Living Well

Living Well

Working for Yourself: Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Boss

Kathy Reagan describes the challenges and benefits of working for yourself when you live with a chronic illness.

Living Well

Workplace Stress Worsened My Chronic Illness

My Crohn's disease came out of remission after 10 years, and I believe workplace stress played a major role. Here's how I handled it.

Living Well

How to Find Meaning After Grieving the Former You

After my diagnosis, it took time to accept my new life. But I still struggled to understand its meaning. The sixth stage of grief helped me find meaning.

Living Well

How Movement Became My Medicine

I was only 4 years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Slowly but surely I started to understand the consequences of missing playtime and not moving my body.

Living Well

Gardening Is My Mindfulness Practice of Choice — Here’s Why

Watching my plants grow and bloom, as well as the benefits of grounding, are just some of the ways gardening teaches me to be more mindful for my chronic illness.

Living Well

The Mindflight Journal: A Journal for Chronic Illness

Meet Nicole and Aisley, the mom and daughter partnership behind the Mindflight Journal. Building from their own experiences, they've designed a journal for those living with chronic illnesses. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Living Well

7 Tips to Manage or Avoid an Arthritic Flare During the Holidays

Writer Alexis Rochester explains her RA management tips during the busy holiday season.

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How Religion Helps Relieve My Pain from Arthritis

How religious practices, including meditation, prayer and ritual, help manage pain from arthritis.

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5 Tips for Pain Relieving Spa Treatments with Rheumatoid Arthritis

It may sound obvious, but it's important to remember that the old adage "no pain, no gain" is not necessary for pain relief.

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Building Self-Love When Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can make developing self-love a high intensity challenge. These tips will help you foster self-love and confidence.

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Avoiding Post-Holiday Flares by Planning Ahead

Here’s how planning ahead for holiday celebrations can help you reduce stress and enjoy the season.

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Side Hustles to Start Now for Extra Holiday Money

Kathy Reagan shares advice and resources for earning extra income and avoiding scams in this Patients Getting Paid column.

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I Tried the Whole30 Program for Psoriatic Arthritis and This Is What Happened

Learning about the relationship between diet and inflammation helped me make long-term changes and have fewer flare-ups.

Living Well

My Holiday Wish List: Fun and Practical Gift Ideas

From fun gifts to practical products, here’s what’s on my holiday wish list.

Living Well

5 Yoga Practices to Consider If You Live with a Chronic Condition

Yoga is an accessible way to get your body moving that can provide a range of health benefits. Here's how to get started.

Living Well

I’m a Patient Getting Paid — and You Can Be Too

In this column, Kathy Reagan shares advice, resources, and stories to help others navigate the world of work while living with a chronic illness.

Living Well

Why I Use a Wheelchair While Traveling with PsA

You deserve to enjoy your time on vacation. If you have PsA, here’s how using a wheelchair can help improve your travel experience.

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Ask the Dietitian: Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Drinking smoothies is a convenient and delicious way to increase your intake of anti-inflammatory ingredients that may benefit psoriatic arthritis. These anti-inflammatory smoothies are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Living Well

Planning an Event? Here Are 6 Reasons It Really Needs to Be Accessible

Not only is it the law, but planning an ADA-compliant event shows you care about people living with disabilities.

Living Well

17 Great Chronically Ill and Disabled Content Creators to Follow

There are countless chronic condition and disability advocates on social media committed to spreading awareness and breaking down stigma. Here are 17 who are making an incredible impact.

Living Well

A Public Health Crisis: Preventing Loneliness in Chronic Illness

Loneliness is more prevalent than ever in the U.S. — and people with chronic illness are likely familiar with it. Here's how to stay socially connected even when symptoms or flare-ups get in your way.

Living Well

Summer with Psoriasis: Tips for Leading with Confidence

While many people look forward to getting outdoors and being more active in the warmer summer months, if you have PsO, you know that warmer weather can mean more skin exposure and more anxiety about your appearance.

Living Well

I Tried a Nordic Spa Water Circuit for PsA

Hydrotherapy may provide benefits for people with PsA, including helping to relax muscles and reduce stress.

Living Well

How to Balance Chronic Pain with a Healthy Exercise Routine

While exercise may be beneficial for those with chronic pain, finding the right balance can be a challenge.

