Arthritis Life

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 is a marathon, not a sprint, and that even 1% improvement each day adds up. With the right knowledge, support, and habits, you can take control of your health and live well with arthritis.

• Myths vs Facts for gout and osteoporosis
• Strength Training Benefits: Cheryl and Dr. Dada discuss how strength training improves joint stability, reduces fatigue, and enhances focus for arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis.
• Managing Anxiety: Cheryl and Dr. Dada discuss navigating the anxiety that comes with a new arthritis diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of reliable information.
• Patience & Progress: The value of taking a gradual approach—small daily improvements can lead to significant changes in quality of life.
• Empowering Patients: Dr. Dada emphasizes patient education and how it empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

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.

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! 

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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 diet a miracle cure or just another fad? Is it worth having a restrictive diet if I’m stressed about food all the time? Cheryl and Cristina separate fact from fiction, debunking common diet myths so you can make informed choices without the confusion.

But this conversation isn’t just about food—it’s about the bigger picture. Cristina shares her “Five C’s” framework—Commitment, Consistency, Compassion, Courage, and Credibility—helping you stay on track while giving yourself grace. Plus, they dive into the importance of finding the right healthcare team and support system, so you never have to navigate RA alone.

If you’re looking for real talk, expert insights, and actionable tips to feel your best, this episode is a must-listen!

*Content warning: discussion of disordered eating from minute 10:40-14:40

• Cristina’s Journey: How dietitian Cristina was diagnosed with arthritis and Sjorgen’s Disease
• Balanced Approach to Arthritis: Combine medication with smart lifestyle changes like diet and exercise for the best results.
• Gut Microbiome Matters: The health of your gut microbiome plays a key role in managing inflammation and supporting overall health.
• Cristina’s Five C’s Framework: Commitment, Consistency, Compassion, Courage, & Credibility
• Build Your Healthcare Dream Team: Collaborate with trusted specialists (rheumatologists, dietitians, occupational therapists) for comprehensive care.
• Avoid Quick Fixes: Don’t fall for miracle cures; rely on evidence-based practices for long-term success.
• Specific Aspects of the Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Lifestyle: What makes it so helpful for inflammatory arthritis patients?

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-judgment or wished for a little more kindness—both from yourself and for yourself—this episode is for you.

• How do Occupational Therapists Help people with chronic illnesses?
• The Importance of Self-Compassion: Lindsay highlights the value of acknowledging your humanity and giving yourself grace through the ups and downs of living with arthritis or chronic pain.
• Aligning Your Time and Energy: Feeling more grounded comes from making sure your time and energy are aligned with what truly matters to you, even when living with a chronic illness.
• Helpful Tools for Daily Life: Lindsay mentions Dycem as a versatile tool for improving grip and making everyday tasks easier.
• Words of Encouragement: Lindsay encourages newly diagnosed individuals to remember they're not alone and don't have to figure everything out on their own.
• Recommended Resources: Lindsay shares her appreciation for Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig for its relatable insights and humor about living with a disability.
  
   

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 complement traditional treatments. She even delves into exciting advancements like CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge approach that has shown promise in putting some rheumatic diseases into remission without immunosuppression.

Her philosophy? “I don’t treat diseases. I treat people.” This episode is all about finding a care plan that supports you as a whole person—because you deserve nothing less!

• What are integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine?
• How does nutrition help RA?
• Why is exercise important for people with RA?
• Why is sleep so important for people with RA?
• Why is stress management important for RA?
• CAR-T treatment: an exciting new development in rheumatology
• Dr. Diana’s Empowering Mantra: “I don’t treat diseases. I treat people.” Dr. Diana’s patient-centered approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

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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 gratitude for what you still have.

If you’re newly diagnosed, her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting with what matters and striving to thrive, even if the path looks different than you expected.

• Adjusting to Life with RA: Alice shares her journey of adapting to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and how it has impacted her daily life and passions.
• Coping with medication ups and downs: Alice shares the emotional roller coaster of trying nine different medications in five years in search of one that would put her RA into a lasting remission.
• Music & Resilience: How Alice found creative ways to stay connected to music, including learning Gaelic to sing a special song.
• The THRIVE Framework: Practical strategies Alice uses to maintain joy and purpose despite physical challenges.
• Redefining Limitations: Encouraging insights on shifting perspectives and embracing new ways to engage with what you love.
• Message of Hope: Alice’s advice for newly diagnosed individuals: you can still live a full, meaningful life—it just may look different than expected.

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 “healthy” habits—like overly restrictive diets—that can add unnecessary stress. Cheryl and Helen share how they’ve learned to set boundaries and overcome the tendency to be people pleasers.

With insights on managing self-talk and practicing self-compassion, Helen offers a refreshing perspective for anyone navigating a chronic illness. Tune in to discover practical tips for embracing progress over perfection and living well with a chronic condition.

