Exploration of the phrase “herbal medicine” and how that often signifies nonwhite practices versus “Western medicine.” 28:35 - Recognition of the emotional and energetic labor that goes into educating others about culture. Recognition that not every South Asian person wants to speak about their culture. 30:30 - Sukhjeen explains her “Dos and Don’ts” when reacting to someone’s chronic illness or disability, and what to say when you don’t know what to say. Why is it so harmful when people say things like “you just need to push through it” or “my friend tried XYZ and they are cured, you should too.” 35:15 - What does Sukhjeen want medical professionals to know about South Asian cultures and disability? 41:00 - Sukhjeen’s final message: the importance of including South Asians in all efforts around chronic illness and disability, and uplifting the voices of people of color. 44:00 - Reflection on #DisabilityTooWhite. The importance of representation of people of color’s experiences. Cheryl’s reflection as a white person about the importance of recognizing your blind spots and subtle forms of racism and biases. 46:00 - Sukhjeen’s examples of racial microaggressions when filling her medication and a pharmacist delaying her medication due to his difficulty understanding her name. 50:00 - Cheryl’s reflections on having white privilege, the importance of recognizing it and using it in a helpful way rather than taking advantage of it. 51:30 - Where to follow up with Sukhjeen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Worst Good News: What to do when Test Results are Normal but you Feel Awful? Joel Nelson's Story. | 13 May 2021 | 00:58:10 | |
Topics include:
Speaker Bios: Joel Nelson: Writer. Arthritis Advocate. Dad. Sharing my story of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis to raise awareness. Specialising in pain, parenting and mental health. Also writes for leading charities and organisations. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown: 1:00 - Introduction and Joel’s diagnosis story. 3:00-11:30 - Joel reads from his blog post, “No established cause doesn’t mean no problem.” 11:45 - Cheryl & Joel discuss the vulnerability of seeing new specialist doctors. Joel expands on his experiences with the neurologist who had not reviewed his medical chart. 15:15 - Cheryl & Joel discuss being worried about being perceived as a hypochondriac, and the challenges of filtering what information you share with a doctor / medical provider. 22:45 - Joel expands on his emotional response to the test results letter he received from the neurologist with his test results. Cheryl & Joel discuss the imperfections of our current health system. 28:00 - Cheryl expands on how patients who have difficulty functioning in daily life deserve access to care, for example occupational therapy, even if there is “no known cause.” 30:00 - Joel explains what his GP (primary care) said after his neurological test results were normal. He went through pain management therapy which included disability adjustment training. He made a conscious choice to put his energy into adapting to it and making peace with it, yet continues living in fear that a neurological episode will happen again. 35:30 - Joel talks about his Pain Management program, which included group therapy, individual therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, learning about pain and special wellbeing topics. It helps him “rewire how he thought.” 40:00 - Cheryl’s perspective about finding a balance between trying to heal or eliminate pain, and building our capacity to adapt to our life as it is, even including pain. 42:30 - Joel describes a helpful exercise from his pain management program: writing down the biggest issues with your current situation and recognizing that pain wasn’t necessarily the biggest problem, it was partly the spiraling thoughts around it. 46:30 - Cheryl’s analogy for positive versus negative thoughts - like a radio station you can choose to fight them, try to constantly turn them up or down or drown them out, or we can just acknowledge that they are simply there, sometimes they’re helpful, sometimes not and I can continue going where I want to go despite them. 48:00 - Joel’s realization that he might not be able to turn “off” the negative thoughts, but he can let them have less power over him. Example of his work as an IT manager and how he struggles with guilt when he takes time off. 51:30 - Cheryl and Joel reflect on how having to say no and take sick days challenges your sense of self. Discuss the challenges of activity pacing when you are a parent. 55:00- Concluding thoughts - link between physical and mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask your medical providers questions and be involved with decision making. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Parenting, Faith and Respecting Different Treatment Choices: Conversation with The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama Renee Anderson | 04 May 2021 | 00:50:33 | |
Episode at a glance:
Speaker Bios: Renee is a former middle school teacher turned homeschooling mom of three. She’s been married for 17 years and lives in West Michigan. She started The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama after her RA diagnosis in late 2017 when she began sharing her journey, faith, and experiences with RA openly and authentically on Instagram and Facebook. Since then, Renee has been interviewed by and featured in media outlets such as Healthline, Health Central, CreakyJoints, WEGO Health, Self Magazine, and more. Her Facebook support group, The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mamas Sisterhood, has nearly 2,000 members and she uses the group as a space for all women to come together regardless of their treatment choices to support one another, share their experiences, and connect with other autoimmune disease warriors. Renee has a passion to support and encourage other women (especially moms) who are battling autoimmune diseases. Her goal is to provide others with encouragement and hope, feel less alone, and inspire them to live their best lives despite battling autoimmune disease. Her newest endeavor, a podcast called Every Day with Autoimmune, is set to launch during the summer of 2021! Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for eighteen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the detailed show breakdown: 2:14 - Renee’s journey getting her RA diagnosis after a decade of mystery symptoms. 5:23 - Renee has mixed emotions after her diagnosis: fear and confusion, mixed with relief that she finally had a definitive answer. 6:45: Discussion about how common it is for people with autoimmune symptoms to be dismissed by medical professionals. 8:30 - How Renee’s three children have become more compassionate and sensitive as a result of mommy’s rheumatoid arthritis. How she initially tried to hide her diagnosis from them, and how she then realized she needed to be open with her children and husband. 13:15 - Renee opens up about her infertility journey and what she learned about communication, stress management and how to relinquish control. 15:40 - How Renee structures her daily routine to suit her RA needs and her family’s needs. 18:10 - How Renee’s Christian faith and eternal perspective helps her cope with RA. 20:00 - Cheryl reflects on how, despite being an agnostic / atheist now, she carries forward lessons she learned as a child about the importance of unconditional love and the idea that everyone is worthy even if they have a health challenge. 21:55 - Cheryl & Renee discuss how different people have different treatment paths and the divides within the RA community at times between a “natural” and a “western medication” approach. How Renee explored lifestyle and diet and worked with a functional medicine doctor. 26:35 - While Renee is able to control her RA with lifestyle and diet, she will never fault or judge anyone for taking medication. 27:35 - Cheryl’s perspective as someone on three RA medications. The importance of differentiating as patients between sharing our experiences and then making the leap that *because* it worked for me, it 100% will work for you. Important to remember the current scientific evidence at the population level favors an early aggressive medication approach. 