Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode, Cheryl sits down with personal trainer and yoga teacher Jamie Boder to explore how movement can be adapted for people...
Videos
🙃 There’s A LOT of information online… and unfortunately, a lot of it is misinformation. This is especially true in the chronic illness world! ✅ On this...
Podcast, Provider Interviews, Rheumer Has It
Rheumer Has It: Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research (What Patients Should Know) with Dr. Linda Li
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Li to break down a question so many people living with arthritis have: How do I know what...
That feeling when you get the “house tour” from a girlie with rheumatoid arthritis! Prepare to be wowed by: 🌟 Adaptive kitchen utensils and opening aids 🌟 Heating Pads 🌟...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education, Mental Health
My Rheumatologist is Retiring, and I have *Feelings* About It
I recently shared on my “Instagram Stories” (ephemeral updates that only show up for 24 hours) that I was really sad about my rheumatologist retiring, and in...
Patient Stories, Podcast
What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? (Encore Episode)
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this encore episode, Cheryl checks in with a panel of patients who’ve taken methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Building a Healthier Relationship with Food while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (with Dietitian Cristina Montoya)
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Cheryl talks with Cristina Montoya, a bilingual registered dietitian and founder of Arthritis Dietitian, about building a compassionate...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: What happens when your symptoms are dismissed, your diagnosis is delayed, and you’re left to piece together your own path forward? In...
What’s the most helpful way to respond to the frustration we feel when we can’t do things due to arthritis? ✅The first step for me is accepting that I...
💡In Episode 206 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Chrissy take a deep dive into the Rheum to THRIVE program. ⭐Chrissy is taking on a new role as the lead...
On Episode 187 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Emily Jacobs, a former Division 1 water polo player, ER nurse, and mom of three, who was diagnosed with RA at just 22...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: If you’re newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and perspective from Dr. Julius...
On Episode 186 of The Arthritis Podcast, Cheryl sits down with 28-year-old personal trainer Zac Spinosa to discuss his powerful journey with Juvenile Idiopathic...
Here are three quick tips I use to reduce hand pain while caring for my dog: ✅ Hands free leash✅ Harness closures that aren’t super hard to squeeze on and off✅ Put food...
Social media can build community… or burn you out 😅 In Episode 184, Cheryl and Gittel dive into what good social media use actually looks like and how to be mindful when...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this compelling episode of the Arthritis Life Podcast, host Cheryl Crow welcomes Tori Martinez, a multi-talented artist from rural...
Here’s a really handy arthritis friendly tool designed by occupational therapist, EquipMeOt! 🙌This bendable hair scrubber and lotion applicator is great because:...
Podcast, Provider Interviews, Rheumer Has It
Rheumer Has It: Busting Fibromyalgia Myths with Dr Christine Stamatos
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Living with both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia can feel confusing, exhausting, and deeply invalidating, especially when it’s hard...
I love this arthritis friendly hair straightening brush! You can see a link to this and all my favorite arthritis friendly gadgets by commenting . Do you have a favorite...
🎙️Throwback to Episode 47 of the Arthritis Life Podcast where fellow occupational therapist, Lindsay Delong, and I share ALL our tips for making an arthritis friendly...
Have you heard this myth about ankylosing spondyloarthritis? Any others? Join Cheryl, Eileen, and Dr. Liew as they bust myths about this topic! Comment BUSTED below, and...
✨ From frustration to inspiration ✨ 🙌 If you’ve been feeling frustrated with your diagnosis or even receiving a diagnosis, this episode is for you! ✅ Cheryl and...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, Carrie Bradshaw returns to the Arthritis Life podcast to discuss her remarkable journey from double hip replacements to...
Three things I’m doing to reduce pain in the kitchen this holiday season: 1. Wearing compression gloves to reduce pain, and I simply place rubber gloves over them...
Have you ever been confused about nutrition and its importance in Rheumatic diseases? If so, this episode is for you! Cheryl and Eileen bust three Myths surrounding...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, Cheryl and Eileen sit down with Dr. Brian Andonian of Duke University, whose research on exercise, aging, and rheumatic...
No shame in the hot glue game! Anyone else tried this arthritis friendly life hack for gingerbread houses?
Patient Stories, Podcast, Provider Interviews
Developing Resilience With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Cayla’s Story
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, Cheryl chats with Cayla Alexander, a rheumatology nurse practitioner who brings both medical expertise and personal...
