How to Prevent and Cope with Rheumatic Disease Flare Ups

Episode at a glance:

• Introduction and Agenda Review (1:00)
• Definition of a Flare Up for rheumatic disease (which includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) (6:30)
• What causes flare-ups, and why is it so important to discover our own unique flare triggers? (7:40)
• Focus on Pain: tools to prevent pain and reduce existing pain (25:00)
• Focus on Fatigue: tools to prevent and reduce fatigue (31:00)
• Focus on Stress: ways to decrease stress levels & cope with existing stress (37:00)

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 Sponsor

Rheum 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:

• Resources discussed in this episode:
  • Video recording of the “Build Your Rheumatic Disease Flare Up Toolkit” webinar (includes presentation slides)
  • "Multiple Factors Associated With Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis" research article
  • Link to my webinar about stress management
  • What is ACT - acceptance and commitment therapy: Information site
  • The Happiness Trap - Book and online program from Dr. Russ Harris - explains Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Apps for symptom tracking:
    • Cheryl doesn’t have one favorite but some she finds helpful are: Symple, MyArthritis, OpenCare, Wave, MyRaTeam, MyVectra, Chronic Insights, RA Healthline, Arthritis Foundation Track & React
  • Recommended episode: 8 Things everyone who loves someone with arthritis should know
• Free Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support - Facebook group
• Arthritis Life Program Links
  • Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease become more confident, supported and connected.
  • 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.
• Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:
  • Cheryl & Arthritis Life on Instagram
  • Cheryl’s website: Arthritis Life
  • Arthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife
  • Arthritis Life Facebook Page
  • Cheryl’s Twitter: @realcc
  • Arthritis Life Youtube channel

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