29:20 - How Renee’ focuses on an overall anti inflammatory lifestyle; an integrative approach - not “either/or” but “both.” 30:00 - How Renee’s experience with unkindness and negativity in Facebook groups inspired her to start her own group: the Rheumatoid Arthritis Mamas Sisterhood. 34:05 - The dark side to obsessing over “healthy food,” you can become orthorexic - obsessive with eating only healthy or “clean” foods. 36:35 - Patients are the expert on our own patient journeys but that doesn’t mean that we know what will work for another patient. 37:10 Renee shares the foods that trigger *her* inflammation. 38:45 - How Renee healed herself from her negative emotions around food and has built a healthy relationship with food through Elizabeth Dahl, a food coach. How to learn food is not the enemy. Learning to be careful about what she eats without being militant has helped her. 43:35 - Discussion of disease-specific Facebook groups, how it’s important to have a place to vent sometimes but it’s also important to find groups that suit your needs, and if you’d like a more supportive and positive place there are groups for that too. 47:25 - Concluding thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| It's just a bad day, not a bad life: Julie Croner's Psoriatic Arthritis Journey | 24 Apr 2021 | 00:45:43 | |
Specific topics include:
This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches people with RA how to confidently manage their physical, social and emotional life with this condition. Speaker Bios: Julie Croner, a psoriatic arthritis patient leader, is on a mission to advocate for ALL advocates. She's the Vice President of the Patient Leader Network at WEGO Health and was named to MM&M's inaugural class of 40 Under 40 in 2020. Julie has been featured by Stanford Medicine X, the National Psoriasis Foundation, Everyday Health, WebMD, HealthLine, and more. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown: 1:00 - Introduction to Julie. 2:00 - Julie’s winding journey to a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis: knee surgeries / swelling from fifth grade until after college and during work as an Information Technology (IT) consultant. 4:55 - Julie gets the adult diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PSA) and her rheumatologist helps get it under control. She’s able to connect the dots of her chronic health issues in retrospect and see how it all relates to psoriatic arthritis (PSA). 8:24 - Julie also experiences avascular necrosis in the femur bone (leg) which led to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). She started connecting to other patients online, got medication for PSA and started exploring diet and lifestyle. 9:48: Julie researches anti-inflammation lifestyle approaches, and uses her IT consultant skills to make an excel spreadsheet to track everything (food, movement, mood, medications, etc) for 6 months and discovered her unique inflammation and flare triggers. 10:55 The BEST thing she did in her journey! 11:20 - Julie discovers that her body is sensitive to food triggers. She discovers that gentle movement, meditation and mindfulness helps her. She continues going on and off medications when needed. 12:40 - Cheryl reflects on the importance of discovering your own unique triggers and not thinking there is a one size all solution. 14:00 - Julie’s worst food triggers for joint inflammation. (15:12) 15:44 - Julie is bedridden for 6 months due to her Avasular Necrosis and is depressed. Her parents take her to DisneyWorld and she has an epiphany after doing a singing competition! She decides to share her story through starting a blog: “It’s just a bad day not a bad life.” 19:20 - After being on disability for four years, she decides to focus on a career in patient advocacy rather than IT consulting. 20:30 - Julie starts working for WEGO Health, a network of patient leaders. She helps patients and loved ones use their story and get connected to companies wanting their insights. 23:40 - Why Julie thinks it’s so important for patients to share our stories: how she found an answer to her avascular necrosis due to seeing another patient’s story online. 26:50 - How Julie’s health conditions affected her dating life, and how she met her husband. Her husband said, “You talk like you USED to be great, and the person I see IS really great! (28:13)” 30:00 - How did PSA affect her family planning with her spouse who is in the army. When pregnant she felt very nervous and overwhelmed. She signed up for a MothertoBaby study. 33:45 - During her first pregnancy PSA went into remission, psoriasis in 1st trimester. Second pregnancy didn’t go into remission. 35:15 - What helped her when babies were little: asking for help, planning ahead, pacing yourself. 37:15: How Julie copes with big emotions while parenting: Headspace app and Mindful Mamas app. 39:36 - Julie’s best advice for newly diagnosed patients - empower yourself and be a partner with your medical team. 40:45 - Cheryl and Julie’s advice to patients who are overwhelmed when “doing their own research” - how to evaluate which resources are high quality information and which are low quality or dangerous. Reflections on how to navigate disease-specific Facebook groups. 44:15: Julie’s concluding thoughts: if you are dealing with an autoimmune disease, you are not alone.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| From Devastated to Patient Leader: Eileen Davidson’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story | 15 Apr 2021 | 00:47:48 | |
Episode at a glance:
Speaker bios: Eileen Davidson is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate from Vancouver British Columbia Canada. She volunteers with the Arthritis Research Canada patient advisory board and the Canadian Institute of Health Research - Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis patient engagement research ambassador. When not advocating she is writing about her experience with arthritis through Creaky Joints, Chronic Eileen or can be found being a mom to her son Jacob. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, a membership community Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown: 1:40 - Eileen’s diagnosis story: many years of symptoms prior to her diagnosis when her son was two years old. 5:50 - How Eileen’s symptoms affected her ability to take care of her baby. 8:16 - Eileen’s devastation after receiving her diagnosis due to seeing her aunt suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis and pass away the same week. 10:00 - How Eileen learned to trust her medical providers. 11:20 - What helped Eileen learn to cope with her RA and share her story publicly; how others responded to her story and how writing introduced her to advocacy efforts. 15:00 - How others’ negativity motivated Eileen, and Eileen shares some of the positive responses to her writing. 17:45 - Eileen describes participating in arthritis research on symptom tracking using a FitBit, with a physiotherapist. Through tracking she started seeing patterns between menstrual cycle, sleep, exercise, rest. 22:30 - Eileen learned the benefits of strength training and helped researchers explore barriers to patients participating in strength training. 26:00 - Physical activity doesn’t have to look like formal exercise, it can be as simple as gardening, Zumba, yoga, or dancing. 29:00 - How the pandemic affected Eileen’s exercise routine and pain levels. 31:30 - How exercise helps Eileen with fatigue. 34:00 - Eileen shares her journey with depression and mental health. 36:20- What’s helped Eileen cope with depression and anxiety from rheumatoid arthritis & pain. 38:00 - Eileen’s advice to other parents with rheumatoid arthritis and reflections on what her son has learned from having a mom with a disability. 41:00 - How her rheumatoid arthritis has made her a better mom and changed her priorities 44:20 - The different forms patient advocacy can take. 46:00 - Eileen’s final message: if you’re interested in getting involved in research, don’t hesitate! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Pregnancy and Parenting with Psoriatic Arthritis: Jamie’s Story | 01 Apr 2021 | 01:07:19 | |
