Focus on Health
‘Raising a child with arthritis’
Comment
The Arthritis Foundation announces the publication of a book for parents of children with juvenile arthritis (JA). Released in conjunction with Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month in July, the all−new “Raising a Child with Arthritis” addresses many of the concerns parents have about JA — from diagnosis and treatments to family and financial issues.
From the editors of the Arthritis Foundation’s “Kids Get Arthritis Too” award−winning national newsletter, the book is written in easy to understand terms and offers solutions for the challenges parents face when their child has arthritis. “Raising a Child with Arthritis” provides facts about various types of JA and information about new treatments such as biologic drugs, while also providing practical information on giving shots, navigating the education system, coping with flares and managing daily activities without pain. In addition, parents and young adults who grew up with the disease share their experiences and tips for success throughout the book.
“It is important for all parents of children with arthritis to gain knowledge about the disease so it doesn’t overshadow their child’s life,” says Patience H. White, MD, MA, Arthritis Foundation chief public health officer and a pediatric rheumatologist. “With one in 250 children diagnosed with arthritis or related conditions, it is essential for parents to feel empowered to assist their child. This book can help them understand more about their child’s disease and treatment options to improve the quality of life for their child and family.”
With nearly 300,000 children and teenagers under the age of 18 affected by arthritis or other rheumatologic conditions, JA is one of the most common childhood diseases in the U.S. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that children diagnosed with JA and other rheumatologic conditions account for approximately 827,000 doctor visits each year, including an average of 83,000 emergency department visits.
In an ongoing effort to help youth with JA and their families, the Arthritis Foundation recognizes Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month each July and works to promote programs and projects that bring attention to this over−looked disease. In addition to the release of “Raising a Child with Arthritis,” the following Arthritis Foundation activities will take place in July during Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month:
• National JA Conference — The Arthritis Foundation hosts the National JA Conference each year to bring together children with arthritis and their families along with health professionals who are knowledgeable about JA. The goal is to help families understand their treatment options, better cope with JA and find strength from others living with arthritis. This year’s conference will be held in Costa Mesa, California from July 10−13.
• Juvenile Arthritis Alliance Web Site Launch — In effort to provide more clear and concise information to families living with JA, the Arthritis Foundation introduced the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance Web site this month. The new site offers content aimed at the entire community of people interested and involved in the lives of those who have JA including parents, young adults, caregivers, teachers, health care providers, researchers and advocates.
From the editors of the Arthritis Foundation’s “Kids Get Arthritis Too” award−winning national newsletter, the book is written in easy to understand terms and offers solutions for the challenges parents face when their child has arthritis. “Raising a Child with Arthritis” provides facts about various types of JA and information about new treatments such as biologic drugs, while also providing practical information on giving shots, navigating the education system, coping with flares and managing daily activities without pain. In addition, parents and young adults who grew up with the disease share their experiences and tips for success throughout the book.
“It is important for all parents of children with arthritis to gain knowledge about the disease so it doesn’t overshadow their child’s life,” says Patience H. White, MD, MA, Arthritis Foundation chief public health officer and a pediatric rheumatologist. “With one in 250 children diagnosed with arthritis or related conditions, it is essential for parents to feel empowered to assist their child. This book can help them understand more about their child’s disease and treatment options to improve the quality of life for their child and family.”
With nearly 300,000 children and teenagers under the age of 18 affected by arthritis or other rheumatologic conditions, JA is one of the most common childhood diseases in the U.S. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that children diagnosed with JA and other rheumatologic conditions account for approximately 827,000 doctor visits each year, including an average of 83,000 emergency department visits.
In an ongoing effort to help youth with JA and their families, the Arthritis Foundation recognizes Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month each July and works to promote programs and projects that bring attention to this over−looked disease. In addition to the release of “Raising a Child with Arthritis,” the following Arthritis Foundation activities will take place in July during Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month:
• National JA Conference — The Arthritis Foundation hosts the National JA Conference each year to bring together children with arthritis and their families along with health professionals who are knowledgeable about JA. The goal is to help families understand their treatment options, better cope with JA and find strength from others living with arthritis. This year’s conference will be held in Costa Mesa, California from July 10−13.
• Juvenile Arthritis Alliance Web Site Launch — In effort to provide more clear and concise information to families living with JA, the Arthritis Foundation introduced the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance Web site this month. The new site offers content aimed at the entire community of people interested and involved in the lives of those who have JA including parents, young adults, caregivers, teachers, health care providers, researchers and advocates.
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