Arthritis Life

They discuss the complexities of managing overlapping conditions and the importance of a strong support system. Alice highlights the invaluable support she receives from her family, friends, church community, and online groups. They also talk about the challenges of explaining chronic illness to others, dealing with unsolicited advice, and finding comfort in relationships. This episode serves as a...

They discuss practical strategies for rebuilding trust in your body, the critical role of understanding your core values, and how to find the right support — whether through programs like Rheum to Thrive or events like the Virtual Sjögren’s Summit.  Together, they show how education, advocacy, and mindset shifts can help patients move from fear to confidence in managing their immune health. Episod...

Jenni and Cheryl share the research highlights that stood out the most for them, from new research on POTS and Covid to the importance of sleep and fatigue management. We also shine a light on recent advancements in lupus treatment and managing stress and activity through "positive activity scheduling."  Cheryl and Jennifer also share personal stories on navigating sleep hygiene, the subtle pressu...

Dr. Jenna breaks down the key differences between pediatric and adult care, and shares practical tips to help you feel more confident and prepared—whether it’s learning how to speak up during appointments, track your symptoms, or build a support system that really gets it. They also get real about mindset, movement, rest, and how to keep living a full, active life even with rheumatoid arthritis, j...

Additionally, Cheryl & Dr Dada also explore how strength training—not to "bulk up," but to boost energy, focus, and joint stability—can be a game-changer for these diseases. Dr. Dada reassures newly diagnosed individuals to avoid the anxiety of worst-case scenarios online and instead focus on reliable information and gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes.  She emphasizes that managing arthritis i...

Together, they break down the latest research from the 2024 American College of Rheumatology conference, unpacking the science behind the gut microbiome and the Mediterranean diet. Cristina explains how these can impact inflammatory diseases like RA and Sjogren’s—and why it’s about more than just what’s on your plate. They also tackle the big questions: Should you go gluten-free? Is the carnivore...

They explore the tricky balance between wanting to “fix” your body and learning to accept where you are right now. Lindsay introduces a powerful framework for becoming your own loving companion—especially when flare-ups and uncertainty make life feel overwhelming. You’ll also walk away with practical, everyday strategies, like how a simple tool like Dycem can make tasks easier. Because sometimes,...

Together, they break down the science behind why nutrition, exercise, and sleep play a crucial role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, they share practical tips on incorporating these key habits—along with stress management and social connection—into your treatment plan. Dr. Girnita also highlights the importance of medication in arthritis management and discusses how lifestyle changes comple...

From singing to trying nine different medications in five years, to embracing the THRIVE framework from Cheryl’s Rheum to Thrive Program, Alice shares the ups and downs of life with rheumatoid arthritis. Ultimately, Alice reminds us that living fully with RA doesn’t mean giving up on what matters—it means finding new ways to engage, and finding a way to balance grief for what you’ve lost with grat...

Cheryl and Helen dive into the often-overlooked mental challenges of inflammatory arthritis, which can sometimes feel harder to navigate than the physical symptoms. They explore mindset strategies and mental tools that have helped them, including approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The conversation also highlights the importance of balance, such as steering clear of extreme “h...

Together, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz debunk common myths about RA and tackle important topics like medication hesitancy, lifestyle interventions, and the balance between the two. Dr. Ortiz reassures listeners that while factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can help, “just because lifestyle can help doesn’t mean lifestyle caused it.” They also discuss how to make the most of you...

Alison and Cheryl also explore the impact of the pandemic on rediscovering creative passions and the power of storytelling in raising awareness. Alison’s new children’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree , is not only a meaningful read but also a way to support arthritis and chronic illness foundations.   If you're newly diagnosed, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tips, and a reminder that...

Cheryl and Tina emphasize the need for increased education, representation, and awareness about autoimmune conditions and treatment options to reduce stigma and support patients globally.  Cheryl and Tina also discuss Tina’s advocacy work, including her blog Own Your Crohn’s and contributions to South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA), focused on creating community and amplifying patient voices across div...

A new RA diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of emotions and uncertainty. In this episode, I share my best advice for navigating this new reality—offering practical tips on mindset, building a strong support system, and avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation. You'll also hear from fellow RA patients who share their personal insights and heartfelt encouragement, help...

Chrissy recounts the challenges she faced seeking medical care for persistent swelling and joint pain. Despite visiting multiple doctors, she was repeatedly told she “wasn’t sick” before ultimately receiving her RA diagnosis. She reflects on the mix of emotions she felt—relief at finally having a treatment plan and the hope it brought, alongside fears about the long term implications of a progress...

Gabi highlights the accommodations that have been instrumental during her college experience, including adaptive tools and flexible scheduling. She shares how other young people with chronic illness can advocate for the accommodations they need to succeed in school. Cheryl and Gabi also discuss the vital role of peer support groups, such as Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program, and emphasize the impor...

Stephanie and Cheryl also reflect on the “roller coaster of acceptance,” or their journeys towards self compassion and acceptance in the face of fluctuating, unpredictable conditions.  They also delve into the challenges of living with cognitive dysfunction or “brain fog” and Stephanie shares how she copes with this while serving as an adjunct professor. Stephanie also shares resources that have h...

 They also discuss the importance of support and community, and Amber shares her experience in Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program. Cheryl and Amber emphasize the importance of adaptability, finding joy in everyday activities like cooking and cheering for their favorite sports teams, and embracing flexibility in the face of unpredictability.  Episode at a glance: Personal Stories of Resilience: Amber...

She discusses how she’s learned to adapt to life’s changes, uncover tools to improve her quality of life, and embrace creativity as a way to thrive. For instance, she shares how her power wheelchair allows her to explore her surroundings while conserving energy, and how her Spoonie Coloring Book brings joy and meaning to her daily life through art. Carrie and Cheryl also dive into topics like self...

Cheryl shares how the program has evolved based on participant feedback, offering flexible learning options including self-paced options for those who would like to learn the self management tools without the support group. Cheryl and Lauren also discuss the ways in which the program has offered essential education, community and realistic hope for people who previously felt lost and overwhelmed....

Cheryl and Eileen stress the value of self-advocacy, working with a multidisciplinary team, and accessing reliable resources to navigate life with confidence and care. Episode at a glance: Mental Health and Support Groups: Cheryl and Eileen explore the transformative power of support groups, not only for attendees but also for those facilitating them. They discuss how mental health practices, like...

Carrie shares how she  managed being a mom to two young kids and returned to her passion of running after undergoing two hip replacement surgeries. Her story emphasizes the importance of getting second opinions, persevering through setbacks, listening to her body and asking for help. Cheryl and Carrie discuss the challenges she faced and the mindset shifts that helped her return to running, includ...

This is a re-release of Arthritis Life Podcast Episode 38, which pulled from a live webinar Cheryl presented in June 2021. To view the recording of the presentation which includes the slides, please go to bit.ly/flaretools (case sensitive).  Episode at a glance: Updated intro from 2024: Cheryl introduces some additional resources for managing and preventing flare ups!  Definition of a Flare-Up of...

Cheryl and Ayesha also delve into the devastating impact fatigue can have on their lives and share tips for managing and preventing fatigue.    Above all, they urge listeners to validate their own feelings and aim for full acceptance, with the hope that brighter days are ahead. Episode at a glance: Ayesha's Diagnosis Journey: Ayesha opens up about her personal experience living with psoriatic arth...

Cheryl and Sarah also discuss practical strategies for managing RA symptoms while maintaining productivity, from pacing your workday to leaning on support systems. They also explore how to prioritize self-care and flexibility, so you can successfully lead a business without compromising your health. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating business ownership with RA. Episode at...