• Helen’s Journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Helen shares her diagnosis story, the challenges of managing a chronic condition, and how it shaped her coaching approach.
• The Power of Balance and Listening to Your Body: Discover how Helen found relief by embracing balance in nutrition, self-care, and daily habits, prioritizing what feels good for her body.
• Creative and Compassionate Stress Management: Learn Helen’s unique strategies for managing stress, including reframing thoughts, setting realistic expectations, and practicing self-compassion.
• Practical Tools for Pain and Fatigue Relief: Helen discusses her go-to tools, like hot water bottles and ice packs, and explains how listening to her body guides her choices.
• Inspiration for Thriving with Chronic Illness: Helen’s mantra, "Progress over perfection," and advice for newly diagnosed individuals provide hope and actionable steps to live a fulfilling life despite limitations.

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 your doctor’s appointments—because being prepared can help you feel more confident and in control. Plus, they dive into the emotional side of living with a chronic illness and the uncertainty that comes with it. Dr. Ortiz shares strategies doctors can use to provide reassurance, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

Finally, they explore concierge medicine and why Dr. Ortiz transitioned to this model of care. And as a reminder to anyone feeling overwhelmed, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz leave listeners with this thought: “Everyone’s got something.” RA may be part of your story, but it doesn’t define you—you can still build a life that feels full and thriving. 

• Why Dr Ortiz Became a Rheumatologist: The importance of building a long term relationship with your patients and searching for answers in the gray areas of medicine.
• Tips for patients and doctors to communicate and connect better: Dr Ortiz shares practical tips for improving your connection with your doctor.
• Medication Hesitancy and Lifestyle: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl reflect on the importance of understanding medication efficacy, and how some evidence-based lifestyle interventions can be an important adjunct in your care.
• Busting myths about rheumatoid arthritis: Dr. Ortiz and Cheryl address common misconceptions Dr. Ortiz has found in her Connected Rheumatology YouTube channel and Cheryl has found on her Arthritis Life social channels
• Empowering Mindset for a New Diagnosis: Your diagnosis is not your fault, but you do have control over how you respond.
• Shifting perspective: “Everyone’s got something” – you’re not alone in this journey.
• Living a Full Life with RA: Thriving means building a life beyond your condition.

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 you’re not alone in this journey. 

• Alison’s Diagnosis Story: Alison shares how she got diagnosed with AS after the birth of her child
• Creative Outlets & Chronic Illness: How writing, reading, and creative hobbies help manage symptoms and mental well-being.
• Practical Comfort and Pain Relief Tools: Favorite small but effective tools like heating pads, cushions, and ergonomic adjustments.
• Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis: The emotional impact of an IBD and ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis and finding ways to adapt.
• The Power of Storytelling: How Alison’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree, raises awareness and supports chronic illness communities.
• Finding Connection & Support: Encouragement for those newly diagnosed, emphasizing that they’re not alone in this journey.

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.

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! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 diverse populations.

See full episode show notes including a transcript here! 

• Tina's Diagnosis and Journey: Initial struggles with chronic illness and delayed acceptance of modern treatments like ostomies; challenges navigating cultural stigmas and family expectations in South Asian and other communities of color.
• Addressing Stigma and Cultural Barriers: The impact of cultural stigmas on seeking timely medical care; Advocating for education, awareness, and representation in autoimmune and chronic illness spaces.
• Advocacy Work: Founding Own Your Crohn’s to share her experiences and connect with others; Contributions to SAIA to amplify patient voices and support global IBD communities.
• Key Messages: The importance of community, education, and acceptance in improving quality of life for patients; Breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in chronic illness narratives.

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.

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! 

Click here for full episode show notes including a video of this conversation and transcript.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, helping you approach your diagnosis with renewed hope—and, if you’re lucky, some evidence-based optimism.

Drawing from my 20+ years of living with RA and my expertise as an occupational therapist, I revisit key lessons from Episode 4 (originally released in 2020) and add fresh reflections from my last five years of running patient support groups and educational programs.

Tune in for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation designed to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website!

• Coping with the Initial Shock – Practical tips to help you process the emotions that come with a new diagnosis and adjust to this new chapter of your life.
• Educating Yourself Without Overwhelm – Learn how to find reliable information about RA without falling into endless internet rabbit holes or misinformation traps.
• Building a Strong Support System – How to connect with the right people—both in real life and online—so you feel supported, understood, and less alone.
• Working with Your Medical Team – Strategies for communicating effectively with your doctors and advocating for the care you deserve.
• Finding the Right Treatment Path – A guide to exploring treatment options with confidence, so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs.
• Managing Stress & Protecting Your Mental Health – Simple, effective ways to care for your mind and body while adjusting to life with RA.
• A Message of Hope & Encouragement – You're not alone in this. Hear words of support and reassurance to help you move forward with confidence.

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.

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 - you don’t have to figure it all out on your own, I’m here to guide and support you!

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.