💜 “Give yourself grace.” 💜 ✅ This is such a great reminder for everyone in the chronic illness community! ☺️ If you’re newly diagnosed and feeling...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education
My Research-Backed Morning Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie for Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Discover a gut-sensitive, RA-friendly breakfast smoothie packed with antioxidants, omega-3s, and muscle-supporting protein.
General Education, Podcast, Rheumer Has It
Rheumer Has It: Our Most Exciting Takeaways from the ACR 2025 Rheumatology Conference
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode of ‘Rheumer Has It,’ Eileen and Cheryl delve into the latest advancements and key takeaways from the American...
General Education, Life with Arthritis, Mental Health
Why Many Stress-Reduction Techniques Don’t Work for Chronic Illness (and What Actually Helps)
Discover why common stress-reduction tips don’t work for chronic illness and learn evidence-based tools that actually help manage stress, flares, and uncertainty.
Holiday meal prep used to leave me flaring and exhausted…until I learned how to work with my body instead of fighting it. As an OT living with rheumatoid arthritis...
Do you struggle with sleep? If so, this episode is for you! Dr. Costa, Cheryl, and Eileen explore evidence based interventions to improve sleep in people with rheumatic...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, Cheryl chats with Helen Samson Mullen, a scientist, executive coach, mother and lifelong learner who shares her...
🌟”Never give in. Never give up. Never let go. Just keep fighting.” 🌟 👂If you haven’t listened to Episode 178 of The Arthritis Life Podcast...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this special episode of our podcast, we bring together a group of inspiring advocates known as Rheum Champions, each living with...
🦃 With Thanksgiving and the holidays coming up in a few weeks, I thought it would be helpful to share a kitchen life saver! 😍 This Jiffy Twist under the counter jar...
Patient Stories, Podcast, support group
Finding my Purpose while Living with Osteonecrosis and Osteoarthritis: Deb Andio’s Story
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In episode 193 of the Arthritis Life Podcast Cheryl and Deb Audio discuss Deb’s long-term experience with osteoarthritis and...
My Unpopular RA Opinion. Exercise is more likely to improve pain, fatigue, sleep, and mood than any other lifestyle intervention, including diet! And this isn’t just my...
On episode 4 of ‘Rheumer Has It’ and Episode 177 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, hosts Eileen and Cheryl tackle the pervasive issue of unsolicited advice that...
General Education, Podcast, Rheumer Has It
Rheumer Has It: Vaccines and Rheumatic Disease, with Dr Cuoghi Edens
Listen Now: Watch Video Summary: On this episode of Rheumer Has It, hosts Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson speak with Dr. Cuoghi Edens, a rheumatologist trained in both...
Struggling to chop veggies with joint pain or limited grip? There are tools that can help! I’m showing how I use the 90 degree angled knife to make food prep easier and...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Autoimmune Nutrition Made Easier: Practical Tips from Dr. Saimun Singla
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Saimun Singla to talk about one of the most important and often misunderstood topics in...
Feeling overwhelmed by autoimmune symptoms like Sjögren’s and MCAS? You’re not alone — but you can become “immune confident.” In this empowering...
✅ After doing methotrexate injections for over 20 years, I’ve found it’s super helpful to pump yourself up with some music before during or after your...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode of Rheumer Has It, Cheryl Crow and Eileen Davidson tackle the pervasive issue of misinformation in the rheumatic disease...
✅RadiologyAssistant.NL is a phenomenal website for learning more about how the many different types of arthritis manifest on x-ray! 😲 It also has some very useful...
Are you looking for a support group that’s like family? Rheum to THRIVE is the place for you! Take Rheum to THRIVE member, Alice’s word for it. For more information...
🧡 In honor of the release of The Life of A Show Girl today, here’s a throw back to The Eras Tour in July 2023! 🧡✨ Taylor is wearing orange so do we think she was...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: At 16, athlete Dani Bryant was told she’d be in a wheelchair by 21 due to severe RA. Now decades later, after many meds, surgeries, and...
👻 Happy October 1st! 👻 🎃 Here are 2 arthritis friendly pumpkin carving hacks to help you start spooky season off right: 1. Use a glove scraper 2. Use a hand held mixer 🖤...
🎙️ In this episode of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cristina Schaefer reminds everyone that dealing with rheumatoid arthritis is similar to a wave. 🌊You hold on, you deal...
Podcast, Provider Interviews, Rheumer Has It
Remission Myths and Misconceptions, with Dr. Loreto Carmona
Listen now Watch the video Summary: On this special episode of ‘Rheumer has It’, hosts Eileen and Cheryl are joined by renowned rheumatologist Dr. Loreto...