Living Well

How ASMR Can Benefit People with Chronic Illness

If you live with a chronic illness, ASMR may help you feel relaxed, comforted, or even relieved from chronic pain. But triggers aren't the same for everyone.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Weeknight Meal Ideas

These quick and easy anti-inflammatory recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Living Well

Consistency Is Overrated

Consistency helps us feel safe and reduces anxiety. But it also can create unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to redefine consistency (and success) so you’re OK with the ebbs and flows of life.

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A Physical Therapist Shares 13 Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis Pain

Gentle movement is an important part of a complete psoriatic arthritis management plan. Gregory Minnis, DPT, shares how physical therapy can help your psoriatic arthritis symptoms, plus 13 PT-approved exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home.

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7 Ways to Get Involved This Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. From lower-lift activities, like joining an online support group, to all-in options like planning your own fundraising event, you can get as involved as you want to.

Living Well

The Importance of Being a Hustle Culture Dropout When You’re Chronically Ill

The constant pressure to go-go-go took a toll on both my physical and mental health. Then I realized I could opt out.

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How the Spoon Theory Helps Me Explain My Health

It can be hard to explain the way that a chronic condition impacts your daily energy. The spoon theory is a clever way to help get the point across.

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Realistic Approaches to Setting Resolutions When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living with a chronic condition often means working within your body’s parameters, which can mean editing your expectations. Always give yourself grace and remember that your New Year’s resolutions — if you choose to set them — don’t have to “match” anyone else’s. They only have to feel helpful to you.

Living Well

The Best Warm Weather Destinations for Wintering with Psoriatic Arthritis

Winter cold and dryness can aggravate psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Travel writer Kaitlyn McInnis shares her favorite warm-weather travel destinations for wintering with PsA.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: What Are Some Fun Holiday Snacks for People with Psoriatic Arthritis? 

Dietitian Laura Krebs-Holm shares a roundup of her favorite PsA-friendly holiday recipes.

Living Well

How I Managed My Psoriatic Arthritis While Sampling the Local Food in Italy

Writer Cindy Blye details how she was able to manage her PsA while enjoying the local cuisine on a trip to Italy.

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The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents with Psoriatic Arthritis

Caring for your family and managing your psoriatic arthritis is a lot to handle — especially during the holidays. These tips can help.

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7 Tips for a PsA-Friendly Thanksgiving

Preparing a big family meal can feel intimidating when you're living with psoriatic arthritis. But there are things you can do to make it more manageable — and enjoyable.

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The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for the Person with PsA Who’s Tried Everything

If you have a loved one living with psoriatic arthritis, chances are they've tried most everything to treat their condition. Pamper them this holiday season with nine gifts designed to bring greater ease and comfort into their lives.

Living Well

How Sofa Yoga Has Helped Me Manage My Psoriatic Arthritis Pain

Writer Cynthia Covert details her journey doing yoga for her PsA pain, and how sofa yoga was life changing for her.

Living Well

How a Whole Foods Plant-Based Lifestyle Changed My Life

Writer Cindy Blye explains how changing her diet alleviated many of her PsA symptoms. "Almost immediately after beginning a WFPB lifestyle, I was able to stop all of my pain relief medications."

Living Well

Navigating the First Trimester with PsA

Family planning with psoriatic arthritis can be difficult. One writer shares her pregnancy journey: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Living Well

How to Set and Achieve Your Goals with Chronic Illness

Managing your chronic illness on top of life's everyday tasks can be overwhelming. These tips can help you find the motivation and inspiration you need to reach your goals.

Living Well

How I Navigate Professional Life While Living with a Chronic Illness

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I was terrified that my career was over. These tips helped me adapt my work life so that I could excel.

Living Well

When You Don’t Live with a Chronic Condition, You Don’t See the Full Picture

Some of the most difficult parts of living with chronic illness are the aspects that others don't see.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: Why Is Hydration Important When You Live with PsA?

Research has established that proper hydration is important for overall health, joint health, and fighting inflammation.

Living Well

11 Ways to Get Involved This Psoriasis Action Month

August is Psoriasis Action Month. With over 100 million people worldwide affected by psoriasis, this month of awareness and action is something that touches many.

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Psoriatic Arthritis Glossary: 47 Terms You Should Know

Knowledge really is power. Knowing the language of PsA is the first step to managing it.

Living Well

Mindset Matters: Who Am I with Chronic Illness? Acceptance and Letting Go

Mindset Matters is a space to learn about the mental and emotional aspects of living with chronic illness. Nat Kelley, a certified life and mindset coach, shares how coming to terms with her ulcerative colitis diagnosis was hard, but it allowed her to build a more compassionate relationship with herself.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: What Anti-Inflammatory Dessert Options Can I Try This Summer?

Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, shares six of her favorite fruit-forward summer dessert options.

Living Well

Staying Active When You Live with Chronic Pain

Research shows that exercise helps people better manage, and even reduce, chronic pain.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: Can I Drink Alcohol If I Live with Psoriasis?

There is some research about the link between drinking alcohol and psoriasis but a lot remains unknown. Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, dives deep into what the research says about psoriasis and alcohol intake.

Living Well

5 Tips for Safe Backcountry Adventures When You’re Living with a Chronic Condition

Wherever you're starting out on your outdoor recreation journey, these five tips from experienced, outdoorsy chronic illness warriors will help you find your way.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: What Do I Need to Know About Gluten and Psoriasis?

Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis, dives into what the research says about gluten and psoriasis.

Living Well

How My Relationship with Alcohol has Changed Since My PsA Diagnosis

What is interesting to me is that the one lifestyle change that has made the most impact on my life with PsA is one that no one ever suggested: cutting out alcohol. 

Living Well

What I Eat in a Day as a Dietitian Living with Arthritis

While navigating psoriatic arthritis (PsA), I have found that the foods I turn to for fueling my body can have a significant impact on how I feel throughout the day.

Living Well

How Modeling Empathy to My Toddler Helps Me Navigate Chronic Pain

Learning to practice self-compassion when pain or emotional triggers arise can be a beautiful teaching moment for children.

Living Well

My 5 Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Breakfasts as a Dietitian Living with PsA

Dietitian Laura Krebs-Holm shares 5 of her favorite quick and easy breakfasts for people who live with PsA.

Living Well

6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living Well

How Chronic Illness Helped Me Cultivate Better Reading Habits

Through bibliotherapy I've learned that books can offer greater insight and healing than I ever imagined, as long as I pay attention.

Living Well

Your Holiday Gift Guide for Spoonies, by Spoonies

These gift ideas, from seven small businesses run by people living with chronic conditions, will help make this holiday season even more festive.

Living Well

A Dietitian’s Guide to Eating Well During the Holidays When You Have Psoriatic Arthritis

It can be hard to enjoy festive meals when you're worried about PsA. But it only takes small adjustments to make holiday go-tos more PsA-friendly.

Living Well

7 Ways to Manage Arthritis in Cold Weather

Over the years, I’ve found strategies to help prevent rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups and reduce symptoms during the winter months.

Living Well

What I Eat During a Flare as a Dietitian with Psoriatic Arthritis

When you are in pain and fatigued, finding foods that are both nourishing and easy to prepare is particularly essential.

Living Well

Reclaim the Kitchen: Pain-Reducing Arthritis Life Hacks

When you live with hand pain from arthritis, the kitchen can change from a place of joy to a source of stress. Here are some hacks to reclaim the kitchen.

Living Well

How to Be Your Own Best Advocate When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Good self-advocacy in medical settings requires a complicated balance of confidence and humility.

Living Well

Why I Choose Positivity in the Face of Chronic Illness

My mantra, 'living a positive life while chronically ill,' feels more necessary now than it ever has.

Living Well

How Living with Chronic Illness Has Helped Improve My Relationship with My Body

Whether you live with a chronic illness or not, living in a body is a complex experience.

Living Well

How I Created Joy Through Chronic Pain and a Pandemic

This past year taught me that there is a resilience inside me that circumstances, including chronic migraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot touch.

Living Well

The Benefits of Gratitude When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Shifting to an attitude of gratitude can be the difference between surviving and truly thriving.

Living Well

The Value of Pursuing Hobbies When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Finding activities that you’re passionate about and can enjoy despite your condition can lead to a richer life.

Living Well

Working from Bed Isn’t Lazy — It’s Accessible

As a disabled person, working from bed makes it possible for me to have a job.

Living Well

9 Ways to Make Long-Haul Quarantine More Sustainable

These tips may help add some ease to your quarantined days.

Living Well

8 Tips to Find Lower Cost Therapy

Mental health treatment is expensive. Read on to learn about more affordable options that might help you get the support you need.

Living Well

Should You Disclose Your Diagnosis at Work?

The decision of whether or not to share your chronic condition diagnosis with an employer or potential employer is personal. Here's my story and some things to consider as you make the choice.