Columns

November 19, 2020November 17, 2020

Homemade Gifts Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Will Love

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 ... Read more

November 12, 2020November 10, 2020

Balancing Life and Health Limitations

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 3, 2020

Staying Hopeful While Waiting for Arthritis Medicines to Work

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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, ... Read more

October 29, 2020October 27, 2020

Helping Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

October 22, 2020October 20, 2020

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

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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, ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

4 Challenges Teens With Juvenile Arthritis May Face

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 6, 2020

JA-friendly Alternatives to Halloween Activities

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

October 1, 2020September 29, 2020

Helping Kids With JA Cope With Medical Fears

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 22, 2020

Parenting a Child With Juvenile Arthritis Requires Balance

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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 ... Read more

September 17, 2020September 15, 2020

Overcoming Loneliness Caused by Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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. ... Read more