Monday, September 30, 2013

Does Running Give You Arthritis In Your Knees? It Doesn't Appear So...

Check out this article of over 75,000 runners which seems to prove that if a knee was healthy to start with, it is not likely that running, or continuing to run or jog as you age, causes arthritis in the knees.

My second favorite part of this article - it's great exposure about arthritis in the NY Times!

Here's the full story: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/?_r=2&

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Mrs. West Virginia International, On The Move!

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Wheeling, WV with the Leadership West Virginia Class of 2013 (The Best Class Ever).

This trip took me to a place in our beautiful state that I had never been and it was an incredible experience. We learned a ton about the legal system in our state, listened to experts and even participated in a mock trial.

I also had the chance to visit Independence Hall where I had a very refreshing and informative tour and history lesson about our state. (This was good for me, as the last time I took a state history class was in 8th grade)

Traveling the state as Mrs. West Virginia International gives me the opportunity to serve as a role model and a voice to others and being a member of Leadership WV sends me all over the state to learn about issues and areas that I may not have otherwise even come in contact with our learned about.

It's inspiring to be involved and it motivates me to continue to do everything I can to promote the positive aspects of our great state.

Happy Tuesday!


Monday, September 23, 2013

Mmmm, Ice Cream...For A Great Cause!

The wind is starting to blow, the leaves are changing and the weather is beginning to cool, but it's still warm enough for some ice cream!

I'll be at Orange Leaf in Kanawha City tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24th from 6-8pm to enjoy some great ice cream that benefits The Arthritis Foundation! 

You can visit Orange Leaf in Kanawha City OR Teays Valley. Just make sure you mention The Arthritis Foundation so a percentage of proceeds benefit us!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Thank You, Husson's Pizza!

Can you believe all of the support from businesses in our area for The Arthritis Foundation? I am so excited! We are truly spreading the word and raising awareness about this unacceptable disease.

Do you love pizza? Great! You can help! On Thursday, October 3rd, all Husson's Pizzas in our area will donate 25% on orders if you mention The Arthritis Foundation! Orders must be dine-in or pick-up.

We are so thankful for this great treat from Husson's Pizza and are truly blessed with the support of West Virginia! Save the "Cheat Day" on your diet for October 3rd and eat some pizza for a good cause!



Saturday, September 7, 2013

Inspiration Saturday

Today, I want to take time to talk about two very special young men who have become a huge part of my life.



The Arthritis Foundation in West Virginia has done something very special...it has introduced me to so many individuals, young and old, who are faced with this unacceptable disease. This year, I am SO honored to be named one of the 2013 Jingle Bell Run Honorees as the Adult Honoree. I get to share this incredible experience with the 2013 Teen Honoree, Michael Facemire and the Pre-School Honoree, Brayden Elmore.

Today, I'm going to tell you about these two incredible guys who I am so proud to call my friends now.

Michael has an unusual type of arthritis that attacks his lungs and his heart...not typical joints you think of when you think about arthritis. While he was seeking a diagnosis, he missed a full semester of his Junior Year of High School and had to go out of the state before he was finally diagnosed.

During his senior year, he played lacrosse and soccer and represented his high school at the We The People Competition. He graduated 8th in his class and is now off to WVU Tech to study Computer Engineering.

I want to specifically talk about Michael because when I met him, I never would have known the challenges he is faced with daily. He is such a sweet, outgoing and incredible guy and he is truly passionate about raising awareness about arthritis to help others. What a special person! I'm so thankful to have him as a part of my life and I can't wait to share this great experience as Honorees at the Jingle Bell Run together.

You can learn more about Michael's story on his Honoree Page.

Next, my sweet and handsome new friend, Brayden. This little guy is one of the cutest and sweetest kids you'll ever meet...and clearly, he's one of the toughest, too.

Brayden was diagnosed with arthritis when he was only two years old. He, too, had to go out of the state for care because West Virginia does not have a Pediatric Rheumatologist. He still has to travel to Cincinnati about every four months with his mom and dad and his two siblings for care. 

A child with arthritis is a learning curve for everyone in the family. Parents are scared because their child is in pain, siblings don't understand why their little brother is in pain and others don't see that the pain for little Brayden is so unbearable, it literally stopped him from walking at one point in his life.

Brayden isn't the only one in this family who has inspired me. His Mom, Jenna, has been at tons of events with him and just talking with her and learning her story is so amazing. Brayden is lucky to be a part of a family with parents who knew to take him to the doctor when they noticed something wasn't quite right and who continue to take him for care to make sure he feels the best that he can.

You can see Brayden's full story on his Honoree page!

This year is bringing so many wonderful opportunities my way and this is just the icing on the cake for me. Meeting new people, learning their stories and becoming a part of their lives inspires me to continue what we are doing to reach the Arthritis Foundation's Mission - Create a world FREE of arthritis pain.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

In Honor of the NFL Season

This morning, The Arthritis Foundation shared this awesome Throwback Thursday photo in honor of the NFL Season officially starting tonight.

As the 2013 NFL season kicks off today, it's only appropriate to throw it back to Mean Joe Greene’s arthritis campaign in 1981: “We want people to understand that arthritis is like me – it’s mean and should be taken seriously.” #ThrowbackThursday #TBT


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Spoon Theory

I absolutely HAD to share this. This "Spoon Theory" was created to help others understand what it is like to live with chronic illness and the constant negotiations we must make in our lives.



Monday, September 2, 2013

Arthritis Hits The Warden Household Again

A few months ago, an adorable dog showed up at our door. (We live in the country...these things happen, I suppose.)

This little guy was hungry and scared and our dog, adopted and saved from the Jackson County Animal Shelter, Sheldon, loved him. They became best friends immediately.

We let this new guy stay with us while we spent weeks calling local animal shelters and vets to see who he belonged to.

After much effort, we ended up keeping him, now with the name, Benji.


This blog isn't to write a story about how we ended up with our Benji, though. We noticed that if Benji goes outside and runs for an extended period of time or when he sleeps and gets up, he walks with a limp. His little shoulder seems very stiff and sometimes he cries from the pain.

So, I recently took Benji to the vet to learn that HE HAS ARTHRITIS! 


Isn't it crazy that this guy ended up at MY doorstep!? I'm so happy he did. He has a happy home with owners that love him and take care of him and he, too, is on medicine for his pain. 

Lucky guy, huh? :)





Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend full of rest, relaxation, or whatever you needed! Ours was filled with adventure as my husband and I hit the road with his mom, sister, brother-in-law, nieces and a friend to Cedar Point!

We walked over 20 miles in two days of fun-filled adventure and I realized just how much I've changed since the last time I was at an amusement park. I am not a fearless daredevil anymore, that's for sure!

My niece, Ava, who is 6, is tall enough to ride a few of the 'bigger' ones (A big step from the Snoopy Coaster) and she had a blast!

It was so much fun to spend a great few days enjoying the wonderful family that I was able to become a part of.

Feeling thankful, tired and sore. Let's see how this arthritis does after a few fun-filled days! :)