Cathy Kramer
Cathy Kramer has been married longer than not and is a mom to two young adults plus an aging border collie. She splits her days/nights between two community colleges as an ESL/ABE instructor. She is a strong believer in gratitude and attempts to leave a smile everywhere she goes. Cathy shares her positive voice as an advocate in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic illness, and self-care communities. Her ongoing journey with RA can be found on her blog The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo. She often hangs out @cateepoo88 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Cathy is also a Social Ambassador for the RAHealthCentral Facebook page.
Conditions Covered:Rheumatoid Arthritis
Latest by Cathy Kramer
Cooking With RA: Enlist Your Family's Help
When you have RA, hearing "What's for dinner?" can be a daunting question — but it doesn't have to be. Make cooking as a family an "all hands on deck" event.
When You're Ready to Return to Your Full-Time Job
Sometimes you have to take some time off from your full-time job when RA becomes a full-time job in itself. When you're ready to go back, it can be daunting — but don’t worry, we're there for you.
Walk With Me, Heal With Me
It may seem so simple and basic, but going on a morning, afternoon, or evening walk can make such a difference in your RA — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Recruit Your Kids For Your Health Team
We're not kidding — your kids can be a vital part of keeping your energy up and pain levels at bay. Trying to do it all — care for children, grocery shop, cook, and clean — is most likely more than you alone can accomplish. So enlist their help — we'll tell you how.
Juggling Mom Life, RA, and The Guilt That Comes With It
When your child, no matter the age, needs you and you can’t provide because your RA is holding you down, it is hard to not feel guilty. Pile on the fact that RA is hereditary, and you’re left shouldering a world of guilt. You’re not alone.
It's Like Riding a Bike — Except With RA
If you're itching to get back into a childhood favorite activity like riding a bike (literally), but you’re timid because of your RA, take a note from Cathy who has done it — with success.
Surviving Summer When Your Kids Are Out of School — And You Have RA
What in the world are you going to do with them all day? First things first, set expectations. Then, remember that it’s okay to do nothing all day. Pajamas all day, homemade forts, and cookies sound amazing.
Help Them, Help You: How to Help Your Doctor Diagnose and Treat Your RA Quicker
More often than not, the RA community experiences a long road when it comes to getting a diagnosis. That road can be just as long when it comes to getting the right treatment. Here are the four steps you should take to speed along either process.
Exercises for All Levels of RA
More and more it seems like people who live with RA are sharing snaps from their 5k run, or cycling class. But how, when others can barely get out of bed? There’s an exercise for all levels of RA – no matter how long you have or haven’t lived with the condition.
My Secret Coping Mechanism for Dealing With RA
When RA pain creeps in, it’s hard to handle the rest of the world. That’s why this mom secretly turns to this coping mechanism.