Columns

January 9, 2020January 7, 2020

Eye Complications Can Be Silent but Serious for Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

A few weeks ago, I couldn’t focus my eyes on anything. Everything was blurry, and it was uncomfortable to read or look at a screen. I tried closing my ... Read more

January 2, 2020December 19, 2019

Kids with Juvenile Arthritis Benefit from Pet Ownership

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Did you know that Shih Tzus were bred to be foot warmers for the royalty in China? My little dog, Gracie, is a living foot warmer. She loves snuggling ... Read more

December 19, 2019December 17, 2019

Think Twice When Choosing Skin Care Products as Gifts for Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

As I searched online for Christmas presents for my loved ones recently, I browsed selections of pre-made gift kits. Many of them were bath or skin care based. I ... Read more

December 12, 2019December 10, 2019

Flu Season Is the Scariest Time of the Year When You Have JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Halloween has passed, but the scariest time of the year has just begun: cold and flu season. Winter can be unsettling when you have juvenile arthritis. Some medications used ... Read more

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