Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about juvenile arthritis (JA), a chronic condition affecting nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. This observance aims to spotlight the unique challenges faced by children with arthritis and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Three Facts:

1. Juvenile arthritis is not a single disease—it’s an umbrella term for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can develop in children under 16.
2. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, fever, and fatigue, which can impact a child’s mobility and overall development.
3. Early and aggressive treatment with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage.

How to Participate:

1. Support research organizations by donating to or participating in fundraising events.
2. Share stories and information on social media using #JuvenileArthritisMonth to build awareness.
3. Advocate for access to care, including physical therapy and specialized pediatric rheumatology.

Three Resources:

1. Arthritis Foundation – Resources and support for families facing juvenile arthritis.
2. American College of Rheumatology – Provides guidelines and educational tools for managing JA.
3. Cure Arthritis – Information on different types of JA and ways to support research.