Columns

July 30, 2020July 28, 2020

Sometimes Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Need Encouragement

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I’ve heard it said that when you suffer from chronic pain, everything takes twice the effort. I know I feel that way, especially during flares, when it feels like ... Read more

July 23, 2020July 28, 2020

For a Child Newly Diagnosed With JA, There’s Hope for the Future

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Even after I had suffered from symptoms for years, being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis brought a lot of fear and hopelessness. I wondered what my future would look like. ... Read more

July 16, 2020July 14, 2020

When Juvenile Arthritis Becomes the Butt of the Joke

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

It’s hard as a child to deal with bullying. Unfortunately, kids with chronic illnesses can be frequent targets. Not every child with juvenile arthritis deals with this issue, but ... Read more

July 9, 2020July 6, 2020

‘Inside Out’ Helps Kids With JA Talk About Their Feelings

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I’m a giant Disney nerd. So when “Inside Out” came out a few years ago, I had to see it. While I loved the jokes and colorful animation, I ... Read more

July 2, 2020June 30, 2020

Is Remote Learning the Best Option for Kids with JA?

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I chuckled, looking at pictures of my little cousin on a Zoom call with her classmates. It looked like the world’s cutest business meeting. Twenty smiling faces, so happy ... Read more

June 25, 2020June 23, 2020

How to Thoughtfully Raise Awareness About Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Ten years ago, a Disney Channel special inspired me to start an online journal. Almost every day after school, I curled up next to the family dog and wrote ... Read more

June 18, 2020June 16, 2020

During JA Flares, Just Keep Moving Forward

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

It felt like gravity was pulling me down. I was trying to walk up a hill, but my legs felt like jelly. Worse, my hips were screaming in pain. ... Read more

June 11, 2020June 9, 2020

When Juvenile Arthritis Predicts the Weather

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

A few weeks ago, I couldn’t get comfortable. I sat on the couch, fidgeting and shifting, but couldn’t find any relief. Climbing into bed and propping my knees with pillows didn’t ... Read more

June 4, 2020June 2, 2020

Feeling Overwhelmed by Pediatric Rheumatology Appointments?

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I was sweet 16 and ready for the summer of a lifetime: I had my first boyfriend, great friends, and tons of adventures planned. It also was the summer ... Read more

May 28, 2020May 26, 2020

Do Kids with Juvenile Arthritis Need Gluten-free Diets?

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Every time I turn around, people claim yet another diet will cure arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. Some of the most popular ones at the moment are the paleo ... Read more