In this episode, Cheryl & Jamie discuss:
Speaker bios: Jamie lives in Gloucestershire, England, with her husband and their two children; Harper aged 4 and Kit who is almost 5 months. She was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in early 2019 and is still in the process of “learning” her condition. She is a freelance writer and self proclaimed coffee addict who is passionate about combining traditional and holistic approaches to find the best combination to manage her chronic illness. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown: 01:00 – Jamie’s introduction and her initial health issues: consistent pain in her fingers, spine, and neck after her first child was around two years old. 05:00 – Jamie struggles to get treated seriously by doctors. She’s diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis after originally her doctors said she was “too young” for it. 5:35 - She and Cheryl discuss their similar diagnosis journeys with medical gaslighting, how both of them had to have their parents advocate for them and spend money on additional doctors before they got their diagnoses. 7:30 - Discussion of anxiety as a result of untreated / undiagnosed chronic illness. Jamie & Cheryl discuss their experiences getting therapy for anxiety and coming to terms with it. 9:45 – Jamie’s first pregnancy without psoriatic arthritis, as compared to her second pregnancy with it. Discussion about medication decisions and how difficult it was to decide whether to have another child or not. 12:08 - What was it like to be pregnant with psoriatic arthritis during COVID19 pandemic (in 2020)? Includes a discussion about the pregnancy-induced remission she experienced. 14:30 Jamie discusses her experiences breastfeeding and difficult postpartum medication decisions. Cheryl and Jamie discuss how complicated medical decisions are in the context of a family system, not just what’s “best” for the baby. 16:30 - Jamie discusses comfortable ways to hold the baby during breastfeeding and the ways in which aspects of the newborn process are easier due to lockdown. 18:00 - Jamie discusses her mixed feelings about using adaptive aids or gadgets in the home, as a young person with arthritis. 20:00 - Balancing gratitude and grief as a mom with a disability. 22:00 - The importance of learning how to adapt continuously, rather than seeing your chronic illness as having an “end point.” 23:15 - How Jamie’s flare up affects her ability to parent her “big kid” (her 4 year old) and her feelings of mom guilt, complicated by the fact that she’s experienced parenting her child prior to her diagnosis. 26:10 - Cheryl and Jamie discuss how difficult it can be to decide whether to have additional children when you have a rheumatic disease, and how to spread out the space between your children. 34:45 - Cheryl parenting mantra: “My son needs me to be present, not perfect.” 36:00 - Learning to enjoy the simple pleasures with your children. 39:00 - How Cheryl & Jamie explain their conditions to their children and how it’s helped their children develop empathy. 42:00 - Coping with feelings of “unfairness” when you get diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when you had previously been healthy and had healthy behaviors. 45:00 - Fears of passing your autoimmune condition on to your children. 47:45 - Mamas Facing Forward - resource for moms and moms to be living with chronic illness. Includes books for children about parents that have disabilities. 50:00 - The importance of having clear expectations to your partner and delegating if possible when raising children. 55:00 - The role social media plays in Jamie & Cheryl’s lives; a blessing and a curse. It can be confusing as the diseases differ drastically between people. 58:00 - What the word “progressive” meant to Jamie when diagnosed and how that has changed over time with the modern treatment options and medication. 1:01:00 - Cheryl’s experience when newly diagnosed, having faith in the medications. 1:05:00 - The importance of considering how representative the stories that you’re looking at on social media are. When things are going well, people aren’t on the disease-specific social media groups. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Comedy, Chronic Illness, and Coping: Katie’s Inflammatory Arthritis Story | 04 Jun 2024 | 01:10:41 | |
In this episode, Katie reflects on the crucial role that parental and patient advocacy played in her her journey to a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). She also shares her college experience, and discusses the roles that comedy and humor have played in helping her cope. Cheryl and Katie express the importance of accepting the need for assistive devices, setting boundaries, believing in oneself, prioritizing needs, and having a support system to thrive with chronic illness. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Episode at a glance:
Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Can you Live a Normal Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis? | 27 Mar 2021 | 00:31:33 | |
In this episode Cheryl explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been key for her to build a life she loves despite chronic illnesses. She also shares how she’s found a balance between ways to minimize pain and ways to live a good life despite pain. Additionally she urges listeners to ask, “Can I live a good life despite rheumatoid arthritis?” rather than “Can I live a normal life with rheumatoid arthritis?” Speaker bio: Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Show notes:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What do you do when you hit rock bottom from chronic pain? Mindfulness, Acceptance and more with James Allen | 17 Mar 2021 | 01:03:55 | |
James and Cheryl discuss in detail how they manage fluctuating symptoms and pain from chronic rheumatic diseases. James also explains how his patient journey led him to create his innovative 3-D symptom tracker app, Chronic Insights. Speaker bios: James Allen is 39, and has lived with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) for 22 years. He likes to think of arthritis as a clumsy housemate who moved in without permission, who he used to hate but over the years he’s grown to kind of like. It forced him to leave his job as an IT consultant, which in retrospect has been a positive development, because now he’s doing something he really loves - developing a symptom diary app called Chronic Insights. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How can Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine Help People with Rheumatic Diseases? With Dr. Yu | 03 Mar 2021 | 00:35:47 | |
Speaker biographies: Dr. Micah Yu is double board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine. He obtained his MD from Chicago Medical School and holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and Biomedical sciences. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He has been accepted with a full scholarship to the Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Dr. Yu has a very unique perspective on autoimmune disease and arthritis as he is both a patient with arthritis and a physician. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Links to things discussed in the episode:
Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Balance Western Medicine and Alternative Medicine Approaches with Dr. Wada | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:52:20 | |
