For those with chronic illness, vaccines offer protection and peace of mind. But hesitancy and access concerns remain. Here’s what our community had to say in our latest poll.
By Angie Ebba
"A friend often reminds me (so frequently, in fact, that I got it tattooed on my wrist): 'Choose Angie.' Choose yourself. You are what matters most."
By Sarah Shaw
"Tinu was the best of us, always amplifying voices from the chronic illness community and sharing resources, advice, or financial assistance.”
‘We remind one another that we are not crazy, that this illness is real, that it is not a moral issue, that our bodies went rogue without our approval or consent.’
By CreakyStaff
Here’s what to do before, during, and after a doctor visit to get better care and treatment.
By CreakyStaff
The best advice arthritis patient Nicole Dalton ever received: "You have to dress to match how you physically feel."
"Social media can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential to navigate it mindfully and exercise discernment when engaging with both the information and the people you encounter."
"From cooking meals to cleaning to running errands and managing finances, every responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders — shoulders already aching from arthritis."
Managing RA pain goes beyond joint care. Explore these patient-approved tips for identifying triggers and finding relief.
"The effort it takes to push through the pain and fatigue often leaves me running on empty. It’s no wonder I can feel burnt out when I am constantly stuck in survival mode."
Majority report increased fatigue, difficulty staying cool, and worsening symptoms, but share their tips for beating the heat.
"If you have RA, like me, you have likely read a lot about anti-inflammatory diets and various versions from self-proclaimed experts. And, if you’re also like me, you have probably tried countless diet plans, only to feel frustrated and still hungry."
By Angie Ebba
"Many of us living with chronic illness face chronic boredom. Our bodies tell us to rest, lie down, and stop...our brains often crave more stimulation."
By Ian Carroll
The Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest Patient Support Program Poll explores how honest patients are with their doctors and examines why those with chronic illness might hold back.
By CreakyStaff
As someone living with arthritis, you know how hard it is to explain your symptoms to others. Our community shares how they really talk about their arthritis, beyond just saying ‘I'm fine.’
By Angie Ebba
“We aren’t separated into sections like the game 'Operation,' where you can fix things by focusing on just one part at a time.”
By Charis Hill
“Burnout has opened space to look at who I am outside of advocacy. It has made room for me to discover what I want this next part of my life to look like. I’m learning to see this as an opportunity and not a failure.”
By JP Summers
Our #CreakyChats community offers tips on managing spring cleaning and organizing with chronic illness.
Patient advocate Shelley Fritz shares her experience with PRP therapy and why it was the best choice for her hand osteoarthritis.
By Jae Walker
“Masking is absolutely a matter of life or death for me. But I am not ashamed, and I will not be afraid to take care of myself…It is a part of me.”
By Angie Ebba
“By allowing ourselves to both feel our more difficult emotions, while also cultivating an attitude of gratitude for the positive aspects of our lives, we find a balance.”
By JP Summers
Discover valuable insights from our #CreakyChats community on navigating joint pain, flare-ups, stress, and seasonal shifts.
By Kelsey Kloss
Having an adverse event doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to stop cancer treatment, but there are a few key things you should know.
By Kelsey Kloss
"Trying to balance turning on your immune system to fight your cancer — but not making your life more difficult as a result — is a hard thing to do. The doctors don't have all the absolute right answers and neither does anybody else. However, if you’re able to say what you’re feeling and what you think you need, that’s really important."
By Jae Walker
“I could barely sit up in bed, and when I did manage to eat, it was only a few bites. I struggled with how quickly I lost function and ability in my body. There was no adjustment period. I just suddenly could not breathe, walk, or think straight.”
By Susan Jara
New report shines light on the health and economic benefits of staying up to date on your COVID shots.
By Kelsey Kloss
The new recommendations may follow California and Oregon in basing isolation periods on symptoms rather than timing.
Members of the chronic illness community share sincere messages of support and encouragement with one another.
By JP Summers
Discover valuable insights from our #CreakyChats community on the challenges faced by members of the Black chronic illness community.
Nurse and patient advocate Catina Morrison shares tips for talking with your doctor about assessing goals and changing the course when needed.
By Angie Ebba
“My body finally put its foot down, telling me in no uncertain terms that it was time to start saying “no” to things and saying “yes” to myself.”
