https://www.healthcentral.com/author/cathy-kramer

Cathy Kramer

Patient Advocate

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: facebook.com/RAHealthCentral.

Latest by Cathy Kramer

woman flexing bicep
Living With

Take Charge of Your RA so It Won't Take Charge of You

Our RA may not be going anywhere soon, but it doesn't have toown us. Here are some practical ways to keep your RA in check so it doesn’t control your life.

Woman applying makeup with towel wrapped around her head
Beauty

Getting Ready With RA: 8 Easy Beauty and Style Tips

These hair and makeup tricks can help reduce your risk of a rheumatoid-arthritis flare.

woman making bed
Living With

RA Hacks for Household Chores

A day of decluttering can lead to pain and fatigue if you have RA. Use these tips to make household duties less likely to end in a flare.

Friends Riding Bicycles In A City
Living With

You’re More Than Your RA

These five habits can help you live the life you want after diagnosis

Happy woman walking in the woods listening to music.
Living With

That RA Body is Rockin'

Having a positive body image with RA is tricky when you don't feel great about the way your joints look and feel. But it is possible to love your body. You just need to embrace a different view of what you see in the mirror.

A circle of hands linked in support.
Living With

Is Pain a Requirement for Getting RA Support?

Do you feel sheepish about sharing your happy moments with your peers in the RA community? Our RA stories may be different, but we share one thing in common: We all need support.

Woman exercising at gym.
Living With

RA Workout Tips That Won’t Start a Flare

You know you should exercise to help your RA, but how do you start a program without killing your joints? It’s possible. Here’s how.

Woman tracking her RA symptoms on her smartphone.
Technology

There's an App for That — Including Your RA

Life with rheumatoid arthritis is all over the map. Try these tools and apps to track your symptoms, so you can report them to your doctor.

Empty nesters waving at their children through video chat.
Living With

When Helpful Kids Leave the Nest

When kids grow up with a parent who has RA, they learn to be empathetic and helpful. So what happens when they move out on their own? Here are tips on filling the void they've left behind.

Illustration of cold weather, snowy with red birds in tree
Living With

When Cold Weather Hits, Help Your RA First

If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, prepare for winter by following these tips to prevent flares and care for your body when the temperature drops.