Arthritis Today Magazine - Beachcomber - Walking as Therapy

Arthritis Today Magazine is out! It hit major bookstores in late February and you can find it on magazine racks in many drug and grocery stores nationwide.

I am very grateful to Arthritis Today and the team who helped get my story published. It's an honor to share with others who suffer autoimmune disease or arthritis pain some of the ways I've learned to cope.

The article's focus on "Walking as Therapy" is one of the ways I maintain a positive attitude.
Walking can help us get and keep a good mood. There is something about being out in nature that enhances our appreciation for life.
Some of the benefits in walking include weight loss, lower blood pressure, and stress relief which can often lower inflammation and pain.

If walking is too painful, a warm water pool helps tremendously, and water aerobics are excellent to get your heart rate up while being kind to tender joints.

Stress plays a large part in my flares, so anytime I can get out and release pent up emotions by exercising it helps relieve the symptoms.

For those who can't find the magazine or would like to have a copy to share with loved ones here's a direct link.

http://www.arthritistoday.org/community/people-profiles/sandy-guerriere.php


While writing my book I will continue answering email and comments as time permits. Thank you for your patience and support, you're each one an inspiration to me and my efforts.

"Good Health to You"

Please join me on twitter at RASupport and on Facebook at
Rheumatoid Arthritis Support.

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Arthritis Today Magazine - "Getting The Word Out"

Arthritis Today Magazine visited Wrightsville Beach, NC on December 21st, 2009 for a photo shoot to be published as their cover story in the March/April 2010 issue.
Bryan D. Vargo interviewed me prior to the photo shoot. Bryan is the Lifestyle and Online Editor of Arthritis Today for the Arthritis Foundation.

Susan Siracusa, Art Director at the National office for Arthritis Today and Kevin Garrett, Photographer, are pictured with me. What a delight to meet them, and though we did the shoot in somewhat chilly temps it was so exciting I didn't even notice. *(note everyone is wearing jackets)

Arthritis Today's March issue will feature a few ways in which I've learned to cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis by changes in lifestyle and diet.
Getting the word out is a goal we both share. There are many ways to cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis and manage the flares of this disease.

The photo shoot included me "Walking" at Wrightsville Beach...which is my favorite exercise!!!!
Bryan and Susan chose December 21st for the shoot, it was truly a "window of opportunity" because NC soon dipped into record lows the following week.
The Arthritis Today team were all so gracious, and I appreciate their efforts to make me feel comfortable. I truly enjoyed our day together. Thank you!!!

Special thanks to Stephanie Moore, of "Moore Photography" who shot these 'Behind the Scene' photos and Ty Downing who made a really nice video.
You are fabulous!

"Good Health to You"

Arthritis Today magazine
Arthritis Foundation
National Office
1330 W. Peachtree St., NW, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30309

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ArthritisToday
#fb - Arthritis Foundation > http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Arthritis-Foundation/25986728672

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Blog

Welcome to an online support blog for Rheumatoid Arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
I write about my struggles with the disease and ways I've learned to cope. My goal is to give you hope, support, and encouragement by sharing research and personal experiences to help you live a better quality of life.
"Good Health to You"

© Copyright 2007-2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.


Legal Disclaimer for the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Blog

The views expressed on the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Blog ("Blog") are my opinions. My words or any contributions from others should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical expertise. Materials included in this Blog are intended for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide, and do not constitute, medical, diet, health or other advice. Persons who need medical, diet, health or other services should contact a duly licensed professional.

The information and resources presented on this Blog are for informational purposes only, and I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or adequacy of any information or resources available at or from this Blog.

By viewing this Blog, including, but not limited to, any blog page, graphical element or resource, you hereby agree to comply with this Legal Disclaimer. This Blog may contain other proprietary notices and copyright information, the terms of which must be observed and followed. The information and resources presented on this Blog may not be published, stored and/or reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form, in any media without the prior written permission of Sandy Guerriere. You use the pages contained within this Blog at your own risk.