Majority of people with chronic illness feel better when they are around their cats and agree that there is a healing effect.
Our chronic illness community shares insights on the changes they intend to make in the coming year to better manage their condition.
By CreakyStaff
Discover invaluable insights and strategies from our #CreakyChats community on managing the holiday season with chronic illness.
By Jae Walker
"Despite all my efforts to social distance, remain clean, work from home, have someone run errands for me, I got COVID...[for] an entire month before it was all over."
Global Healthy Living Foundation poll found lack of doctor advice, unawareness, and timing issues key factors in skipping RSV vaccine.
Rheumatologist Dr. Jeffrey Curtis shares how the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) integrative treatment guideline for rheumatoid arthritis may prompt lifestyle changes for some patients.
"I had no awareness that occupational therapists could help address the myriad challenges stemming from my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and its associated comorbidities."
By Joseph Coe
A look at how habit stacking can be a game-changer in managing chronic illness and improving overall health.
By JP Summers
Here’s what our patient community shared about the importance of getting vaccinated, if there were any unexpected side effects that altered their decision for future vaccinations, and what they wish the people in their lives understood about vaccines.
Global Healthy Living Foundation poll shows that among those who didn’t get or don’t plan to get the vaccines, efficacy, side effects, disease flares, and timing were all considerations.
Research presented at the American College of Rheumatology 2023 Convergence finds patients who are vaccine hesitant are primarily concerned with safety and side effects. The study also provides important insights into risk of disease flare.
By Adam Kegley
New study finds hip fracture prevention top patient priority for osteoporosis, helping shape an online treatment-decision tool.
A chronic illness coach and patient advocate shares tips for setting short- and long-term goals while prioritizing your health and well-being.
She remained asymptomatic for IgG4-RD until the silent disease brewing inside her led to the unexpected loss of a kidney.
By Susan Jara
After a 17-year diagnosis journey to IgG4-Related Disease, Nika is sharing her story and lessons to help others become proactive patients.
By Susan Jara
Navigate your bone health with tips on fracture prevention and osteoporosis management. Get expert insights for a fracture-free future.
By Susan Jara
A guide to recognizing the risks, exploring treatment options, and optimizing dietary choices for better bone health.
By Kelsey Kloss
Let's take a closer look at the science of manifestation and whether it's a boon or bane for those with chronic illnesses.
FDA gave approvals and authorizations for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and CDC committee met to review data and give recommendations for fall boosters. Learn more.
Here’s a look at how the IRA impacts health care costs, which is particularly important for people living with chronic illness.
By CreakyStaff
Here’s what our patient community shared about how insurance-related challenges affect well-being, how to navigate hurdles like prior authorization, and ways to discuss insurance with your health care providers.
Patient advocate Ashley Krivohlavek, a quarter Cherokee, reflects on the health care challenges her grandparents faced on a reservation and contrasts it with her own experiences.
By Susan Jara
Our latest poll explores how people with chronic conditions categorize their health.
By Bowei Li
New study highlights 12 main symptoms of long COVID from nearly 10,000 adults, shedding light on its impact and potential treatments.
By Kelsey Kloss
You may be feeling the pinch in your wallet with rising prices, but there are still many ways to be healthy and save money.
By Kelsey Kloss
It's normal to feel guilty when pain interferes with chores. Here’s how to turn your guilt into a productive and healthy path forward with your partner.
By Kelsey Kloss
Chronic pain demands coping mechanisms that go beyond simple phrases like "breathe deeply" or "just stay positive." Here, we help you navigate high-pain days with practical tips.
By Kelsey Kloss
An arthritis diagnosis can significantly alter your life, and it's completely understandable to feel a sense of grief. Here, we chat with mental health pros about managing grief and boosting resilience.
Discover how wearable sensors detecting C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in sweat are transforming inflammation monitoring for people with inflammatory conditions.
By CreakyStaff
Understand how state laws prohibit accumulators and maximizers, protecting patient programs without raising insurance costs. Learn terms like deductibles and co-pays to better navigate your health insurance benefits.
By Kelsey Kloss
Don't let chronic pain apologies weigh on your mental health. Manage cancellations without placing blame on yourself.
By Kelsey Kloss
A new update recommended by the FDA would target the most transmissible variant so far, subvariant XBB.1.5.
By Kelsey Kloss
If you’re tired of being cooped up but are nervous about jet setting, here are a few key things to consider.
