Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

Homemade Gifts Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Will Love

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Bright shawls to wear during cancer treatment, blankets to swaddle new babies with, and hats to keep little ones warm — these are just a few of the projects I’ve ... Read more

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Balancing Life and Health Limitations

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Being a teenage girl in the body of an old lady is rough. Between day-to-day choices and upcoming life decisions, we often feel like we can’t win. Do we overextend ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Staying Hopeful While Waiting for Arthritis Medicines to Work

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Sundays are injection days. My routine isn’t a big deal anymore, although it once was. I defrost the pre-filled syringe, swab my stomach with some alcohol, inject the needle, press ... Read more

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Helping Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Halloween is still a few days away, but I’m on my fourth bag of candy. Oops! I can’t resist goodies like Reese’s and Kit Kats!   But with all those extra ... Read more

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

Fun Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating for Kids With JA

COVID-19 Columns, Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

The past few years, I’ve been going to Salem, Massachusetts, to celebrate Halloween weekend with my boyfriend. Although I’m too much of a wimp to try the haunted houses, I ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

4 Challenges Teens With Juvenile Arthritis May Face

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

I’m probably in the minority, but I loved high school. Those four years were a blast! Some of my favorite memories include participating in National Honors Society events, volunteering at the library, ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

JA-friendly Alternatives to Halloween Activities

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Despite being the biggest scaredy-cat who ever lived, I enjoyed some Halloween festivities as a child. While I avoided haunted houses and scary movies like the plague, I loved doing ... Read more

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

Helping Kids With JA Cope With Medical Fears

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

My first juvenile arthritis flare was so intense I was hospitalized for a couple days. My pain was so severe that no one could touch me. Thankfully, I don’t remember ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

Parenting a Child With Juvenile Arthritis Requires Balance

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

When you say “juvenile arthritis,” many people imagine it’s the same disease that affects older people. (Hint: It’s not.) But despite having an “old person’s disease,” kids and teens with ... Read more

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020

Overcoming Loneliness Caused by Juvenile Arthritis

COVID-19 Columns, Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Juvenile arthritis can be such an isolating disease. Flares can cause you to miss out on activities and events. Doctors’ appointments may mean missing school and time with friends. And ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

How to Stay Positive When Others Share Negative JA Experiences

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

There are groups for everything nowadays, especially online! I’m a member of several Facebook groups. I provide updates to the ladies on my crocheting group and offer advice about my ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 4, 2020

Injuries Can Be a Big Deal With Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

While I like watching sports, I have never been an athletic person. So, naturally, gym class was always my least favorite. But my disdain for gym class went beyond not ... Read more

August 27, 2020August 28, 2020

Getting a Diagnosis Sometimes Brings Considerable Relief

Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

When I was a child dealing with undiagnosed juvenile arthritis, my mum struggled to have a provider listen to her concerns. I remember her telling me about the show “House ... Read more

August 13, 2020August 14, 2020

5 Overlapping Symptoms of JA and Depression

COVID-19 Columns, Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

Being a teen is tough, and it’s no secret that teens with juvenile arthritis tend to have higher incidences of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Neither is it ... Read more

August 6, 2020August 12, 2020

4 Ways to Ease the Pain of Biologic Injections

COVID-19 Columns, Juvenile Arthritis News Columns

You’d think that the last thing a parent ever expects to learn is that their child has arthritis. But in reality, many people are more shocked to learn that some ... Read more