Category Archives: Podcasts

Yoga: So Much More Than Just Movement

By Rebecca Gillett, MS OTR/L, Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Co-host

September is Pain Awareness Month, and in this podcast episode, Mindful Movement Part 2: Yoga, we’re exploring ways to keep our bodies moving to prevent arthritis pain from limiting our lives. In the last episode, we focused on mindful movement and tai chi. This time, we’re diving into mindful movement of yoga and arthritis.

When you have arthritis, you probably think, “No way can I do those poses with my joint pain. Yoga is going to make my pain worse!” That’s exactly how I felt when I was first diagnosed.

I have a favorite cartoon that demonstrates what I think about arthritis and yoga. Google it for a good laugh. It shows the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz in a yoga class. I’ll wait…. You’re welcome.

I started going to yoga classes in my early 20s and really enjoyed them. Even though that was a long time ago, I remember the sense of calm and positive energy I felt when leaving a class. As a matter of fact, I distinctly remember how I was so relaxed at the end of one class that I fell asleep! I woke up to the lights coming on and everyone leaving. Imagine that: A yoga practice that puts you in such a calm, relaxed state that you fall asleep.

But then I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 26 and I struggled with so much pain those first two years that I stopped yoga. I didn’t think I could do it at all anymore because of my wrist pain.

I often talk about how we can sometimes get “stuck” in our pain: We cannot see past the pain to solutions that may be right in front of us because we are in survival mode. We struggle to do some of the most basic things — getting out of bed, brushing our teeth, going down the stairs. Any type of movement can be daunting, so the idea of doing a warrior or mountain pose sounds even less achievable.

This episode, Mindful Movement, Part 2: Yoga, was a fantastic reminder to me about what the practice of yoga truly entails and how you can adapt yoga to suit your needs. Our guest expert, Steffany Moonaz, PhD, founded the Yoga for Arthritis program after eight years at Johns Hopkins University, where she studied the effects of yoga for people living with arthritis. She helped us remember that there’s a way to practice yoga for everyone, no matter where you are in your journey with arthritis. Whether you practice chair yoga or modify a few poses, alone at home or in a group class, the physical and mental health benefits can go a long way to improving your overall well-being. Dr. Moonaz also shared ways to make sure you can find a yoga practice that works for you and a yoga instructor that’s right for your needs.

Tune in to this episode to learn how you can start incorporating yoga practice into your daily routine today. Listen now!

We Bid Thee Farewell, Julie!

Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode, as we chat with co-host Julie Eller. This is the final episode we recorded together before she left to start a master’s program in public health. Julie has been a force to be reckoned with while on staff at the Arthritis Foundation. She helped grow our grassroots advocacy efforts and she worked tirelessly to ensure the patients’ perspective is infused in everything we do that’s health care-related. I can’t imagine anyone better to co-host this podcast with, and in the process, how much we’d get out of doing this together. I’m grateful for every dance, every smile, every blooper and all of the laughter (and sometimes tears) we shared throughout this journey together. Most of all, I am forever grateful for the lifelong friendship we share. Best wishes, my pod sister, Julie! “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Arthritis Myths? Busted – On the Latest Episode of Live Yes! With Arthritis

By: Julie Eller, Podcast Host

On the latest episode of the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast, we debunk some of the most common medical misconceptions about arthritis with Andrew Laster, MD. Listen today.

In the age of information, people are inundated with the “new” and “trendy” and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. This is true when it comes to diet and self-care trends, it’s true when it comes to the news we consume, and it’s especially true when we learn new health information. As we face all the information out there, people who live with chronic illnesses like arthritis must be vigilant in separating fact from fiction not only for themselves but for those around them. I find myself smiling at the number of times I’ve taught someone, “Yes, kids really do get arthritis too!”

Continue reading Arthritis Myths? Busted – On the Latest Episode of Live Yes! With Arthritis

Tackling Relationships and Arthritis

Tackling Relationships & Arthritis – Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

We all know relationships can be a challenge — a challenge that’s made especially difficult when you are living with chronic illness. Talking about arthritis with those around us is incredibly intimidating. Will my boss believe me? Are my friends going to judge me? Am I a burden on my partner? Continue reading Tackling Relationships & Arthritis – Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast: Episode 4 – You Want Me to Exercise?

You should exercise. Sound familiar? I know. I hear you loud and clear. You woke up this morning in pain. Trying to muster enough energy to even get out of bed felt impossible. And getting ready for your day felt like you just ran a 5K. I get it. I have arthritis, too, and I know what you’re thinking. “Wait, didn’t I just wake up? I should have more energy than this! What did I do in my sleep to feel this exhausted? Oh, that’s right. I didn’t sleep well. My ‘pain-somnia’ kept me from getting any good sleep. So now you’re telling me to go exercise? Ugh. That’s supposed to help my arthritis pain?”The short answer: YES! The truth is, an ever-growing body of research shows exercise is one of the best ways to treat our arthritis. But for those of us living with it 24/7, it can be one of the last things we want or even feel able to do. Been there, done that, going through it all over again. As a patient, I know how hard it is to get moving when I have pain. As an occupational therapist, I know how hard it is to get someone motivated to get moving, and I understand how staying physically active can make a huge difference to our health.

Continue reading Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast: Episode 4 – You Want Me to Exercise?

trendy diets

Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast – Episode 3: Trendy Diets

It’s common knowledge that healthy diets can improve arthritis symptoms. Yet, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with new diet fads and conflicting research reports. In this episode, Rebecca and Julie tackle the most common diet trends for people with arthritis and discuss the pros, cons and risks.

Nutrition expert and registered dietitian, Dr. Lona Sandon, will help us separate fact from fiction.

Here’s a run-down of diets discussed on the episode:

Keto – The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet.

Paleo – A paleo diet includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and limits dairy, grains and legumes, including beans and corn; this diet became common when farming emerged about 10,000 years ago.

Intermittent Fasting – Doesn’t limit the foods you eat, just when you eat it; most intermittent fasting regimens recommend 8-16 hours without eating.

Cleanses/Detoxes – These diets have a short-term elimination of foods and/or food groups; many cleanse or detox diets include shakes, smoothies or fortified water drinks for the majority of your calories.

Tune in today to learn which diet can help you!