Are you confused about information you see or read about arthritis and medication? Join Cheryl, Eileen, and rheumatologist Dr. Glenn Hazelwood as they discuss medication...
Remembering when I picked up my 12 week supply of methotrexate and the pharmacy gave me 250 syringes! Happy Friday, everyone! Sometimes you just need a laugh...
Patient Stories, Podcast, rheum to thrive
“It’s a Moving Target:” From Athlete to ER Nurse to Life with RA, Emily’s Story
Listen Now Watch Video Summary: On this episode, Emily and Cheryl discuss how they’ve come to terms with the fluctuating, non-linear, dynamic nature of rheumatoid...
✅ These stretches are great to do throughout the day, not just on an airplane! 1. Tendon gliding for finger flexors and extensors 2. Thumb opposition to keep the thumb...
❓Have you ever wanted to become involved with patient advocacy or research, but don’t know how to start? 🎙On Episode 166 of The Arthritis Life Podcasr, Andi Weaver...
Patient Stories, Podcast
Finding Strength after JIA and Macrophage Activation Syndrome: Zac’s Story of Tenacity
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode of The Arthritis Podcast, Cheryl sits down with 28-year-old personal trainer Zac Spinosa to discuss his powerful journey...
Summary: On episode 185, “Chronic Pain Reset” podcast host Dr. Afton Hassett sits down with Cheryl Crow, an occupational therapist, patient advocate, founder of...
👦👧If you will be transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology care soon, this episode is for you. ✅ Dr. Jenna Thomason explains how rheumatology care changes from...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode, Gittel returns for her fifth appearance to reflect on her journey with Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis...
Listen up if you’re traveling soon – here are four of my favorite arthritis travel tips to make airplane travel easier! 🌟 Think ahead – I always put my...
Podcast, Provider Interviews, Rheumer Has It
Rheumer Has It: Axial Spondyloarthritis Myths v. Facts with Dr. Jean Liew
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Curious about axial spondyloarthritis and how it affects people beyond the typical stereotypes? Join us on our latest episode of...
Do you need to hear these today? 💜
favorite products, Life Hacks, Product Reviews
Rare Beauty Perfume – Review of this Ingeniously Designed, Accessible Bottle!
Crying over perfume bottle design wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025 but here we are! This is my take on the ingeniously designed Rare Beauty perfume bottle, as a...
Patient Stories, Podcast
From Frustration to Inspiration: Melissa’s Journey of Self-Advocacy, Diagnostic Purgatory and Life with Scleroderma
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Melissa Marquis, a nurse from Connecticut, shares her journey of navigating a 17-year...
Blog, General Education, Patient Stories
Highlights from Juvenile Arthritis Family Camp in Washington State!
Last July, I had the absolute JOY of attending the Arthritis Foundation’s KAT FISH family camp in Washington State. There is something truly magical about getting...
❓Who is guilty of googling their symptoms or diagnosis and reading all the worst case scenarios? 💻 Dr. Dada gives us a great reminder that when you read things online...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of arthritis care, despite its significant impact on symptoms such as pain, fatigue...
🤔 Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones! ✨ Like taping your nail clippers to a box for extra stability and control. 🙌 No fancy tools needed, just creativity...
General Education, Podcast, Provider Interviews
Why are Integrative Approaches so Important? Insights from Dr. Diana Girnita
✨ “Do not lose hope. Do not let other’s bad experiences influence your decisions.” 🎙️ In Episode 161 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Dr. Diana Girnita...
favorite products, General Education, Life Hacks
My Best Tips for Beating the Sun and Heat when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Like many people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other forms of autoimmune arthritis, I have experienced increased heat and sun sensitivity. This makes it difficult...
Struggling to chop veggies with joint pain or limited grip? There are tools that can help! In this video, I show how I use this 90 degree angled knife to make food prep...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In this episode of Rheumer Has It, hosts Eileen and Cheryl sit down with rheumatologist Dr. Glenn Hazelwood to debunk common myths and...
Have back pain? Here are three simple tools that can help: ✅ Tailbone cushion ✅ Lumbar support pillow ✅ Heating Pad (bonus points if it extends the entire length of your...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, Life with Arthritis, Patient Stories
My Invisible Illness Photoshoot for Rheumatoid Arthritis
In 2018, I teamed up with photographer @jesskeenerphoto to create an Invisible Illness Photoshoot – click through the slideshow above to see all ten images. I was...
