12 August 2025
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus are really big diseases that can affect any part of the body. Eating vegetables and fruit help your body with nutrition, and gentle stretching and walking everyday is really important. Most importantly take your medication every single day, even if you feel better. It’s important to continue taking them as your doctor said, without any breaks or stopping entirely.
Rheumatoid arthritis hurts. It hurts sitting with friends, it hurts walking, and it can hurt even when resting. Help your community by taking your tablets, not just once or twice, but everyday or as the doctor told you to take them. It’s important to take the tablets everyday even when you feel better, if you want to stay feeling better. If you don’t, you will start to hurt again.
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More videos in the series
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Flares & Epigenetics Pt1
Rheumatoid arthritis flares don’t happen 'out of the blue', even when it feels like it. Epigenetics can help explain why. Think of it as the way your environment and experiences like stress, infections, sleep, hormones, diet, even medications can switch certain immune genes on or off, without changing your DNA itself. In RA, these switches can turn up inflammation, making joints suddenly hurt, swell, or stiffen.
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Nutrition Series Part 4 Leaky Gut and Microbiome
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This is a recording of one of our Australian Dragon Talks sessions. Nutrition Series Part 2 Reducing Inflammation
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This is a recording of one of our Australian's Dragon Talks sessions. Let’s Talk About Sugar
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Exercise Physiologist, Sarah Comensoli, talks about the benefits of resistance training for rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. Tailored programs are important for people with autoimmune conditions, and should take any conditions you have into account, as it can make a difference on whether you continue with your goals, or give up too soon.
Mindful Movement – Part 5 – Putting It All Together
In the last class of her Mindfulness in Movement series, Jill Dunkley, a Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, puts everything that we've learnt in the last four weeks together.
Mindful Movement – Part 4 – Light Resistance Training
In this class in her Mindfulness in Movement series, Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, explains how to use light weights to help your muscles become stronger, to be able to put more load on your bones in a way that also promotes bone health. She talks about light resistance training for upper and lower body.
Mindful Movement – Part 3 – Strengthening the Core
Jill Dunkley, a Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor who focuses on trauma-centred mindfulness, talks to us in the third class of her Mindfulness in Movement series, about strengthening the core muscles, after looking at posture and the abdominal brace in the previous class.
Mindful Movement – Part 2 – Balance and Fall Prevention
In this second class in her Mindfulness in Movement series, Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, talks to us about balance and fall prevention.
Mindful Movement – Part 1 – The Basics
Yoga Therapist & Mindfulness Instructor, Jill Dunkley, starts a series of talks about mindful movement for autoimmune conditions. Part 1 kicks off with the basics for the days when you're in a flare or have limited energy.
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi is a practice that can meet you exactly where you are with your autoimmune condition. It’s low-impact and slow, so won't push your body into a flare, and can help with stiffness, balance, and gentle strength. The calm, flowing movements and steady breathing can help settle your nervous system, which may ease pain and fatigue over time.
Depression in Autoimmune Conditions
Depression is common in autoimmune conditions, and it’s not a personal failing or 'just feeling low' says Dr Robin Murray, a neuropsychologist. Chronic inflammation, pain, fatigue, and the unpredictability of symptoms all place real strain on both your body and your mind. Inflammation itself can affect your brain chemistry, which means depression can be part of the condition - not just a reaction to it.
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In this conversation, Dr Joan Campbell explores the differences between Eastern (Chinese) medicine and Western medicine: how each understand the body, health, and healing, and what those different lenses can offer. It’s not about choosing one over the other, rather than understanding the strengths and limitations of both.
Stress and Autoimmunity
This talk by Dr Robin Murray, a neuropsychologist, talks about how stress not causing autoimmune conditions, but how it can influence how your immune system behaves. When stress is ongoing, your body stays in a heightened state of 'alert', releasing hormones that can disrupt immune balance and increase inflammation. For people living with an autoimmune condition, this can mean more frequent or more intense flares.
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Living with chronic pain affects more than your body, but can shape how you think, feel, and move through the world. This conversation with Dr Robin Murray is about understanding - not blaming - and knowing that even small supports can make a meaningful difference.
The Science and Magic of Forest Therapy
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Trauma and Autoimmune Conditions Part 2
In Part 2 of Dr Véronique Mead's talk, a medical doctor and a trauma therapist, she talks about the clues offered when you go into a flare, and understanding the triggers - both can be a useful tool when managing an autoimmune conditions.
Trauma and Autoimmune Conditions P1
Dr Véronique Mead, a medical doctor and a trauma therapist, introduces us to hidden risk factors in Autoimmune Conditions, while sharing her own story. In this first conversation, she gently explores the connection between trauma and autoimmune conditions, weaving together lived experience, science, and deep compassion.
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From pre-clinical research to a new medication being listed on the PBS, patient advocate Cathy Sertori talks about the steps involved to get the medicine to the community.