All Logos, trade marks, service marks, and copyrighted words and/or titles used in these pages, including but not limited to text fields, metatags, within frames, or otherwise, remain the intellectual property of their owner(s) and are used herein for identification purposes only and/or to assist topic searches. This Blog provides news, information and opinion covering a broad variety of health and other topics and may engage in the fair use of trade marks, service marks, etc., which marks remain the intellectual property of their owner(s). All such uses by this Blog herein shall be considered authorized uses of said marks pursuant to the federal trademark laws and similar state and foreign laws.

Information on this Blog is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Some jurisdictions don't allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. You hereby release Sandy Guerriere and everyone associated in any manner with this Blog, or the information contained therein, from any liability whatsoever.

Certain links on this Blog may lead to resources located on servers maintained by third parties over whom Sandy Guerriere has no control. Certain outside links from servers maintained by third parties over whom Sandy Guerriere has no control may lead to resources located on this Blog. Accordingly, Sandy Guerriere makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, appropriateness or any other aspect of the information contained on such servers. Inclusion of a link does not imply, or constitute, an endorsement by Sandy Guerriere of the referenced site or of those associated with such site. The jurisdiction for any cause of action related to this Website shall reside in the state of North Carolina and the country of the United States.
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Rheumatologist? - Finding The Right Doctor

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." ~ Thomas Eidison

When dealing with chronic illness it's crucial we find the right doctor. You could say,...it's a matter of life or death. One thing that repeatedly comes up in conversatation with fellow sufferers about medical care is the importance of feeling comfortable with their doctors.
Sometimes patients feel because they were referred to a particular specialist by their primary care physician their bound to this doctor's treatment plan.
Don't believe it! Nothing could be further from the truth.
When I was diagnosed with RA I went through several doctors before finding one who treated me with compassion, dignity, listened to my concerns about treatment and encouraged questions.
Some drugs and treatments that are encouraged can cause irreversible damage. Do research and take into consideration your family history. Truly, a good relationship with a trusted doctor or health care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make.

DEFINITE SIGNS OF TROUBLE:

1. You don't feel your doctor listens to you or to what you say
2. You feel uncomfortable asking questions
3. You don't feel you can say NO to a treatment or proceedure
4. You don't think you are getting proper explanations of what is happening
5. You don't trust your doctor.

"Good Health to You"

*Special thanks to my health care professional.

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

The Healing Power of Gratitude

How often do we say or hear those incredibly simple words… “thank you”...
It’s true; sometimes these words are just a formality, but the feeling of gratitude behind them can do wonders for both our mental and physical health.
Gratitude is an emotion so powerful it can transform ones mood from darkness to healing light and renew our zest for life.

Being grateful is an attitude of deep appreciation for the realities that surround us "moment to moment"...each day of our life.
The power of the mind can work for us, or it can work against us. We control what we put into our minds; whether our thoughts are positive or negative. More than any other force in the world, it is the mind which serves as a partner in our health.

Chronic illness does cause many people to lose sight of the reasons they have to be grateful.
This being the case, we need to take time to think and focus on what we are grateful for. Something that has helped many is making a list of things such as the important people in your life, special events, places you have lived or visited that brought joy to your life.

Positive thoughts, like gratitude activate a part of the nervous system which is responsible for such wonderful feelings as peace, love, serenity, harmony and tranquility. Enough said!

Let's take a large dose of “gratitude” to make an enormous impact on our health!

“Good Health to You”

*Dear Readers;

"Thank you" for being here for 2009! Each one of you are very important to me, and you've inspired me in one way or another.
I appreciate you, your questions, comments and feedback.
A special "welcome" to my new followers. "Thank you" for being so patient with me and staying the course through the "flares" or work load.
Trust me, your support has meant everything to me!"

Warmest wishes and looking forward to 2010 with you at my side!