“My first shout out is to Cheryl’s group Rheum to THRIVE…I gotta tell you, that group and ya’ll got me through a really tough time…I was at kind of a turning point just...
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: If you’ve ever been told you’re “too young to have arthritis,” this episode is for you! Co-hosts Cheryl & Eileen, both of whom live...
Podcast, Uncategorized
Introducing Rheumer Has It: Busting Myths and Highlighting Evidence for Rheumatic Diseases
Episode 1: Rheumer Has It, Episode 169 – Arthritis Life Podcast Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Welcome to the very first episode of Rheumer Has It! Hosts Cheryl...
I recently started jogging again, after not consistently running for ten years. Today, my mile time is 11 minutes. This is twice as slow as my fastest time in high...
General Education, rheum to thrive
Celebrating 5 Years of Rheum to THRIVE Rheumatoid Arthritis Empowerment Program!
You are not alone Just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and feeling totally overwhelmed? I see you. I created a program to help people like you! Five years ago...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Becoming Immune Confident with Sjogren’s Disease and MCAS, with Dr. Kara Wada
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Feeling overwhelmed by autoimmune symptoms like Sjögren’s and MCAS? You’re not alone — but you can become “immune confident...
General Education, Life Hacks
Life Hacks for Arthritis – Episode 127 of the Live Yes with Arthritis Podcast!
I was recently honored to be featured on the Arthritis Foundation’s “Live Yes with Arthritis” Podcast to talk about one of my favorite topics:...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Navigating the Shift: From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology with Dr. Jenna Thomason
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Getting diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis in your teens or early 20s comes with a whirlwind of changes—and one of the biggest is...
General Education, Injection Videos
Why am I OK with Being on Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications for the Rest of my Life?
“I don’t want to be on meds forever—how are you so okay with it?” When I first started posting injection videos, this question came up a lot. Honestly? After taking RA...
After 15+ years of volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, I finally made it to my first Pathways Conference—and WOW, what an unforgettable weekend in Chicago! 💙✨...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Managing Gout, Osteoporosis, and Arthritis: Insights from Dr. Arinola Dada
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: Getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. In this...
General Education
Should I do an “arthritis 101” webinar for friends and family members of people with RA?
The other day in one of my Rheum to THRIVE support group meetings, someone shared an amazing idea:“Cheryl, I wish you could talk to my friends and family about RA so...
Podcast, Provider Interviews
Why are Integrative Approaches (like nutrition and exercise) so important for RA? Insights from Dr. Diana Girnita
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: On this episode of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl sits down with rheumatologist Dr. Diana Girnita for an in-depth conversation on how...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education
Beanless Sweet Potato Chili: My Favorite Crockpot Recipe
One of my favorite easy, quick crockpot meals is this “Beanless Sweet Potato Chili,” also known as a “Brainless Chili” thanks to my phone’s auto-correct feature (haha)...
General Education, Podcast, rheum to thrive
Best Advice for People Newly Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ep 155 Arthritis Life Podcast)
Listen now Episode Summary Know someone recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? I made Episode 155 of The Arthritis Life Podcast just for them! A new RA...
Patient Stories, Podcast, rheum to thrive
Advocacy, Mindset and More: Chrissy’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey
Watch Now: Listen Now Summary: In episode 154 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Chrissy shares her journey from the frustration of diagnostic delays to finally receiving a...
Arthritis Life Blog, Blog, General Education, Mental Health
My #1 Trigger for Anxiety with Rheumatoid Arthritis (and How I Cope!)
The first question people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis usually ask One of the most frequent questions people with with rheumatoid arthritis ask me is: “Will...
General Education, Injection Videos
How I give myself Methotrexate Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis without hurting my thumb
I can’t believe it’s been six years since I started my Arthritis Life YouTube channel! Today I’m highlighting one of my most popular videos. Honestly...
Podcast, Uncategorized
Riding the Chronic Illness Roller Coaster with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Endometriosis and Cancer: Stephanie’s Story
Listen Now: Watch Now: Summary: In episode 152 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Stephanie discuss Stephanie’s journey learning to live with endometriosis...
Are you struggling to adjust to your “new normal” with rheumatoid arthritis, or a similar condition like psoriatic arthritis or spondyloarthritis? If you answered yes...
General Education, Podcast
It’s Not Just Joint Pain: Let’s Talk about Sleep, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Mental Health with Rheumatic Disease
Listen Here: Watch Here: Summary: On episode 148 of The Arthritis Life Podcast, Cheryl and Eileen dive into their “It’s Not Just Pain” presentation from the American...