Dr. Kara Wada is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Fellowship Program Director of Allergy/Immunology at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency and Allergy/Immunology Fellowship at the Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. After having completed additional fellowship training in medical education, Dr. Wada is passionate about building meaningful connection and therapeutic relationships with her patients and inspiring future physicians to do the same. She seeks to empower her patients and coaching clients with a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to care. She speaks nationally on topics including medical education, allergic and immunologic conditions. Outside of her work, she is an autoimmune patient, a food allergy mom of 2 spunky daughters, and wife to another Dr. Wada. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the episode:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How can Water Exercise and Aquatic Yoga help people with Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases? | 12 Feb 2021 | 01:05:55 | |
Christa Fairbrother is a skilled and experienced water aerobics and aqua yoga instructor who also lives with multiple chronic illnesses. For Christa, living with arthritis and teaching yoga are integrated. She credits her lack of pain to aqua yoga practice. Being passionate about aqua yoga, she wants to see aqua yoga in more communities worldwide. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Here's the show breakdown: 01:15 - Christa’s diagnosis journey: symptoms of RA and Lupus symptoms started at age 12, initial diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) after the birth of her 2nd son. 05:05 - Christa’s MCTD symptoms (including Raynaud’s) and why it’s so hard to get this rare diagnosis. 8:00 - Christa and Cheryl reflect on what it’s like to live with multiple chronic conditions, not knowing at times what is causing which symptom. 10:40 - Christa’s up and down journey managing her conditions over many years. 15:30 - Cheryl and Christa explain what connective tissue and fascia are. 17:33 - Christa’s journey with yoga, which started when she had back pain being a farrier (a craftsperson who trims and shoes horses' hooves). 19:40 - After 20 years of doing yoga, Christa became a yoga instructor. 22:11 - What is aqua yoga, and how Christa discovered and fell in love with it. 25:33 - The numerous medical benefits of exercise in the water for healthy people and those living with arthritis. 32:15 - Christa’s explanation of the offloading of gravity in the water due to buoyancy and how it gives your muscles a more balanced effort. 34:55 - Christa discusses how accessible swimming pools are in the US. 38:55 - Thoughts around safety and germs with aqua yoga and swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic. 41:55 - Interested in the Arthritis Foundation’s aqua therapy program? Here is how you can find it at a local water center! 44:40 - Christa describes what happens in an aqua aerobics class. 47:43 - Cheryl and Christa’s insights on why group classes make people feel empowered, especially during COVID-19. 50:56 - Cheryl and Christa’s views on how the sensory elements of water can help regulate our mood, from prenatal experiences to adulthood. 55:25 - Christa’s advice on what to do if your joints hurt in the water. 1:01:30 - Salt water pools VS. Chlorine pools and water safety advice that you may not be aware of. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Life with Arthritis is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Christy Williams’ Story | 04 Feb 2021 | 01:06:57 | |
Christy Williams is a certified health coach, wife, mother of two and endurance athlete/triathlete. She has been living with an autoimmune disease called Sero-negative spondylarthopathy (blood negative inflammatory arthritis) since the age of 24. She is now 48 and has been in remission for 15 years due to a combination of Remicade (a biologic disease modifier) and an active healthy lifestyle. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She is passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis thrive despite arthritis. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Show Breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| It's Not Just Joint Pain, and 8 other Things Everyone who Loves Someone with Arthritis Should Know | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:39:21 | |
Episode at a Glance:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Links to things discussed in this episode:
@Sophialwebb_ , @mhaggerty_ , @mariavgi , @warriorsmovemountains , @worldofOT , @shelly_steele , _brittanbee_ , @theinvisiblemewarriorspbc , @znev.alia , @aimeefb, @mrs_Alix_Naber, @Lailaschneider, @kat.panning, @Annafitandbeautiful, @danicreegs, @floopilicious, @wsmommie, @house_of_spoons, @Bto22, @diana_rosas023, @chaichat023, @kheartsphotos, @pdxfashionista, @stephanielabonte, @shelly_steele + numerous anonymous contributors! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Arthritis Storytelling Hour - 13 Patient Stories in 90 Minutes | 12 Jan 2021 | 01:25:50 | |
In December 2020, Arthritis Life hosted an “Arthritis Storytelling Hour” where thirteen patients shared vivid tales from their lives. Listen and learn about how difficult the diagnosis process is for some, how people with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis learned to advocate for themselves, how to navigate work life with your condition, what it’s like to be a “spoonie mom,” the importance of mindset, acceptance and self-care, and more! Video details: Topic: basics of life with RA, diagnosis stories, how diagnosis led to career
Topic: Advocacy / learning to speak up
RA’s effect on work
RA’s and family
Humor and Mindset
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This video is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl Crow created to empower people with tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical lives with rheumatoid arthritis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Survive the Holidays with a Chronic Illness: Interview with Lene Andersen | 16 Dec 2020 | 00:51:34 | |
Photo credit for Lene’s photo: David Govoni. Speaker bios: Lene (pronounced Lena) is an award-winning writer and rheumatoid arthritis advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in Denmark, Lene has had autoimmune arthritis since childhood and has used a power wheelchair since her teens. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and writes books about living well with RA and other types of chronic illness. Lene shares her home with a cat and too many books. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in this episode:
Here's the show breakdown: · 01:50 – Lene shares her diagnosis story with Juvenile and Rheumatoid Arthritis · 02:32 – Lene shares some tips for managing the holidays with a chronic illness. · 05:00 – How Lene learned to embrace “imperfect moments” that create the family legends to make the holidays special. · 11:45 – Lene’s reflections about navigating the holiday season this year during COVID-19. · 20:55 – Lene shares her journey of creating her first book while battling major hurdles living with her Juvenile and Rheumatoid Arthritis. · 26:45 – Anyone battling chronic illness with big aspirations just take it one step at a time – remember: thinking and planning counts as moving in the right direction. · 31:40 – Lene gives insight about using her power wheelchair at age sixteen empowered her to live life to the fullest. · 36:25 – Lene discusses human right principles by understanding employment and accommodations for people with chronic illness. · 42:40 – Lene’s advice for newly diagnosed patients. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to get your Patient Voice Heard to Improve Healthcare | 03 Dec 2020 | 00:45:44 | |
Jen dives deep into how and why she co-founded Savvy-Co-op, whose mission is to empower patients to co-create new solutions alongside health innovators. This includes a discussion of her PhD studies in human factors. Jen walks us through what it’s like for a patient to get their voice heard and provide feedback to healthcare companies and health innovators through Savvy, all while being monetarily compensated for their time. She also explains why it’s crucial for health innovators to seek diverse patient voices. Cheryl and Jen discuss the importance of quality of life (QOL) measures as part of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The episode ends with a summary of Jen’s life experiences as a young person with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and her advice for newly diagnosed patients today. Speaker bios: Jen Horonjeff was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis as an infant and now has a laundry list of other conditions and surprises (like a brain tumor). She is passionate about elevating and valuing the patient voice, and went on to become a health outcomes researcher, human factors engineer, FDA Consumer Representative, and, most importantly, a patient advocate. Jen earned a PhD in Environmental Medicine from NYU, and studies patient-centered outcomes at Columbia University Medical Center. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Creating a Better Future for Autoimmune Care With Rheumission’s Dr. Micah Yu & Bonnie Feldman | 21 May 2024 | 00:52:22 | |