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Join Dr Tervaert as he gently unpacks the complexity behind chronic fatigue and long-COVID - and explores how something as simple as Vitamin D could play a meaningful role in our wellbeing.
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If you’ve ever wondered how scleroderma, a rare autoimmune condition, can shape someone’s day-to-day life, join Amanda Lawrie-Jones as she brings it into focus with courage, insight, and a truly welcoming presence.
Lupus Series: The Power of Exercise
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Lupus Series: Let’s talk Kidney Health
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Lupus Series: Frankly speaking, Life with Lupus
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Lupus Series: Let’s compare Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Do you know the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus? Rosemary Ainley, Advocacy Manager and Senior Editor of Creakyjoints Australia and Naomi Creek, National Coordinator of Global Healthy Living Foundation from their experience discuss the differences in Lupus and RA symptoms and diagnosis.
Lupus Series: Prudencia’s Story
Pru reminisces on the ups and downs of her Lupus journey - and her story truly is a riveting one. Talk about resilience! Today Pru advocates for education of better understanding of autoimmune conditions and communication between patient and specialist. She volunteers to participate for Australian Lupus Registry (ALRB) and Biobank for SLE patients. Lupus Series: Prof. Eric Morand talks about specific therapy for SLE
Prof. Eric Morand, Dean of Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at Monash University, and Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, talks to us about specific therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Lupus Series: Treatment with Anifrolumab (Saphnelo)
Julie shares her personal story of resilience, struggle and perseverance with Lupus. She has Systemic Lupus, Cutaneous Lupus and CNS Lupus. Julie was one of the first patients in Australia to receive the new Lupus treatment, Anifrolumab (Saphnelo). She talks about her journey on the treatment and shares her optimism with the results, and hope for people battling autoimmune conditions. Lupus Series: Andrew’s Story
This is Andrew's Lupus story. He talks about his symptoms and the emotional journey he's taken, and where he is today.
Rheumatologist: Dr Daniel Lewis on Autoimmune Conditions
Experienced rheumatologist Dr Daniel Lewis, talks about the integration of lifestyle practices into the management of autoimmune conditions.
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Medications can interact with the immune system either by intentionally suppressing it, or unintentionally affecting it, leading to all kinds of side effects.
Our Pillars of Self-Care Overview and Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is key when managing the physical and emotional challenges of having an autoimmune condition. Here's how lifestyle factors can play a role.
Treating to Target with Steroids
This is a recording of one of our Australian's Dragon Talks sessions.
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This is a recording of one of our Australian's Dragon Talks sessions.
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Meet Rachel Lea as she gently unpacks what POTS is, and shares how it shows up in her own life. Her honesty and clarity make this a grounding, comforting listen.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – How to get a Timely Appointment
Securing a timely appointment with a rheumatologist for suspected or confirmed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires a proactive, strategic approach due to high demand for these specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term joint damage, so acting quickly is essential.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Importance of the Mind-Body Connection
In this Intro session, we delve into the connection between mind and body, and how it can impact your symptoms if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
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When you finally have an appointment with a medical specialist for your Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), preparing for your appointment is necessary. This involves gathering detailed medical records, documenting specific symptoms, and preparing a list of your medications. Because RA is a chronic, fluctuating condition, providing concrete data can help your specialist make an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
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What do you lab test results tell you? Understanding your results and what they mean over time can make a difference in identifying changes early enough, before they escalate. Doing this makes it easier for you and your specialist to identify any patterns in your symptoms - an invaluable tool to help you manage your condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Importance of Exercise & Movement
The importance of movement on your body cannot be overstated - especially if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It can reduce pain and stiffness, improve your mood, strengthen your muscles for better joint support, help maintain your bone density, and also help lower cardiovascular risks - all of which make daily activities easier, improving the overall quality of your life.
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Poor sleep can worsen pain, inflammation, fatigue, and depression. For people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), sleep is crucial. The problem is that RA pain and stiffness can disrupt sleep, creating a vicious cycle. In this session we talk about the effects of sleep deficiency on the body and it impacts your health.
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This video was developed in conjunction with the Dubbo and Coonamble Aboriginal Health Services to encourage awareness of support and treatment available for the musculoskeletal conditions in Aboriginal communities across Western NSW.
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This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aim is to contribute to closing the health and life expectancy gap. It was created with the support of the Borroloola Communities and the Borroloola Community Health Centre.
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This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aims to close the health and life expectancy gap. The video was created with the support of the Communities of the Tiwi Islands and the Tiwi Islands Health Clinics Julanimawu clinic at Wurrumiyanga, Jipuwampilala clinic at Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi Clinic.
Lupus Series: Why is Collective Advocacy so important?
Ann Single (CEO, Patient Voice Initiative) talks to us about the importance of Collective Advocacy at what it means for people with Lupus.
Lupus Series: Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Physician
Estala Mata, from MATA Patient Advocacy & Support, talks about the importance of having a voice and being able to build a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider.
