Columns

January 7, 2021January 5, 2021

Feeling Worthy of Being Loved With Juvenile Arthritis

When I was a preteen and teenager, there were plenty of ways I tried to hide or change who I was. Like lots of teenagers, I used things like ... Read more

December 17, 2020December 15, 2020

Coping With Juvenile Arthritis Flares During Winter Break

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to having a break. It’s been a long year, and my body and mind are ready for some time to unwind. I’m ... Read more

December 10, 2020December 8, 2020

Safeguarding My Health to Keep JA in Check

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

This year for my family’s Secret Santa, I was so excited to get the youngest cousin! I love shopping for the kids, especially the little ones. She asked for ... Read more

December 3, 2020December 1, 2020

Dealing With the Lasting Effects of Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

“You’re not a kid anymore. You don’t have to call it juvenile arthritis.” Sometimes, I think people get confused about why I always say my disease is juvenile-onset psoriatic ... Read more

November 19, 2020November 17, 2020

Homemade Gifts Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Will Love

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

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