Cheryl, Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share their patient experiences and exploring problems with current healthcare systems. They then share how these problems led them to form creative patient programs and services. Cheryl shares the origin story for her Rheum to THRIVE program, and Dr. Yu and Dr. Feldman share how they created Rheumission, a virtual first integrative Rheumatology and Lifestyle clinic for people living with autoimmune disease. Overall, our passion for reimagining autoimmune care shines through as we highlight gaps in current treatment paradigms, and outline visions for a more inclusive, holistic and effective healthcare model that is proactive versus reactive. The discussion concludes with an exploration of cutting-edge advancements in telemedicine and personalized medicine, and all speakers share their best advice for newly diagnosed patients. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Episode at a Glance:
Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Adapting is a Superpower: Stefanie’s Journey as a Mom with RA, Coach and Nurse Practitioner | 24 Nov 2020 | 00:49:58 | |
Stefanie is the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach. She’s a mother, teacher, volunteer, Family Nurse Practitioner, and also has rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed about six years ago after the birth of her first child. As a medical professional with over ten years of experience at that time, she was completely lost and felt like her world was shattered. The day she was diagnosed she cried for 10 minutes in the car, and then decided: “I’m not only going to take control of MY disease, but I want to help others to do the same!” Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by learning effective tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links:
Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Staying Safe, Smart, Strong, Sweet and Silly with Spondylitis: Jason's Story | 11 Nov 2020 | 00:45:29 | |
Jason Webb is a 42 year old father of 3 daughters who has lived with inflammatory arthritis for 38 years. He’s also an artist, chef-educator (27 years), stock trading coach, and mentor to other single fathers. Jason is a creative with a flair for wit and humor. He understands that what works for him might not work for you, but he's there to help you through, so don’t be shy to reach out. He is currently working on a culinary education program and children's book series. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.
Here's the show breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| From Disability to Dance: How Krista Rowan learned to Love Herself Moving | 28 Oct 2020 | 01:08:12 | |
In January 2000, Krista was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis; a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting her joints, tissues, skin and organs. Having experienced chronic pain, disability, stress, depression, isolation and hopelessness for years, she relates deeply to the fear and impact to all facets of life when health is deteriorated. In 2015, Krista began addressing root cause drivers of her inflammation and disease, which not only dramatically improved her quality of life, but led her to become a speaker and certified coach. Today, Krista is on a reMISSION to inspire and empower others to improve their own health and quality of life. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:
Episode Breakdown:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Take Care of Your Hands: Interview with Corinne McLees, Occupational Therapist | 21 Oct 2020 | 00:58:40 | |
Speaker bios: Corinne McLees is passionate about helping individuals maximize the function of their upper extremities, as she believes the hands are imperative to doing the things we love most. She graduated from VCU's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2016 and immediately began working in VCU Heath's hand therapy clinic. Corinne and her OT husband launched My Virtual OT - a 100% virtual occupational therapy practice - in order to safely serve clients amidst COVID-19. She has two small children and one on the way, and she and her husband have greatly enjoyed launching this business together. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She helps others with rheumatoid arthritis determine how to live a full life *despite* arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode breakdown: 01:00 – Corinne’s explanation of what Occupational Therapy is 05:00 – Educating clients about hand therapy 07:00 – The brain interprets our hands as disproportionately important given their size; discussion of the homonculus 10:00 – How pain affects daily activities 12:42 – Principles of joint protect while living with chronic hand pain 13:00 – How posture alignment awareness protects joints 19:25 – Overuse of exercises, fatigue, and flares 25:05 – How to better understand human behavior to support behavior change 30:15- Corinne explains what happens during a virtual occupational therapy visit for patients with RA 33:00 – The importance of distinguishing between different tyes of pain 41:10 – How support groups can help keep you accountable 45:15- Additional OT treatments: heat and cold, splinting and joint protection Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How can Yoga Help People with Chronic Illness? Paulina's Story. | 14 Oct 2020 | 00:57:42 | |
In this episode, Paulina shares her personal journey of how she discovered the benefits of yoga after her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. She explains how it can help people manage stress and feel a better sense of peace about themselves and their lives. Paulina also busts some of the top myths about yoga in this episode. Paulina Burzynska has been a 𝑅ℎ𝑒𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝐴𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 since the age of 18. She has lived with RA for five years, and as a teacher she is dedicated to providing safe, mindful classes for everyone helping them experience the benefits of yoga. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links Discussed in this episode:
Episode breakdown: 01:00 - How Paulina was introduced to Yoga while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 05:00 – You don’t necessarily have to modify your yoga routine 07:00 – How yoga can work with your body’s central nervous system 12:24 – Practicing yoga involves breath work to help with stress and getting your mind and body into a healing state 15:00 – The mental aspect of yoga brings mindfulness 17:56 – Cheryl shares her experience taking Pauline yoga class 22:00- Yoga is not about the intensity but about the healing aspect 26:16 – How people with RA can modify yoga to help work around painful areas 32:00 – Listen to your intuition about your body 35:00 – Top myths around yoga - “I’m Not flexible enough to do yoga” 39:00 – You don’t need special equipment to practice yoga 42:00 – Your muscle fibers through physical activity will get weaker or stronger 45:00 – Certain techniques in yoga can help how your body reacts to stressful situations 48:30 – Insecurities that might prevent people from from trying yoga 52:00 – How yoga can support you Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Five Things I Wish I had Known when I was Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis | 07 Oct 2020 | 00:34:39 | |