~ Good Health to You

Definition of gratitude here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratitude

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Lemon Juice - Health & Beauty Benefits

"Around the world lemon juice is one of the most popular drinks because it is healthy, tasty, and low in cost."

This bright yellow fruit is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world because of it's numerous health benefits. It is known as a liver tonic and natural antiseptic; the juice of a lemon will destroy harmful bacteria found in cuts and areas of infection. Today many studies claim lemon juice helps to prevent osteoarthritis, diabetes and the development or progression of atherosclerosis.

The fresh scent of *lemon oil is so calming that health practitioners encourage it to help remove mental fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety. The oil creates a positive mind-frame that removes negative emotions. It's believed that inhaling lemon oil helps increase ones concentration and alertness.

Healthy benefits include:

Immune System: *Lemon oil has high vitamin content and therefore helps increase the immunity of the body and your ability to fight diseases. Lemon oil also improves the circulation in the body.

Skin Care: Lemon juice is a natural skin brightener because it is rich in fruit acids which exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells for younger looking skin. Lemon juice use over time will bleach darkened or discolored areas. The juice should be applied directly to the skin and allowed to dry. Remove with water and olive oil. As a facial treatment for blackheads, clogged pores and blemishes, apply *lemon juice to areas at night. You will experience a tingle but it will subside. Do not wash your face until the morning. Lemon oil add luster to dull skin and can be recommended for oily skin.

Hair Care: Lemon oil/juice is an effective hair tonic. Use lemon oil to get strong, healthy and shinning hair. Lemon oil can be used for removing dandruff. As a "hair treatment" it adds bounce and shine. After shampooing mix the juice of one lemon with one cup warm water and apply to hair. Allow to remain in hair for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Stomach Disorders: Since lemon oil/juice is carminative, it is used in treating various stomach problems. If you suffer symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, or bloating these can be things of the past. Drinking lemon juice regularly has another added bonus; the bowels are aided to eliminate waste more efficiently so you won't be troubled with constipation or diarrhea.

Everyday I drink the juice of one lemon for every 8-12 oz of water. If you desire sweetness I suggest organic honey.
"Good Health to You"

*Always use organic lemons.

“Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi quotes (Hungarian Biochemist, 1937 Nobel Prize for Medicine, 1893-1986)



Links to further your personal research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon
http://www.energiseforlife.com/wordpress/2006/02/10/lemon-water-alkalising-superstar/

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

Do What You Love & Joy Will Follow

Has your happiness level gone to ground zero, and has your self esteem gone "out the window?"
You are not alone and unfortunately these problems are common even among people who do not suffer a chronic illness. There are many things that can diminish the joy of living. The question is, "What can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones combat this despairing situation?"

One thing we can do is find something we love doing; this brings back joy and give us a measure of happiness. Circumstances may limit or prevent us from taking part in activities we once enjoyed so maybe it’s time to search out a new hobby. Have you tried reading, painting, playing cards or volunteering? The most important thing is that we engage in something that keeps joy alive.

Another thing we can do is share our joy with other people. This increases our happiness level because selfless giving is said to be the greatest enrichment in life. Remember the scripture, “there’s more joy in giving than receiving”…

A smile is a simple way of giving but the influence is powerful. Learn to be wasteful with your smiles, your compliments and practice sharing them with people daily.
If we contribute to the joy of others we reap the happiness benefits.

Twelve years ago chronic illness forced me to leave a wonderful *career that I loved. But, in time I learned to embrace this new life along with it's challenges and began to focus on interests I'd never explored or had time for before.
Today, I enjoy *freelancing part-time. But, I find my greatest pleasure is in writing about my journey with rheumatoid arthritis and sharing how I've learned to cope with autoimmune disease.

Do what you love and joy will follow.

“Good Health to You”

Makeup Artist http://www.artistrybysandy.com
Sandy Guerriere
*recent client/bride

Wedding Photographer Stephanie Moore Photography
http://www.smoorephoto.com/
*client

The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire In a World Out of Balance" - by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.

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© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.