Kansas Celebrates Juvenile Arthritis Month

July 29, 2008

Wichita, Kan. - The Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation is using the month of July to raise awareness that “Kids Get Arthritis, Too!”  At the heart of the effort is the chapter’s 4th annual Juvenile Arthritis Family Fun Day, July 19th, in Derby.
 Fun Day is an event designed to allow Kansas children with arthritis to experience the benefits of appropriate physical activity and for their parents to learn, connect and share with other juvenile arthritis (JA) families.  Children will have a chance to enjoy several activities, including swimming, carnival games, and art projects.  A rheumatologist, Dr. Patience White, will speak on long-term outcomes of young people with arthritis as they move into the world of work and adult healthcare.
 Also in conjunction with Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is the release of a new book, published by the Arthritis Foundation.  Raising a Child with Arthritis provides facts about various types of JA and information about new treatments.  The book also allows parents access to easy-to-read material and practical information on giving shots, navigating the education system, coping with flares and managing daily activities without pain. 
 “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 White. 
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, Calif. from July 10-13.  Several Kansas families plan to attend. 
• 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.