Cheryl explains how rheumatoid arthritis affects more than just joints - it affects people’s whole bodies, and whole lives! She also explores how she learned to tolerate gray areas rather than seeking black and white answers, and how mindfulness and acceptance helped her with the mental side of life with chronic illness. This episode also includes a discussion about medical gaslighting, and how Cheryl learned to give herself permission to grieve her diagnosis. It concludes with a discussion about how managing one’s rheumatoid arthritis is like a full time job. Episode breakdown:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an empowerment program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Learn more here! Speaker Bio:Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links discussed in this episode:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Race, Gender and Rheumatology with Dr. Maggie Cadet | 30 Sep 2020 | 00:59:25 | |
This episode includes a deep dive into:
Speaker bios: Dr. Magdalena “Maggie” Cadet is a well respected board certified clinical rheumatologist in New York City. She is an Associate Attending at NYU Langone Medical Center. She has been selected as a 2016,2017, 2018, 2019,2020 Castle Connolly Top Doctor and 2018,2019 Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine. Dr. Cadet’s interests have always focused on women’s health issues and issues relating to arthritis, autoimmune diseases, sports medicine, and motivating others to live a healthier lifestyle. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Episode links:
Episode breakdown 02:30 – How Dr. Cadet became a rheumatologist. 05:16 – The importance of being persistent as a doctor. 08:00 – How Dr. Maggie was able to break societal barriers. 012:45 - Challenges women doctors of color face and how they advocate for themselves. 15:15 – Systemic racial disparities in healthcare among minorities. 19:30 – The importance of racial representation in healthcare for women of color and minorities. 24:00 - The importance of female doctor representation starting in childhood. 27:15– What Dr. Maggie wants rheumatology patients to know. 32:15- Doing your own research as a rheumatology patient is a job in itself. 34:15 – The importance of being honest with your doctor about your symptoms. 37:15 - Other healthcare professions that help with the management of your disease. 39:20 – Advice for patients to get the most out of their appointments. 43:30 – Fatigue and pain approaches for autoimmune patients. 48:58 – Understanding that physicians are humans too. 54:45 – Additional advice and insights for rheumatology patients. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Can diet and nutrition help people with arthritis? Separating myth from fact with three experts. | 23 Sep 2020 | 00:56:49 | |
Cristina Montoya, Registered Dietitian and Kia Peters, Nutrition Student weave together their lived experience as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and nutrition experts in this episode, alongside Jenifer Tharani, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in anti-inflammatory eating. This episode covers:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Speaker bios:Cristina Montoya is a Colombian mama living in the land of maple syrup, beavers and hockey, Canada. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a member in good standing with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Dietitians of Canada, and the Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA). As a patient advocate, Cristina participates in the Durham Region Sjögren's Syndrome Support Group from the Sjögren's Society of Canada as well as the Online Consumer Panel from the Arthritis Society. She is passionate about autoimmune rheumatic diseases, medicinal cannabis science, digestive health, Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory way of eating, Hispanic heritage foods, home cooking, gluten-free baking, and living one day at a time. Jenifer Tharani, MS RD (Registered Dietitian) Jenifer Tharani has completed master’s in human nutrition from Texas State University, San Marcos TX and training in dietetics from Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. She is a member of College of Dietitians of Ontario and registered with the Commission of Dietetic Registration. She is multilingual and fluently speaks second languages like Hindi and has worked in different settings which has given her experience treating people of all ages with different conditions. Jenifer believes that eating healthy does not have to be boring, time consuming or expensive. She is extremely passionate about helping you adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern without restrictions. She doesn’t believe in diets, instead in making small sustainable lifestyle changes to help you find a balance in your everyday life, including trying to keep your favorite foods in the mix! Jenifer’s mantra is “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime” and so she gives you a nutrition toolbox to help manage your health condition or live a healthy and good quality life, whatever your goal may be. About Jenifer's Virtual Nutrition Coaching Services In today's technologically driven world, Jenifer provides virtual nutrition coaching to help you take charge of your health from the comfort of your home. In her virtual nutrition practice, she focuses on helping clients adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern to help with weight loss, prevent and manage chronic illness like diabetes and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD. Kia Peters@livewellwithkia is a Nutrition Student who works with Jenifer, RD to educate other chronic illness warriors about anti-inflammatory nutrition without restriction.. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the episode:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Value Self-Love and Sexual Pleasure when Living with a Disability: an Occupational Therapist’s Approach | 16 Sep 2020 | 01:21:31 | |
Dr. Sakshi Tickoo (she/her/hers) is a Mumbai-based Occupational Therapist, Personal Counselor and Student Mentor specializing in the fields of Sexuality; Mental Health - Wellness and Rehabilitation. She has served a diverse group of people through home healthcare, telehealth, and school-based settings. She is also the founder and owner of Sex, Love, And OT and The OT Shop. Sex, Love, and OT is an inclusive and comprehensive platform educating and serving healthcare providers and clients who need tools and resources to advocate for sexual rights and liberation through education, centering pleasure, and freedom of occupational engagement in sexuality towards holistic wellness. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links discussed in this episode:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Relationships, Intimacy and Sex with Arthritis | 09 Sep 2020 | 01:13:28 | |
Navigating intimate relationships while managing a chronic illness can be tricky - how and when do you disclose your disability? How do you experiment with sexual positions without “ruining the mood?” Is it possible to communicate with your partner in a way that’s respectful and empowering? In this episode, five panelists share their best advice for *all* aspects of romantic and intimate relationships, including:
*Trigger warning - in minutes 30-40 there are descriptions of pressuring and coercion into sex without protection **This episode discusses adult topics (sex) and includes explicit language. Minute by Minute breakdown: Episode breakdown:
LINKS discussed in the episode
*For full speaker bios, see www.myarthritislife.net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What’s it like to run Half Marathons with Autoimmune Disease? | 13 May 2024 | 01:20:17 | |
