In the 41st episode of Arthritis At Home, Julia Chayko discusses her experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis and working in the arts during COVID-19. She talks about some unexpected silver linings of the pandemic – how it has helped her to better manage her disease and stay active – as well as the significant challenges live theater actors like herself are facing at this time. She explains a number of key factors that will help her feel safe returning to theater work in the future, and also provides some tips on staying sane, healthy and happy during this time.
J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress and international arthritis advocate from Vancouver, B.C. who is a member of the Arthritis Patient Advisory Board at Arthritis Research Canada. She has published poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. She created her blog, The Old Lady in My Bones, shortly after a diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis, and has since gone on to contribute articles to other websites, magazines and a book on living with rheumatic disease. A graduate from the Writer’s Studio, she is currently working on her first novel.
Thank you, Julia, for joining us on our program and providing the perspective of returning to work in unique environments like the theater while living with arthritis during COVID-19!
Helpful links:
Julia’s blog, The Old Lady in My Bones: https://theoldladyinmybones.com/
JointHealth™ insight – July 2020: Re-opening and what it means for workers living with arthritis: https://jointhealth.org/programs-jhinsight-view.cfm?id=1253&locale=en-CA
Life-style management guide from the Arthritis Patient Advisory Board at Arthritis Research Canada: https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/lifestyle-management-guide/