New Book For Parents Of Children With Juvenile Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation announces the publication of a new 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, M.D., M.A., 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,
Calif. 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.


Raising a Child with Arthritis will be released on July 18. The Arthritis Foundation thanks
Amgen and Wyeth for underwriting the development of this book. Pre-order sales will begin on July
10. To order a copy of Raising a Child with Arthritis or for more information about Juvenile Arthritis
Awareness Month activities, visit arthritis/ja-information.


About the Arthritis Foundation


The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46
million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in
1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located
throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research
in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th
anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public
health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to
improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation