Life with Juvenile Arthritis

February 7, 2019February 5, 2019

Is Juvenile Arthritis Considered a Disability?

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

It’s a question I’ve asked and have been asked: “Is juvenile arthritis considered a disability?” Frankly, I never got a straight answer. That’s because the answer is: It depends on ... Read more

January 31, 2019January 29, 2019

Kids with Juvenile Arthritis Must Learn to Listen to Bodily Signals

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Lazy days have always been my favorite part of the week. I love not needing to rush here, there, and everywhere. Most of all, I love that they allow ... Read more

January 24, 2019January 23, 2019

The Importance of Distraction for Kids with Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon for my peers to have after-school activities to go to every day. As a child with juvenile arthritis, I couldn’t imagine doing something every ... Read more

January 17, 2019January 15, 2019

Helping Kids with JA Stay Warm This Winter

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

After every winter, I need to “defrost.” Since I was small, I would bask in the warmth of the sun on the first few days of summer. Every day, ... Read more

January 10, 2019January 9, 2019

Juvenile Arthritis: A Mother’s Perspective

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

“It’s just arthritis.” Oh man, that statement always hurt. As a child, it was enough to make my blood boil. And even as a young adult, I still have ... Read more

December 20, 2018December 18, 2018

How to Help Kids with Juvenile Arthritis Navigate the Holidays

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

As all parents know, the holidays can be a hectic time of year. When you’re not shopping or decorating, you’re traveling to parties or Christmas pageants. The celebrations seem ... Read more

December 13, 2018December 12, 2018

Common Health Issues Faced by Kids with JA

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

Over the years, I’ve noticed that diseases sometimes “collect.” It seems like you never can have just one issue, especially if you initially started with an autoimmune disease. Sometimes ... Read more

December 6, 2018December 4, 2018

Why JA Parents Hope You Keep Your Sick Child Home from School

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

When one student gets sick, the rest of the class tends to follow suit. Unfortunately for me, I had a weak immune system and caught everything. I would spend ... Read more

November 29, 2018November 27, 2018

How to Help Children with JA Cope with Methotrexate Side Effects

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

For about two years as a kid, I dreaded Friday nights. My anxiety would go through the roof as the hours ticked by, and my stomach would churn. Just ... Read more

November 15, 2018November 14, 2018

Risky Behaviors are More Dangerous for Teens with Juvenile Arthritis

Columns, Life with Juvenile Arthritis

When I was a teenager, I received a lecture every time I visited the rheumatologist. “Don’t smoke.” “Don’t drink.” “Use reliable birth control.” While I wasn’t very interested in ... Read more