Kids with Juvenile Arthritis: Ways to Help Them Enjoy Time Off

 

Activities

Pain sometimes limits activities for kids with juvenile arthritis. Maintaining a regular exercise program is really beneficial in the long run. Exercise keeps the joints mobile and builds muscle strength. Through regular exercise, everyday movements like walking and dressing become less stressful and less painful.

• Swimming is a good activity because it uses many joints and muscles without any weight bearing pressure.
  
  
• Walking is also a good way to exercise without putting too much stress on the joints.
  
  
• Download Exercise Tips for Kids (a printable pdf)
  

 

Meet Other Kids with Arthritis

Sometimes a kid with juvenile arthritis can feel isolated. Meeting other kids with the same or similar conditions opens up a whole new perspective. Suddenly there are other kids who feel the same way, experience the same pain and understand what it’s like to live with JA.

To connect with other families contact the Arthritis Foundation 1-800-283-7800 or visit www.arthritis.org to find an office close to you.

Juvenile arthritis camps are developed specifically for kids with arthritis. Camp activities encourage camaraderie and lifelong friendships. The Arthritis Foundation holds a national Juvenile Arthritis Conference annually. The location changes each year. The opportunities to meet with other parents and kids, to learn important information and bond with family are great reasons to attend.

Here’s a sample the fun and educational surprises at the Juvenile Arthritis Conference.

“Kids Get Arthritis Too - Flash Mob at Disney!”
The Young Adult Program at the national Juvenile Arthritis Conference is a program designed to empower young adults (18-30) with arthritis with the skills and information they need to live the life they want and deserve....and it's a heck of a lot of fun! Siblings and significant others join in as well to learn how they can better support the people in their lives.

Connect with Others

• The Girl with Arthritis
  This lovely young woman has Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis. She's an aspiring artist who is just trying to get by day to day without too much pain. Her goal is to help other kids and adults with arthritis reach out and feel accepted.
  
  
• RArainbow
  A resource blog for young women living with (Juvenile) Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Kids Get Arthritis Too
  The Arthritis Foundation's online home for the 300,000 families living with juvenile arthritis.