Life with Juvenile Arthritis

June 6, 2019June 4, 2019

Becoming an Adult with Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Many resources exist for children with juvenile arthritis (JA) and their families, from support groups to JA camp. At gatherings, we talk about all sorts of topics such as ... Read more

May 30, 2019May 28, 2019

How to Help Your Student with JA Survive Finals

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

There have been several times in my life that juvenile arthritis (JA) has made going to school difficult or even impossible. I remember once in high school, I had ... Read more

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019

Juvenile Arthritis Parents Can Find Encouragement, Support

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

“It’s funny how the hours feel endless, but the years fly by.” Many parents have told me how their children seem to grow up in the blink of an ... Read more

May 16, 2019May 15, 2019

‘Finding Dory’ Helps Make Sense of My Juvenile Arthritis Brain Fog

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

As a child, I was quick as a whip. While schoolwork didn’t come naturally to me, I loved to learn and worked hard. I graduated with many academic awards ... Read more

May 9, 2019May 7, 2019

Using a Wheelchair Can Make Theme Parks More Fun for Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved theme parks. Disney World in Orlando is my favorite vacation destination. But I will be the first to admit that theme ... Read more

May 2, 2019April 30, 2019

What Does Juvenile Arthritis Feel Like?

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

“So what does it feel like?” When someone asks me this question after I’ve revealed I have juvenile arthritis (JA), I’m taken aback a little. It’s as if they’re ... Read more

April 25, 2019April 23, 2019

When Juvenile Arthritis Causes Negative Body Image

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

As the warm weather approaches, I’ve been pulling out my favorite spring dresses. I slipped one on to visit family on Easter Sunday and smiled. I felt good. But ... Read more

April 18, 2019April 17, 2019

Juvenile Arthritis Made Me Grow Up Faster Than My Peers

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

I’ve always had a hard time fitting in with other kids my age, but that’s pretty common for kids with juvenile arthritis and other chronic diseases. In middle school, ... Read more

April 11, 2019April 10, 2019

Tips on Coping Emotionally After a JA Diagnosis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

For years, my mum sought answers to why her child was limping and experiencing pain. Specialist after specialist brushed her off, blaming growing pains and a weak child. After ... Read more

April 4, 2019April 3, 2019

4 Things Preschoolers with Juvenile Arthritis Want You to Know

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Kids of all ages can be affected by juvenile arthritis. JA has a tendency of occurring around ages 3 to 6 and peaking again during puberty. It’s hard at ... Read more