After facing skepticism from some medical professionals who doubted her ability to run, Gretchen defied expectations and has completed over 100 half marathons, all while raising money and awareness for autoimmune causes. She and Cheryl also discuss the importance of self compassion in their journeys with chronic autoimmune disease. Gretchen shares why she resonates with progress over perfection and encourages others to be gentle with themselves while navigating life with autoimmune diseases. Gretchen shares how she found creative ways to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases, such as running two half-marathons on two coasts in two days to raise funds for autoimmune research at the Benaroya Research Institute. Through her experiences, Gretchen emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and building a supportive community. By sharing her story and promoting resilience, Gretchen aims to inspire hope and empower individuals to find purpose and joy in their own health journeys. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a transcript and video:Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Exercise with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Randi's Story | 02 Sep 2020 | 00:56:00 | |
Randi and Cheryl dive deep into Randi’s diagnosis journey, her career as a track and field athlete at the University of Alabama, her best advice for newly diagnosed patients, her tips for exercise with RA, and even some dating and relationship advice. Randi was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 16 after 6 years of trying to find an answer. Randi says: “My journey with RA has not always been easy, but it has been rewarding. I have had to learn what works best for me in controlling my RA because of course not everyone’s RA is the same. I manage my RA with exercise, a moderation diet, a medication, chiropractic care, and plenty of rest. Oddly, I am thankful to have been diagnosed with RA at 16 because I have become the best version of myself as a result of it.” Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links to things discussed in the podcast episode:
Here's the show breakdown:
Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Advocate as a Patient | 25 Aug 2020 | 00:39:26 | |
Effie shares many anecdotes and nuggets of wisdom about how she’s learned to advocate for herself over fifteen years of living with rheumatoid arthritis. She also shares examples of finding a good fit with a provider, and how to get involved in legislative advocacy on a national scale. Effie Koliopoulos is a freelance writer and rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate. She created her blog Rising Above Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2016, after being inspired to share her story more publicly and connect with others after undergoing a total knee replacement. Currently residing in Chicago, she is working on her debut children’s picture book, enjoys creating video content for her YouTube channel and other projects. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others develop tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges so that they can live a full life *despite* arthritis. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links discussed in this episode:
Detailed breakdown of show:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How can Applied Behavior Analysis and Mindfulness help People with Chronic Illness? Kristen’s Story. | 19 Aug 2020 | 00:57:31 | |
Kristen delves deep into the science behind behavior analysis and shares how she has used data to help her track her symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue. She also shares how mindfulness and acceptance based therapies can help people living with chronic illnesses achieve a better quality of life. Kristen also helps other chronic illness warriors apply the principles of behavior analysis to their unique health and lifestyle management goals through 1:1 behavioral coaching. In addition to being a chronic illness warrior, Kristen is also pursuing a PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, she is married to her high school sweetheart, and loves hiking and being outdoors with her partner and three dogs. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to successfully navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. Links discussed in this episode:
Time breakdown:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What does a mind body approach to rheumatoid arthritis look like? Vanessa’s Story | 11 Aug 2020 | 01:03:34 | |
Vanessa Cameron and Cheryl Crow delve deep into Vanessa's rheumatoid arthritis journey, which includes significant work she's done on examining the mind-body connection and finding balance in her life through daily mindfulness, EFT and other practices. Cameron discovered her passion for hacking her mind and body amid a debilitating bout with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After learning about the emerging science of Self-Compassion and the benefits of meditation, EFT (tapping) and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) she began incorporating daily science-backed practices that boosted her health and happiness. Her passion led her to start and earn master level practitioner certification to teach EFT and NLP. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She is passionately dedicated to helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to successfully navigate daily challenges so they can live a life they love despite health challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. This interview was conducted in December 2019. Get More Support at:Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected**.** See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Links discussed in this episode:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Can you Live a Full Life with Pain? | 04 Aug 2020 | 01:35:42 | |
Cheryl & Bronnie are both occupational therapists who live with chronically painful conditions. In this episode, Bronnie shares her unique perspective on how one pursue a full life *despite* pain, rather than seeking solely to eliminate pain. This episode is a must listen for both patients and practitioners. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Get More Support:Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Speaker Bios:Dr. Bronnie Lennox Thompson is a pain specialist, clinical instructor, and occupational therapist who lives with chronic pain from fibromyalgia. She has a passion to help people experiencing chronic health problems achieve their potential. She has worked for 20 years in the field of chronic pain management, helping people develop “self management” skills. Bronnie completed her Masters in Psychology in 1999, and recently earned her Doctorate in Psychology in the mid 2010s. Cheryl Crow has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years and has been an occupational therapist for seven. After originally working in pediatrics, Cheryl formed the online education and empowerment company Arthritis Life to fill a need for accessible, engaging patient education and self-management resources. This interview was conducted on May 17, 2020. For full episode links plus a transcript:Go to the show page on the Arthritis Life Website here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Best Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis | 28 Jul 2020 | 00:43:30 | |
This episode including tips for to cope with the initial diagnosis, how to best educate yourself about your condition, ways to utilize social support without getting overwhelmed, how to best collaborate with your provider and make treatment decisions, and finally how to take care of your mind and manage stress. Episode breakdown:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Links discussed in this episode:
From Instagram: @hopeamidthepain, @Rheumatoiddiaries, @TheNarcissistGames, @Sje70, @deepa.venkatraman, @drmaggiecadet, @A.shrummer, @Jbayze2018, @worldofot, @boop911, @Kimesue, @Mommywithmctd, @ra.and.me , @Paulaburza, @_chronically_happy_, @warriorsmovemountains, @graceandable_official From Facebook: Monica Thomas, Laura Muller, Christopher Vance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Pregnancy, Parenting and More with Rheumatoid Arthritis | 21 Jul 2020 | 00:47:57 | |
Episode at a Glance: The following is a breakdown of the main topics we discussed - scroll to the end to see hyperlinks for resources mentioned in this episode! As a reminder: this episode was originally recorded in 2019.
