Columns

December 5, 2019December 3, 2019

Queen Elsa from ‘Frozen 2’ Inspires Me to Move Out of My Comfort Zone

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I loved every moment of seeing “Frozen 2” in the theater, from the visually stunning scenes to the songs that prompted a dance party with the children sitting behind ... Read more

November 21, 2019November 19, 2019

Juvenile Arthritis Is Inconsistent, Not Me

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

My juvenile arthritis (JA) keeps me guessing. One day, my knee will bother me continuously; the next, the pain will have moved to my neck. Sometimes I’ll have one ... Read more

November 14, 2019November 12, 2019

Pain and Fatigue Can Cause Sleep Problems for Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I had a rough night recently. Despite feeling exhausted, I couldn’t stay asleep. I woke up every hour to a throbbing hip from lying on my left side, a ... Read more

November 7, 2019November 5, 2019

My Favorite Winter Accessories for Kids with Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

It’s only November and I’ve already pulled out my winter jacket. I can’t believe how cold it’s gotten. Only a few weeks ago, I was wearing T-shirts and shorts. ... Read more

October 31, 2019October 29, 2019

Accommodations for JA Are Not Special Treatment

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

While I like to watch sports, I’m not an athlete by any means. I’m quite clumsy, and having juvenile-onset arthritis makes running or jumping difficult. When I was in ... Read more

October 17, 2019October 15, 2019

Hobbies Help Me Cope with the Mental Challenges of Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Everyone, from family members to strangers on the subway, knows that I love to crochet. It’s rare to find me without my lightweight, ergonomic hooks and a ball of ... Read more

October 10, 2019October 8, 2019

Signs a Juvenile Arthritis Flare May Be Coming

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

A trip to Walt Disney World is never complete for me without a ride on Space Mountain. While the ride doesn’t have large drops or loops, it’s exciting because ... Read more

October 3, 2019October 1, 2019

Just Add Water: 5 Ways to Help Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Sometimes, the simplest things in life are best. We’ve all witnessed kids playing with the boxes that held their expensive toys, or cats sleeping in a paper bag instead ... Read more

September 26, 2019September 24, 2019

Growing Up with Juvenile Arthritis Made Me an Old Soul

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I’ve always been called an old soul. Some people say it jokingly when they see me crocheting while listening to classic rock. But those who are close to me ... Read more

September 19, 2019September 17, 2019

Being Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis Isn’t Easy

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Wouldn’t it be great if everything in life was straightforward?  Maybe your child is dealing with joint pain, and you suspect juvenile arthritis (JA). Or you’ve seen a few ... Read more