New study suggests a link between clinical anxiety and depression and self-management behaviors such as treatment adherence, physical activity, and active health care participation.
Personal trainer Alex Levine adapted his fitness regimen to manage ankylosing spondylitis, and is now helping others with chronic illness to do the same.
By Kelsey Kloss
A new COVID-19 variant isn’t immediately a cause for concern, but here’s how to know when it’s time to be extra vigilant.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, over half mask indoors. Majority also seek greater education on boosters and mask mandates for health care providers.
By Kelsey Kloss
Here we look at several of the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community — and how you can take steps to advocate for yourself or a loved one in the doctor’s office.
Do friends, family, and peers often attribute anything amiss to your rheumatoid arthritis? Remember, while RA may be invisible, you are not. Your experiences and identity go beyond the condition.
By Kelsey Kloss
Persistent head pain may arise after you’re infected with COVID-19 — here’s why it might happen and what you can do about it.
By CreakyStaff
With this tool, you can have a more informed conversation about treatment options, disease activity, and more. Start planning for a better quality of life today.
Discover what remission or inactive disease means to patients and how doctors discuss and define remission.
Patient advocate Eileen Davidson shares how stress impacts her RA and offers tips for coping with stress and chronic illness.
New study suggests COVID vaccination linked to increased flare risk, alongside COVID infection.
Agency announces plans to create new regulatory pathway to vet growing number of CBD products.
By CreakyStaff
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, only 12 percent of respondents said they do not plan on getting the latest COVID-19 booster shot.
By Angie Ebba
"I’m beginning to realize that in trying to keep my girlfriend, my therapist, my kids, my friends, my family from seeing my pain, I’ve been denying them access to a very real part of myself.”
Chronic conditions can bring unpredictability and heightened anxiety levels. Here we explore triggers and how to change the channel in your mind through healthy distractions.
By CreakyStaff
In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we asked our patient community: What is one silver lining that has come from living with a chronic illness?
By Kerry Weiss
Discover why Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are critical for individuals over 50 with bone fractures.
By Kelsey Kloss
Struggling to get an appointment with a doctor? Discover why this is happening and what you can do to get in sooner.
By Angie Ebba
"There will be days where it feels like too much and that is okay. Just remember you can always wake up tomorrow and approach the world anew. And remember those days that feel like nothingness? They will pass, and you will feel again."
The Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals that nearly 76 percent of respondents were moderately or very stressed due to chronic illness in the past week.
By Kelsey Kloss
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we took a moment to reexamine this ancient Chinese martial art and how it can help you manage your arthritis.
By Kerry Weiss
Once you experience a bone fracture, your risk of another fracture increases, especially if you have osteoporosis. Understanding this risk and taking steps to strengthen bones can keep you healthy.
By CreakyStaff
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and what better way to prioritize your mental well-being than by taking action to cultivate positivity and resilience.
Recent studies suggest RSV vaccines from Pfizer and GSK may protect older adults. Learn about these promising developments.
By Kelsey Kloss
If you’re immunocompromised, it’s key to know the lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of getting sick.
By Kelsey Kloss
Here’s what you need to know about the latest amendment to the emergency use authorizations for the second omicron booster for high-risk groups.
Canadian researchers develop clinical practice guidelines for cannabis use in managing chronic pain, offering valuable insight to patients and doctors.
By Kelsey Kloss
Discover how sleep quality impacts vaccine effectiveness, and get tips to overcome sleep problems related to rheumatoid arthritis.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll reveals chronic pain and fatigue get in the way of forming exercise habits.
By CreakyStaff
Naming your chronic illness can help you distance yourself from it and feel more in control. Learn more about this creative coping mechanism.
By Kelsey Kloss
Creating an action plan in advance will reduce stress and risk for severe disease.
Discover the benefits of developing emotional intelligence, from managing chronic pain to improving all areas of your life.
New research finds that only half of older adults with rheumatic disease get regular moderate activity, which is associated with better physical function, mental health, and quality of life.
By Kelsey Kloss
Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss triggered by physical or emotional stress, including COVID-19. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for TE, and how to manage hair loss while waiting for regrowth.
By JP Summers
Our patient community shares their stories on how symptoms are affecting their lives.
By Kelsey Kloss
With these expert tips, you can help incision marks fade more quickly.
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