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected**.** See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! External resources mentioned in this episode or relevant to it:
All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Episode 2: Rheumatology Basics with Dr. Balderia | 14 Jul 2020 | 00:17:51 | |
Episode at a Glance Cheryl (rheumatoid arthritis patient and occupational therapist) and rheumatologist Dr. Percy Balderia discuss:
This interview was originally conducted in April 2019. Episode is brought to you by:Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Additional links relevant to this episode:
Dr. Percy Balderia is a rheumatologist who sees patients at The Polyclinic Madison Center and The Polyclinic Downtown in Seattle, Washington. He has a special interest in rheumatoid arthritis. He trained at the University of Washington and was awarded The Arthritis Foundation fellowship. Thank you to our podcast interns, Sarieni & Laura from The Modern OTs podcast, for your help in editing this episode! MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:All content found on the Arthritis Life Youtube Channel was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Please seek the advice of a physician or other appropriate healthcare provider before putting information from this channel to use. Links to educational content not created by Cheryl Crow of Arthritis Life are taken at your own risk. Reliance on any information provided by Arthritis Life is solely at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Episode 1: Sarah Dillingham | 07 Jul 2020 | 01:19:45 | |
Episode at a Glance She and Cheryl discuss their best advice for newly diagnosed patients, explore how fatigue can be more debilitating than pain, highlight the importance of mental health treatment for chronic conditions, and dig into the impact of rheumatoid disease on everyday life. Sarah's experience designing her own custom wedding day splint (due to not wanting to wear the typical ugly splints available in the current market) led her to form a start-up called Grace and Able, where she's developing more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing wrist braces. She also runs the Women with Rheumatoid Disease Facebook community. Here's the show breakdown:
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected**.** See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:All content found on this podcast was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Welcome to the Arthritis Life Podcast! | 21 Jun 2020 | 00:12:06 | |
This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Learn more at:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How Mindfulness Helped Paulina Reconnect with Her Body and Thrive with RA | 02 May 2024 | 00:59:45 | |
On episode 125, Paulina Buryzynska shares how self-compassion and mindfulness help her thrive with rheumatoid arthritis. She also highlights the importance of reconnecting with her body after experiencing a period of dissociation as a coping mechanism for pain. Cheryl and Paulina discuss the power of non-judgmental awareness and loving curiosity in navigating emotions and thoughts, as well as acceptance. They also emphasize seeking support while navigating the challenges of chronic illness. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details plus a full transcript and video:See the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What do People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know about COVID-19 in 2024? | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:53:24 | |
Dr Dave & Dr Campbell answer Cheryl’s burning questions about long COVID, vaccine efficacy and safety for people with autoimmune conditions, and potential links between autoimmunity and long COVID. They also talk about cutting edge research and new therapies including CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Campbell encourages participation in research studies to better understand these complex issues. Dr. Dave emphasizes the need for precision medicine approaches in treating autoimmune diseases like RA, where individualized treatment plans can be tailored to each patient's unique needs. Despite the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases and COVID-19, they express optimism about the future of treatment options and the ongoing medical advancements. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a transcript & videoGo to the episode post on the Arthritis Life Website (page coming soon)! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| “Disability is not a Dirty Word:” Catherine’s Story of Fierce Hope & Young Patient Advocacy | 11 Apr 2024 | 01:06:39 | |
Through sharing her own story publicly, Catherine learned the importance of disability representation and advocacy for young people. She also delves into why it is crucial to include the voices of young adults in the research and advocacy process. Cheryl and Catherine explore the process of dismantling their own internalized ableism and challenging societal norms around what constitutes a "normal" life. They also challenge the idea that disability is necessarily a “bad” word. They emphasize the importance of self-care and finding joy in everyday activities, even if they require accommodation. For Catherine, participating in activities like surfing, albeit in an accommodated manner, brings fulfillment and contributes to her definition of living a good life with chronic illness. Throughout the conversation, Cheryl and Catherine underscore the values of self-advocacy, self-acceptance, and finding happiness on one's own terms. Medical disclaimer:All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode detailsFor full episode details including hyperlinks to things discussed on this episode, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Overcoming Denial, Confronting Food Phobia, and Embracing Online Communities: Ray’s AS and OA Story | 28 Mar 2024 | 01:01:51 | |
Trigger warning: orthorexia / eating disorders; fear of foods In Episode 122, Ray shares the shock and emotional turmoil he experienced upon receiving his diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and osteoarthritis (OA). He described the initial denial he felt and the process of coming to terms with his diagnoses, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him and his family. Cheryl and Ray discuss coping strategies, the role of social media, and finding a supportive community online. He also explains the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking out reliable information and resources, taking a proactive approach to managing his conditions, and finding the right balance between pushing through pain and listening to his body's needs. Episode at a glance:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! For full episode details including a transcript & video:Go to the episode page (coming soon) on the Arthritis Life website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||